Originally Posted By: billt460
Originally Posted By: gman2304
1 oz of Rem oil or Hoppes at Walmart is just a few bucks, is designed and formulated for firearms, and is good for dozens of cleanings. Lets don't over think this.
I would just like to know what's in it that makes it.... "A gun oil formulated for firearms"? This question keeps coming up, but never is provided with an adequate answer.
Corrosion protection - Guns are open to the elements and get wet. Engine oils aren't very good at preventing rust.
EP additives - Not a lot of firearms have oil pumps lubricating plain bearings, so you need more EP additives. Engine oils are designed around the the oil being pumped to bearings and getting to a steady temp.
Creepiness - To get into spaces between parts to lubricate them and protect them from corrosion. People tend to complain when engine oils ooze out of every seal in the motor.
As a side note, since there aren't any guns that have a catalytic converter, the additive package to achieve the above doesn't need to be compatible with catalytic elements, giving the lubrication engineer a bigger toolbox to pull from.
BSW