Question about petroleum cleaning products used on plastic parts

sbmike · Nov 24, 2013

I was cleaning my M&P 9 the other day and decided to clean the firing pin and the sleeve it sits in. There are plastic (at least I think they are plastic) parts to the pin mechanism itself and the sleeve that the pin mechanism sits in. I did find some gunk in there that had caused some minor scoring on the plastic part of the firing pin and the sleeve.

What do folks in the know use to lubricate this area, if anything? I know from servicing scuba diving equipment that petroleum products do not mix well with silicone, rubber or plastic products over time and was wondering if that applies to the plastic parts in guns as well. Any thoughts?

BradMacc82 · Nov 24, 2013

I just clean it off and reassemble.

straightsilver3 · Nov 24, 2013

Man you opened a can of worms Everyone will recommend some product different from the next guy So I'll start Ballistol is water based and safe CLP which our Military uses is very good I use Gunzilla this is plant based and the list goes on I used these on a G17 No problems Read this It's from our smith on here http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=105587

Magnumite · Nov 24, 2013

S&W recommends putting no lube of any type on the firing pin and bushing (sleeve). The nylon bushing itself is slick and self lubricating. Occurs in vehicle ball joints, steering linkages and door hinge bushings as well.

sbmike · Nov 24, 2013

Thanks for the input. Being the cautious type, I chose to just wipe off the nylon (thanks for the clarification, Magnumite) on the firing pin. I also ran a dry patch lightly into the sleeve in the slide and blew it out with compressed air from one of my scuba tanks. Finding the gunk on the bushing does give me a reason to at least check it from time to time when I do my regular cleaning.

Boom Boom · Nov 24, 2013

Generally, firing pins are cleaned and then reassembled dry. Lubricating a firing pin is a sure way to attract gunk and powder residue, create varnish buildup, and cause misfires. A longtime example is the need to keep SKS firing pins bone dry because they can bind in the firing position and cause the rifle to go full auto.

Baccusboy · Nov 26, 2013

Interesting topic.

I have gotten Ballistol on my plastic guide rod on my Ruger LC9. Should I be worried about this?

hodgepodge · Nov 27, 2013

Baccusboy said:
Interesting topic.

I have gotten Ballistol on my plastic guide rod on my Ruger LC9. Should I be worried about this?

I rub Ballistol on my guide rod all the time. No issues so far.

Question about petroleum cleaning products used on plastic parts

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