Gun Grease vs. Gun Oil – Explained Simply

by Adrian Ostermayer

Why Lubrication Matters for Firearms

Every moving part in your firearm is subject to wear. This wear comes from metal-to-metal contact under significant force, which over time can lead to surface damage and material loss.

Lubrication plays a critical role in reducing this wear by creating a pressure-absorbing film between moving parts. It ensures smooth function even under extreme heat or cold, keeping your firearm reliable when it matters most.

Gun Oil and Gun Grease – Purpose and Differences

Both gun oil and gun grease are used to lubricate and maintain firearms. These aren’t generic lubricants—they’re specifically engineered for the intense demands of firearms:

✅ High-pressure operation
✅ Extreme temperature swings
✅ Exposure to powder residues and fouling

While gun oils typically offer lower viscosity for easy flow into tight spaces, gun greases provide longer-lasting, heavier-duty protection on high-friction surfaces.

Quality Differences in Lubricants

Not all gun lubricants are created equal. Manufacturers use different base oils, additives, and thickening agents to achieve desired properties.

Some products use only base oils. Others add specialized compounds to enhance lubricity and resist high pressures. A particularly important class of additives is solid lubricants (or dry lubricants), which excel under extreme conditions.

Common Solid Lubricants

Here’s a quick comparison:

✅ Silicone – Common in airguns and CO₂ guns; temperature resistant up to ~356 °F (180 °C).
✅ PTFE (Teflon) – Widely used for its low cost, but with concerns:

  • Decomposes at ~396 °F (202 °C) producing toxic fumes

  • Under extreme heat can even form hazardous hydrofluoric acid

  • Particles can wear out quickly under stress

✅ Ceramic Particles – Our preferred choice:

  • Temperature resistant up to ~2200 °F (1200 °C)

  • Maintain lubricity even when carrier oil or grease burns off

  • Extremely low wear for long-lasting protection

Our Requirements for Premium Gun Lubricants

A truly reliable gun lubricant should:

  • Prevent wear on moving parts with exceptional pressure resistance

  • Protect against corrosion in vulnerable metal surfaces

  • Maintain stability without oxidizing, gumming up, or changing consistency from -58 °F to +482 °F (-50 °C to +250 °C)

  • Be safe for wood stocks, plastics, coatings, and finishes

  • Non-toxic when used as directed

Why We Use Micro-Ceramic Technology

At Ostermayer Jagd, we exclusively use micro-ceramic lubricants in our oils and greases. Why?

✅ Extreme temperature performance – reliable beyond 200 °C (392 °F)
✅ Unmatched pressure resistance – protecting moving parts under the harshest firing conditions
✅ Low-temperature flow – stays functional down to -50 °C (-58 °F) so you can trust your firearm even in deep winter

We combine these advanced ceramics with high-quality carrier oils and greases designed to deliver smooth, consistent lubrication no matter the environment.

Conclusion: Trust Your Gear

Your firearm deserves the best. Whether you’re hunting in freezing temperatures or running high-round-count training sessions, choosing the right lubricant isn’t just maintenance—it’s critical for performance and reliability.

Our premium gun oils and greases ensure your weapon stays protected, smooth, and ready—wherever your adventures take you.

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