Using too much oil in rifle

Improving and repairing firearms. Rifle bedding, barrel work, stock replacement and other ways to improve your firearms.

Using too much oil in rifle

Post by fawksel » 04 Mar 2014, 9:32 am

G'day,

On the subject of oiling a rifle for storage, is it possible to use too much oil?

Not worried about a bit dripping out the bottom of the barrel. I store mine muzzle down so no worry about it draining into the action etc.

I read a few people saying too much oil can trap dust and crap and can lead to rust with the junk caking on.

It needs air to corrode though right? Surely too much oil is better than not enough?

Thanks.
Marlin 1894 .44 Magnum
Remington 770 Stainless Camo .270 Win
Mossberg 802 Plinkster 22LR
User avatar
fawksel
Private
Private
 
Posts: 52
New South Wales

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by DaleH » 04 Mar 2014, 10:10 am

Only problem I have run into with too much oil was on a second hand rifle i purchased. The previous owned used plenty (absolutely no rust on the rifle) and the excess seemed to run down to the recoil pad with the net effect being that the rubber in the pad broke down. One replacement recoil pad ($40 fitted - thanks to The Hunters Den) and applying less oil and its no longer an issue.
DaleH
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 152
Western Australia

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Monty » 04 Mar 2014, 10:23 am

No oxygen = no oxidation.

More oil's better than more air in my book.
Obligatory moderator signature: If you can't play by the rules, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
User avatar
Monty
Moderator
 
New South Wales

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Member-Deleted » 04 Mar 2014, 11:39 am

There's no such thing as to much oil for longer storage periods!
Member-Deleted
 

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Bark » 04 Mar 2014, 12:35 pm

I dunno how much dust these people are talking about that it would be "caked" on.

Unless they're storing their stuff in a saw mill I can't see how you'd ever have a problem with that.

Oil it up!
User avatar
Bark
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 219
Victoria

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Releb » 05 Mar 2014, 12:22 pm

Depending on the climate you're in 'dripping' with oil can be the best thing.

Humid places up north, near the beach etc. anywhere where corrosion is higher.

In this case less is definitely not more.
Tikka Stainless from 30-06 Springfield lane.
Releb
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 117
Queensland

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by 1290 » 06 Mar 2014, 11:34 am

oil it up / grease it up...

The cosmoed milsurp rifles lasted as new for decades....

Be sure to get ALL the oil out of the CHAMBER and barrel before use though. The chamber relys on the friction between the brass and the chamber wall to reduce bolt thrust. PO Ack did lots of experiments on this subject.... a clean non-lubricated improved (no or little-taper) case will have little bolt thrust compare to maximum thrust when lubed...caution.
User avatar
1290
Warrant Officer C1
Warrant Officer C1
 
Posts: 1336
Victoria

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Norton » 06 Mar 2014, 2:23 pm

Releb wrote:Depending on the climate you're in 'dripping' with oil can be the best thing.

Humid places up north, near the beach etc. anywhere where corrosion is higher.


Yep, north QLD is the worst for that.
CZ 550 American Safari Magnum in .416 Rigby

Other puny calibre rifles... What man would want you now?
User avatar
Norton
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 838
Queensland

Re: Using too much oil in rifle

Post by Rippah » 07 Mar 2014, 1:02 pm

Gotta be hard to top living near the beach.

I have a couple of mates who live 5 minutes from the beat and they're constantly replacing stuff due to savage rust.

They don't shoot, but electronics, cutlery, bolts on furniture etc. Always something rusting out there.
Remington 700 CDL 35 Whelen
Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50
Remington Model 12 .22LR
CZ Ring neck 12G
User avatar
Rippah
Private
Private
 
Posts: 92
Queensland


Back to top
 
Return to Gunsmithing