maintenance in the field

[Mortblanc]

There was a time, in the southern states after the Civil War during "Occupation" that guns were hidden in the lard barrel.

I have read of the American pioneers using bear oil to treat their guns, as well as almost every other form of grease and linseed oil was a standard stock finish right up to the adoption of the EBR as military hardware.

During WW2 the soviets used sunflower seed oil extensively on their full auto hardware. It did not freeze in the extreme temperatures.

I remember keeping a 1 quart can of 10/30 motor oil for slathering over our M2 Brownings and the cloud of oil spray it created.

Many folks are now simply using the synthetic motor oils and they do very well as both cleaner and lube. As I said before, I keep it in my kit and use it often.

It will probably be the most common lube SHTF, since it can be drained from all those abandoned vehicle crankcases.

One of my favorites on the workbench for the past 30 years, has been a blend of 1qt synthetic 5w-20/1qt transmission fluid/8 ounces STP. It works well as both lube and protectant. When you mix it up you will have enough to last for 50 years. When I make a batch I usually place it in empty dish soap bottles and spread it around. It is about the slickest stuff you will ever put on a piece of metal.