First time using ballistol......

[scotchblade]

I use it all the time. I don't even notice the smell. It smells like...Balistol.

It's not available in CA anymore is it? Not on the approved list?

[Merc1138]

Having been on Calguns.net since it started, I'd note that this is the only gun forum where the smell of a cleaner or lubricant is a bfd.

Why??

Because as mentioned by the OP, he cleans his guns indoors and the wife doesn't like the smell. Not everyone wants the scent of ballistol, hoppes, etc. in the air. Other people are also concerned with the fumes regardless of smell, they might have a kid they don't want breathing the stuff in.

"So then take it outside in the first place"

Considering this IS California, not everyone lives in an area where having a rifle out on the patio or visible in the garage wouldn't scare the **** out of the neighbors and result in a call to the local PD.

[Sohum63]

I use it all the time. I don't even notice the smell. It smells like...Balistol.

It's not available in CA anymore is it? Not on the approved list?

Some of the spray cans were not avalable for a bit because of the propelent used or something. You could only get the non spray cans for a bit. When I ordered some all but 1 or 2 sizes had been reformulated and avalable again.

[TeddyBallgame]

Ballistol keeps my wife out of my office

its like a repellent or something

[GimpsUnlimited]

Yeah, it is nasty. And no, you will not get use to it. Outdoor use only.

I mix it with purified water to clean up the corrosive salts in my AK after range sessions. As long as I do my usual cleaning after I get home, it is all good.

[mikenewgun87]

Yo, where can I score me some of that good stuff????

[bigbearbear]

I bought a bottle previously, mostly for use on my shotgun. Unfortunately, the smell is too overpowering and like you, I like to clean my guns indoors and Ballistol makes it unpleasant.

I did use it on my sliding deck door, which I think hasn't been lubed since the place was built, and Balistol worked great. After spraying the sliding rails and wiping down with a paper towel, the sliding door now glides easily. I also used it on a pressure contact for my alarm system, which was sticking a little previously and now works flawlessly.

I continued to use Froglube but the cost is pretty high, and I now switch to SEAL 1 CLP, which is similar to Froglube but at a sligthly lower cost.

So no, for some like myself, the smell is too offensive. Which is a pity, I think it is a pretty good product and at a lower price point than many other CLP. Hopefully they can come up with a less offensive smelling version and keep the same low cost.

[uhlan1]

Ballistol smells like fermented multiple days used gym shorts + a hint of anis. Bought a pour can and dropped out 5 drops at most just to see what it was. Stinks horribly and permiates through out the room. The odore is so foul I could not believe some one made a product like this for anything other than the hardware used in or around a barn.

I believe it was first developed for the German Wehrmacht. Cleans, lubricates and treats leather all in one. Think they were more concerned with effectiveness than smelling like Irish Spring.

And effective it is. I love the stuff, smell isn't that bad, c'mon. Ever been around a hippie or a transient?

[heidad01]

I believe it was first developed for the German Wehrmacht. Cleans, lubricates and treats leather all in one. Think they were more concerned with effectiveness than smelling like Irish Spring.

And effective it is. I love the stuff, smell isn't that bad, c'mon. Ever been around a hippie or a transient?

^^ That is funny uhlan1,
Yes I have been. I give them a $1 bill and ask them to keep a distance down wind.
Honestly, the only reason I ordered it was because I read a few praising post about how well it works. Guess I should have googled for more info. I was so taken aback by the smell, there is no way I want that smell on my guns or in the house. No doubt it works well or it would not have lasted around this long. I prefer gun cleaner/lubs that have the petro like smell over roadkill. Still have a whole pour can minus 5 drops. Will come handy someday.

[ElDub1950]

Ballistol thread are always funny. Half the people can't tolerate the smell and half like it.

I like it . . my son can't stand it.

Curious about the seemingly extreme reactions.

[Bumslie]

Ballistol thread are always funny. Half the people can't tolerate the smell and half like it.

I like it . . my son can't stand it.

Curious about the seemingly extreme reactions.

Frog lube threads are my favorite.

I can feel the hate and the butt hurt though my screen.

[ElDub1950]

Frog lube threads are my favorite.

I can feel the hate and the butt hurt though my screen.

Oh, yeah! Frog lube fans are die-hard.

[Bumslie]

Oh, yeah! Frog lube fans are die-hard.

I have it. I use it. I like it. But I see no reason to get worked up by who uses what.

It is a fun train wreck of a thread to watch, however.

[emoji14]opcorn:

[Pauliedad]

Y'all got me thinking I might be alone on this. Balistol smells good to me.

[caliboy]

Because as mentioned by the OP, he cleans his guns indoors and the wife doesn't like the smell. Not everyone wants the scent of ballistol, hoppes, etc. in the air. Other people are also concerned with the fumes regardless of smell, they might have a kid they don't want breathing the stuff in.

"So then take it outside in the first place"

Considering this IS California, not everyone lives in an area where having a rifle out on the patio or visible in the garage wouldn't scare the **** out of the neighbors and result in a call to the local PD.

This! My wife hates the smell and I don't want my 1.5 year old daughter inhaling the stuff. I also wouldn't want the neighbors seeing a spread of firearms either in my garage or backyard, bad enough I have investigators knocking on the neighbors door every few years asking about me. (don't worry, not a criminal. Work related) I can imagine the drama.

Some of the spray cans were not avalable for a bit because of the propelent used or something. You could only get the non spray cans for a bit. When I ordered some all but 1 or 2 sizes had been reformulated and avalable again.

I ordered from Amazon. They wont ship the aerosol version to CA but the pour cans with spray nozzle they will.

Yeah, it is nasty. And no, you will not get use to it. Outdoor use only.

I mix it with purified water to clean up the corrosive salts in my AK after range sessions. As long as I do my usual cleaning after I get home, it is all good.

Can I ask why mix it with the water?

I bought a bottle previously, mostly for use on my shotgun. Unfortunately, the smell is too overpowering and like you, I like to clean my guns indoors and Ballistol makes it unpleasant.

I did use it on my sliding deck door, which I think hasn't been lubed since the place was built, and Balistol worked great. After spraying the sliding rails and wiping down with a paper towel, the sliding door now glides easily. I also used it on a pressure contact for my alarm system, which was sticking a little previously and now works flawlessly.

I continued to use Froglube but the cost is pretty high, and I now switch to SEAL 1 CLP, which is similar to Froglube but at a sligthly lower cost.

So no, for some like myself, the smell is too offensive. Which is a pity, I think it is a pretty good product and at a lower price point than many other CLP. Hopefully they can come up with a less offensive smelling version and keep the same low cost.

Gonna have to look into that SEAL 1. I still have a ton of the FL tho, the paste goes a long way!

I have it. I use it. I like it. But I see no reason to get worked up by who uses what.

It is a fun train wreck of a thread to watch, however.

[emoji14]opcorn:

I agree. Im a FL fan but to each his own. Im not gonna bash someone for what hey like to use. Before I used FL I was using breakfree CLP. I'd rather use the BF inside instead of the Ballistol. (barf)

Y'all got me thinking I might be alone on this. Balistol smells good to me.

I think you might be. LOL!

But like I said, the stuff works great!