M1 Garand cold weather lube question

[growr]

As the armorer for two local posts I am finding that the plastilube I have been using is NOT doing the job in cold weather with the ceremonial rifles used graveside......the blank ammo doesn't cycle the op rod with anywhere near the velocity that live ammo generates...

Anyone use something better for cold weather? I need something that is lighter in viscosity and yet will provide the lubrication needed.

Thanks to all!!

Randy

 

[usm1rifle]

In ultra cold weather you should use no lube. For above zero, try Mobil 1 5W30 or another high quality synthetic motor oil on all the op rod and bolt bearing surfaces. Nothing on the firing pin. The Garands will need to by wiped down when brought inside as condensation will form.

Works for me.

 

[growr]

That's pretty much what I was thinking....I have a good quantity of Militech that I thought about using for this. I also have some Mobil 1 like you mentioned.
Randy

 

[alwslate]

Since the M1s need grease on the op rod rather than oil I would think
a good quality synthetic grease that didn't thicken up at moderately
cold temperatures would suffice. Maybe Mobil 1 synthetic grease.

 

[DWalt]

I'd go for no lube at all in very cold weather.

 

[Mack]

I believe this is what was used a long time ago.

130-A MIL. SPEC. GREASE | Brownells

 

[growr]

I think I am going try the no lube route for a short time....I can always re-lube if it doesn't work. I also have some Mobil 1 synthetic grease to try as well.

Randy

PS. Will post the results of which works out best after a few services....

 

[da gimp]

we've always used wheel bearing grease... the tub of it I got at O'Reilly's 15 years ago, is good to minus 40F to plus 900 degrees if I remember right.. I've used it to repack the wheel bearings on 1 tractor, a car, a truck, & all the bearings on the U-joints on a brush hog & flail mowers for years... plus the rails/receivers on every semi rifle ( M1's/M1A's/AR-15's)... semi pistols .. plus I gave our sheriff's dept a pill bottle full for the M14's, M16's we got from the state of Missouri.. & I still have some left over... Graphite works well too.. if you want to use it in extreme cold... but go back to grease as soon as you can...Guys in Korea went to going dry/no grease/oil on their Garands, during the terrible winters of the Korean war...

 

[Flattop5]

What's wrong with Breakfree? It's very light. Even lighter is RemOil. Grease? I'd avoid it in cold weather.





-----------------------------

 

[wetdog]

This is from TM 9-1005-222-12 plus some info from FM 23-5. Rifle, Caliber .30 M 1, M 1C, M 1D.
Apply a light coat of preservative , PL special, general lubricating oil for above 0 degrees F., and LAW, weapons lubricating oil for below 0 degrees. Apply a light coat of rifle grease to the following.
1- Locking lugs of bolt, operating lug and recesses.
2- Blot guide.
3- Cams on trigger and hammer.

 

[growr]

I removed all lube from all 12 rifles....relubed with a light coating of Lubriplate as we have not dipped below zero yet. Will keep you all posted on the results....

Randy

 

[DWalt]

You might read the story in the latest American Rifleman regarding the use of the M1 at "Frozen Chosin."

 

[DGinVT]

MY Uncle fought in Italy in the mountains during WW11 and he said they did not use any grease and just dry.

 

[Cyrano]

Lube is needed tp prevent galling of the bolt cam and the cam race in the operating rod. Use something light, but the heaviest you can get away with in cold weather. The army could always get new parts if the surfaces galled; we might not be that lucky.

 

[BigBill]

I use moly I burnish it into the pores of the metal then in the very cold weather remove the excess. I also use the USGI LIGHT WEAPONS OIL for cold temps.

I burnished moly into my new Saiga. We shot it at the range. I cleaned it by wiping the receiver and bolt, bolt carrier clean no solvents and wiped the excess moly away but forgot to relube it with fresh moly.
At the end of the shoot I remembered I didn't relube it. Expecting the worst I opened it up. No galling, nothing. No wear at all she still looked brand new. The Saiga is the 308win. I won't make that mistake again.

 

[Frank46]

The C130a as sold by Brownells is the stuff I use on my garand, then again it doesn't get very cold down here. Frank

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

M1 Garand cold weather lub

I would recommend M-Pro7 synthetic Grease. It was specifically formulated for advance military and law enforcement used in extreme environments. Just to mention a few of the qualities of the grease as it inhibits rust and corrosion, withstands extreme pressures and temperatures -40 degrees F to 560 degrees F, excellent metal adherence and does not rub off under extreme conditions. I use all of their products and have recommend the lubricants and cleaners to my students. Also, have used the product on all of the department weapons during my rein as an armorer. I find the product to withstand and last longer than any product on the market. I know you will be pleased with the results. As an armorer for the post, I recommend the product to the commander and use it for their Garands and 1903's.

 

[Muley Gil]

The Marines at the Frozen Chosin used light hair oil, like Vitalis, on their small arms.