[JoleBole]

Hi everyone.

I just bought my first 1911 (a Ruger SR1911) and I immediately noticed that I'm gonna need to lube the rails more so I can have smoother slide action. There is lot more friction between the slide and the frame, compared to my Glock. I see that some people use oil, some use grease for the rails, cuz that's where the most friction is. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Nakanokalronin]

I use grease on all of my semi-auto slides and oil everywhere else. The only exception might be the Beretta 92s where I apply grease on the barrel rails/locking block as well. You should also go shoot it more which will break it in and smooth things out.

[ArmoryDoc]

Absolutely there is more friction because there is much more contact surface between the slide and frame. With a 1911 you have near full length frame rails and grooves contacting near full length slide rails and grooves. The Glock only has 4 small points where it contacts the slide.

My rules for lube are as follows:

For tight slide to frame fit I use oil. Don't be stingy.
For looser slide to frame fit I use a very light grease in very small amounts.

Your Ruger should qualify for a good, light grease such as Tetra or Weapon Shield.

Don't fall into the "if it rotates use oil, if it slides use grease." It's more important the tolerance of the slide to frame fit than the fact that it slides, in my opinion. Looser guns can take the grease but the viscosity is important. It should be "thin" grease.

This is just my highly experienced opinion with 1911's. Someone will be along shortly to refute it.

[faawrenchbndr]

My thoughts,.......?

If it slides, grease it.
If it rotates oil it!

Lately I prefer Slide-Glide & Slip 2000 EWL

** Just saw ArmoryDoc's post.........he has a bit of experience as well.
So,.................

[Nakanokalronin]

I'll add that I've been using Militec grease on my slides for a few years now and their oil everywhere else. Some people seem to have a problem with it (mostly AR guys) but the grease is still there and clean no matter how many rounds I put through my semi-autos. The oil stays put and does the job as well.

[ArmoryDoc]

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

My thoughts,.......?

If it slides, grease it.
If it rotates oil it!

Lately I prefer Slide-Glide & Slip 2000 EWL

** Just saw ArmoryDoc's post.........he has a bit of experience as well.
So,.................

LOL !

[hotrodcummins12v]

This will tick off some haters... I use Frog Lube... yes it's true. It does work great though and my slide racks like a dream... smoother than my Glock! :-)

Sub Club 828
1911 Club 828
Outdoor Hub Mobile

[TN.Frank]

I've been using Ballistol for so long I can't remember using anything else. I lock the slide back and spray a little down each grove in the slide and around the last inch of the barrel then I lower the slide and put a little squirt down into the hammer/sear area and that's about it. Rack the slide back and forth by hand a few times to work in the lube, wipe off the excess and load and store the gun back in the drawer.
I do have some little viles (for lack of a better word) of G.I. grease that I got when I bought an M1 Garand off of a guy, might give it a try on the slide to see how it works.

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by hotrodcummins12v

This will tick off some haters... I use Frog Lube... yes it's true. It does work great though and my slide racks like a dream... smoother than my Glock! :-)

Sub Club 828
1911 Club 828
Outdoor Hub Mobile

Still need to try that stuff,......heard very good things about it.

[okie]

I use Royal Purple, Max Tuff engine assembly lube. That stuff is freakin awesome

[gator378]

Originally Posted by okie

I use Royal Purple, Max Tuff engine assembly lube. That stuff is freakin awesome

I use Mobil 1 15W-50. So far so good

[fnfalman]

I use WD-40.

[never enough]

Tetra grease for the rails,oil everything else

[MoCop]

CLP on everything.

[Troubled Gecko]

I typically use what ever motor oil I have on hand, never had the need for grease.

I think too much thought/hype goes into some of the lubricants used for normal daily carry. However, in harsh combat enviroments be it sub zero temps, very humid rain forest/jungle or desert enviroments closer attention needs to be given to your choice of lube.

[jb1911]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

I use WD-40.

No you don't.

[NeverMore1701]

I just use Mobil 1 5w30 in both my vehicles and all my guns. Works great.

[dakrat]

I use whatever I can find in the garage. lately I have been using some Amsoil 10w-40 motorcycle. this sum slick stuff. good enough for motorcycle wet clutches, good enough for my guns

[Cobra64]

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

Still need to try that stuff,......heard very good things about it.

Me too. There's been some very positive discussion over on Sig forum about it.

Until then, I'll continue using what Grayguns recommended several years ago.

[swinokur]

TW25B on rails. FP-10 everywhere else.

[Wil Ufgood]

[jb1911]

I've been using Gun Butter and I'm happy with it. Slicker'n snot on a door knob.

[fnfalman]

Originally Posted by jb1911

No you don't.

Yes I do. When the gun runs dry, squirt a bit more in.

It's not like I'm a tactical operator crawling through the desert of Iraq or climbing the mountains of Afghanistan or steathily tracked trafficantes in the jungles of Colombia.

[cangler]

I've been using just ballistol for everything, seems to be working just fine for me.

[dakrat]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

Yes I do. When the gun runs dry, squirt a bit more in.

It's not like I'm a tactical operator crawling through the desert of Iraq or climbing the mountains of Afghanistan or steathily tracked trafficantes in the jungles of Colombia.

you mean you don't use frog lube for that special mission where you have to swim a muddy swamp? its supposed to be water resistant