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Cleaning and Lubrication
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Topic starter
Hi Folks,
Which oil can / should / may one use to lubricate a semi-auto shotgun?
JM Browning is said to have used W30 motor oil. I know about a few instructors or top shooters who does it as well. I recall someone mentioning ATF too.
I have read about "dry oil" which apparently works great. I have also been warned not to use general purpose spray oil like Q20 because it dries over time and collects dirt to form sludge.
Posted : 23/02/2026 10:22 pm
I use 50/50 ATF/Paraffin where light oiling is required and Lanolin grease for things like action hinges.
The oil is half of the Eds Red mixture I make for cleaning so I tap a little off before adding the acetone and turps.
Posted : 23/02/2026 11:04 pm
With the parts disassembled if possible, apply ATF to the contact surfaces then wipe dry. ATF will remain as a thin film that feels dry.
That is as much lubrication as it needs, and there is no excess to be a dirt trap.
Posted : 23/02/2026 11:20 pm
I think that firearm lubricants are very much subject to the magical thinking trap that people with more money than problems fall into. The price per litre of some of the super duper magic formulations that you can buy very strongly suggest that to me.
Posted : 24/02/2026 2:39 am
Topic starter
A gunsmith recently showed me to blow out the gunk after applying solvent. A thin, longer nozzle on a compressor works wonders.
Posted : 24/02/2026 3:37 am
A gunsmith recently showed me to blow out the gunk after applying solvent. A thin, longer nozzle on a compressor works wonders.
100%. My SOP with a 'new' gun is to strip and soak in diesel or paraffin for a few hours before blowing it 'dry' before I even start to clean the thing by hand. The amount of gunk that comes off doing that can be surprising.
Posted : 24/02/2026 5:13 am