[Marvin]

Lonnie,


I did the test and it was definetly not scientific, but worked OK.


I took a piece of CR Steel and removed and oil from the surface. Then I took samples of Break Free, WD-40, Clenzoil, Sheath, and a GI Lubricating Oil. After applying a liberal coating of each oil on the bar, in seperate sections, I let it dry to remove any carriers. I then sprayed the bar with a concentrated salt spray once a day for 1 week. I then watched the results.


The first to show rust was the GI Lubricating Oil, second was WD-40, third was Sheath, and I could find very little difference with Clenzoil and Break Free.


In my opinion, we would never subject our pistols to a daily spray of salt solution, so I feel any one of these will offer good protection except the GI Oil. The GI oil is probably good for very short term use only. I use Clenzoil at home, but while in Florida, I bought some Break Free because it was available, and a great oil.


As to lubication, oil is better than nothing, but a grease is better in my opinion. Actually, very little grease is required on sliding surfaces to work and most people use too much. All you need to do is keep metal to metal contact. If there are areas where pressure comes into play, a higher pressure grease may be required, just to keep it in place and not "squeezed" out and allow metal to metal contact. It is like the bearings in an auto engine, they ride on a very thin film of oil to prevent metal to metal contact. As most know, if you lose oil pressure, that metal to metal contact will destroy the engine very quickly.


Marvin