Gun Solvent vs. Gun Oil

Understanding the difference is one of the most important parts of firearm maintenance. Although they’re often sold together in a “cleaning kit,” solvent and oil perform opposite functions.

Gun Solvent (Bore Cleaner / Degreaser)

What it is

Gun solvent is a chemical cleaning agent formulated to dissolve:

• Carbon fouling (burned powder residue)

• Lead fouling

• Copper fouling (especially in rifle barrels)

• Old or burnt oil

• Light rust or grime

Common examples: Hoppe’s No. 9, MPro-7, Bore Tech Eliminator, Shooter’s Choice, copper fouling removers.

How it works

Solvents break apart bonds in carbon and metal residue so it can be wiped out with patches or brushes. Stronger solvents (especially copper removers) chemically react with metal fouling to lift it from the bore.

Why you use it first

After shooting, the bore and action are dirty, and oil cannot clean dirt—it only floats on top of debris and can trap it.
Solvent is meant to remove all contamination before lubrication.

When NOT to use solvent

• Not for lubrication: Solvent is designed to strip oil and dry metal surfaces.

• Not for long-term protection: Solvent evaporates and leaves metal vulnerable to rust if not oiled afterward.

• Not on some finishes: Strong copper solvents can damage wood finishes or remove bluing if misused.

Gun Oil (Lubricant / Protectant)

What it is

Gun oil is a light lubricant that:

• Reduces friction on moving parts

• Prevents rust

• Repels moisture

• Keeps actions cycling smoothly

• Protects metal surfaces during storage

Gun oils come in a few forms:

• Standard oil (thin, spreads easily; good for internal parts)

• Grease (thicker; stays put on lugs, slides, shotgun action rails)

• CLP products (Clean–Lubricate–Protect combined, though not as strong in each role)

How it works

After solvent strips the metal bare, gun oil coats the surface to:

• Prevent corrosion

• Allow smooth operation

• Reduce wear on friction surfaces

Why you use it after solvent

Solvent removes all fouling and all lubrication.
Without adding oil afterward, a firearm is more likely to:

• Rust

• Wear prematurely

• Function sluggishly

When NOT to overuse gun oil

Too much oil can cause:

• Gummed-up actions

• Debris sticking to wet surfaces

• Malfunctions in cold weather

• Hydraulic resistance in bolt lugs

• Contamination inside trigger groups

Especially for a Benelli M2 or any inertia-driven shotgun, too much oil can slow the action down.

How They Work Together in Cleaning

Here’s the simple sequence:

1. Solvent first

• Use it to break down and remove all fouling from the bore, chamber, action, bolt, and choke threads.

• Use brushes + solvent to scrub.

• Run solvent-soaked patches until they come clean.

• After solvent, surfaces are bare, dry metal.

2. Oil second

• Apply a thin coat of oil to moving parts, rails, and the exterior metal.

• Add a protective oil film inside the barrel for storage (wipe it before shooting).

• Add grease only where manufacturer recommends (e.g., bolt lugs on a bolt rifle).

Why this order matters

If you oil before cleaning with solvent:

• Oil traps fouling

• Solvent then dissolves the oil and fouling into a slurry

• The bore and action remain dirtier

If you solvent without oiling afterward:

• Metal remains unprotected and can rust

• Moving parts wear faster

📌 Quick Hunter-Friendly Summary

• Solvent = cleaning (removes carbon, lead, copper, old oil).

• Oil = lubrication + protection (reduces friction, prevents rust).

• They must be used in sequence for a healthy rifle or shotgun.

• Solvent strips everything; oil restores smoothness and protects metal.

• Too much oil is as bad as too little—especially in semi-auto shotguns.

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