What is YOUR recommendation for lubricating the slide and Fire-Control Assy. for P320 EDC firearm?
I've had mixed results using Wilson slide (white) grease on 1911's with the lube drying out (due to neglect).
I'm now wondering if a film of oil applied to the grooves in the slide preferred over grease on a polymer-frame pistol? The 320 has a smaller metal-on-metal surface area compared to a machined slide / frame design.
I recently implemented a training schedule of 2-times per month now, and I consistently clean the gun after each training session... so neglect is no longer a factor of concern for me.
I typically shoot ~200-rounds at a time, sometimes more. Should I apply a light grease prior to each training session, then switch to oil for EDC after cleaning?
The sticky thread below will give you some guidance. Personally, I use a light application of Brian Enos' Slide Glide (Lite viscosity) on my semi auto pistols. Use it anywhere that metal rubs on metal. It works year around and doesn't drain off or dry out like most generic oils. On internals I use SLIP 2000/EWL or FP10.
I would say grease is less necessary with a steel slide running on the steel FCU rails than aluminum alloy. I used just oil on my P229 for the first decade or so, and didn't see any undue wear. So why did I switch to grease? Well, frankly with a syringe it was easier to apply and less likely to transfer to clothing while carrying.
I'm a firm believer that people overthink lube. That doesn't mean I think you should just use olive oil, but I do think chasing the golden unicorn of lubes is silly. I've used Shooter's Choice and TW25 grease with no differences noticed and for oil I've used Hoppes (regular and elite) and Shooter's Choice and couldn't tell any difference there either. Next time I remember I'm gonna give the Mobil One a try. I keep forgetting. I hear it does work wonders on carbon build ups on pistons like my AK and XCR.
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I would not automatically apply these recommendations to the P320. It's a significantly different design, with different metals in contact.
My take: In cleaning after shooting, especially for a carry gun, I'd probably use something like Hornady One-Shot, which is a CLP with a dry lubricant. It won't attract/adhere lint/dust/grit to the gun like grease will, and in a carry shooting situation would be more than enough lubricant.
If I was about to do a training session with the gun, where a significant number of rounds were about to go down range, right before that, I might grease the gun at the range to prevent wear. I'd do this with the plan that in the post session cleaning the grease would be cleaned off, and replaced with the dry lube for the gun to returned to CCW duty.
quote:
Originally posted by az4783054: The sticky thread below will give you some guidance. Personally, I use a light application of Brian Enos' Slide Glide (Lite viscosity) on my semi auto pistols. Use it anywhere that metal rubs on metal. It works year around and doesn't drain off or dry out like most generic oils. On internals I use SLIP 2000/EWL or FP10.
Lube is like oil in your car. It is good for only so long. And all pistols, P320s included, need to be properly lubed. And to me, properly lubed is more important than clean. I don't "clean" guns anymore per se. I do really good wipe downs, and a proper relube, and reassembly. If it is a carry gun and I don't shoot it in the next couple of weeks, I'll take 5 minutes, disassemble, wipe it down, and relube. Lucas, Slip, and others are fine quality lubricants to apply.
Fair enough. but 200 rds as was postulated is simply not an area to be worried about. lube it before you go and you will be fine with any quality lube. 2000 rounds and I might find a way to relube it while running if possible. B
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
I use oil on the FCU, and a light grease (normally TW25) on contact points such as rail and slide, etc. I use light grease on the barrel and on the guide-rod, too.
I clean and apply fresh lubrication after each shooting session.
My Porsches drink Mobil 1 so I've always got LOTS of the stuff around for 'other purposes'. As a result that's what I use on guns, including the 320C when I still owned it. Never carried it so I never bothered with any other lube while it was here. For my actual carry gun, sometimes I'll switch to grease in warmer months, but only if a bottle or tube happens to be in that easy-to-reach-for arm's length range.
