Tri-Flow for all around use AR15 (BOB item)

[williamcm]

In my bug out/ camping bag I carry the small dropper bottle of triflow as it is my go to lube at work and life for everything. Their data sheets say it is recommended for firearms, and because of its temp rating (-60 to +475), seems like a good idea given my long mechanical experience with it at work.

My opinion comes from the fact that it can leave a super light teflon coating without being runny or gunky, it wicks through anything, and I get it cheap. Currently I am using Rem oil, and like CLP, they both seem to evaporate and become dry when cleaning after even a gentle wipe. I know ARs like to be wet, mainly in the bolt and carrier, so I always put a little shot of rem through the gas port (or whatever it's called) after assembly.

I plan to carry 2 small bottles in my range/go bag, one fouling solvent (rem/clp) and the triflow for all lubing. Has anyone used triflow in their firearm extensively? Would it be too thick for the bore? I did a search, but didn't find anything specific.

Thanks in advance.

[adonis]

Never tried it, but I will. I love tri-flow on anything bike related.

[Off the Roster]

we used tri-flow on the ARs we had at work. never experienced any lubrication related issues in 12 years (well, over lubrication but that was a human factor).

[williamcm]

we used tri-flow on the ARs we had at work. never experienced any lubrication related issues in 12 years (well, over lubrication but that was a human factor).

How well does it break up the carbon deposits? The rem oil does really good for me so far. I spray the bolt etc. in a bowl and let it sit while I clean the rest. After maybe just 5 minutes, I can wipe them perfectly clean. I'm using just Colt mil-spec parts.

My goal is to lighten my load as much as possible.

[hambam105]

I have used & tested...

almost all your Hardware store type lubricants on ARs since the late 1970's.

I've been there and I have the tee-shirt. If it comes in a convenient spray can from your local hardware store and it works on fishing reels and barbeque hinges then great, call me when the steaks are ready and the beer is cold.

Take an AR into combat, give me the lubricant that was has been designed, tested, and comes with a successful 25 year track record specially for ARs thank you. And it ain't tri-flow.

[Off the Roster]

How well does it break up the carbon deposits? The rem oil does really good for me so far. I spray the bolt etc. in a bowl and let it sit while I clean the rest. After maybe just 5 minutes, I can wipe them perfectly clean. I'm using just Colt mil-spec parts.

My goal is to lighten my load as much as possible.

we used it as lubricant/protectant. for field cleaning we used gun scrubber and a sonic cleaner at the end of the day (we abused our ARs big time).

[williamcm]

almost all your Hardware store type lubricants on ARs since the late 1970's.

I've been there and I have the tee-shirt. If it comes in a convenient spray can from your local hardware store and it works on fishing reels and barbeque hinges then great, call me when the steaks are ready and the beer is cold.

Take an AR into combat, give me the lubricant that was has been designed, tested, and comes with a successful 25 year track record specially for ARs thank you. And it ain't tri-flow.

Thanks. What do you recommend that is just a TINY bit "thicker" than the rem for firearms? Mobil1? I know I could use triflow in a pinch, but it would be worth it to carry a small bottle of rifle specific. Or is there truly a do it all lube?

[hambam105]

Do it all lube...beats me.

Straight CLP on ARs has been working fine since I started using it in July 1981.

As per Mobil1...on ARs...why? Why trust Leroy and Jethro with their home-brew AR lube instead of the using what the professionals have been using successfully for decades?

[williamcm]

Do it all lube...beats me.

Straight CLP on ARs has been working fine since I started using it in July 1981.

As per Mobil1...on ARs...why? Why trust Leroy and Jethro with their home-brew AR lube instead of the using what the professionals have been using successfully for decades?

True, but what if Cooter from Hazard County told you so...?

[damon1272]

Mobil 1 works well but smells like crap. i use royal purple and get the same results as mobil 1 with out the smell. Adheres well to parts. Gun runs very smooth when using it. Never used tri flow. I have used many other gun oils but for the same cost as a little dropper bottle I can buy a lifetime supply (1 quart) for the same money. If it will run in an engine at 8k rpm then it will run in a gun and protect it.

[C.G.]

I prefer Boeshield.

[hambam105]

Good info. is out there, up to you.
Don't know any Cooter, but Daisy can come by anytime.

[williamcm]

I prefer Boeshield.

T9? That is paraffin though?

I know there is a lot of info and opinions about this topic; I have read for days before deciding to ask in my own words here. I feel some things and stories have been addressed that I didn't see anywhere else and maybe the next googler can get some benefit. Thanks for the continued input everyone.

[C.G.]

T9? That is paraffin though?

Yes, it is paraffin based, so are motor oils. Great rust protection and not as runny as motor oils.

[hambam105]

Now that you mention Tri-Flow...

In late 1979 we were testing Tri-Flow. We were so convinced that this new splu-ee would work in our desert test we didn't think of bringing along any LSA. Well, Tri-Flow laid down on us real fast. And we still had 800 rounds to burn!

LSS, the oil off the truck's dip stick performed better on our ARs than Tri-flow did. CLP didn't appear until the summer of 1981.