Lubrication of the 1911

First let me say that the products I use are tested by me after years of use on the 1911 and other guns. I believe that Militec lubricant and Wilson Combat gun grease are all you need. The obligatory Hoppes number 9 solvent is one of the best.

First let me say that cleaning a 1911 is basic. You remove the slide, recoil spring and grips. Clean these parts as usual. After cleaning you will use Militec to lube the slide rails on the frame. Three drops on each side will do it. Then add a small amount of Wilson gun grease on each rail. One small drop on each side will do it. When applying the Militec place one drop on the front edge of the slide rail, one in the center and one at the rear. Place one drop where the trigger attaches to the frame. Place one or two drops on the barrel and spread to cover the entire surface of the barrel then wipe any excess off. You will also place one drop on the engagement lugs on the slide. You will also use a clean patch to apply a small amount of Militec to the interior of the barrel. Do not leave a great deal in the barrel. While Militec will not effect primers it’s best to be cautious in this area. Also place one drop on the interior of the barrel bushing. This is all you need to do in order to complete the lubrication. Then re-assemble as usual.
I go one step further. After racking the slide several times I remove any excess lubricant at the rear of the slide. I then apply Militec to the exterior surface of the gun then use a hairdryer on hot to dry the lubricant not absorbed by the gun. Wipe down with a silicon cloth on the exterior. That’s it your done!

Militec–The best lubricant you can possibly use!

MILITEC/Lanigan Performance is a very patriotic company. If you are a soldier or police officer the company will provide free samples. My son is in Iraq right now and they sent him 12 1oz bottles of Militec completely free of any charges including shipping! This is one fine company that deserves our support by purchasing their products!
FIREARMS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: SELF-LUBRICATION

CHARACTERISTICS: MILITEC-1 Synthetic Metal Conditioner has the unique ability to create a complex, molecular compound within the surface of heated gunmetal. This causes MILITEC-1 to become part of the metal, not merely a temporary coating or a boundary film. There are two main characteristics of this safe new compound. First, it seals and conditions the metal by stiffening (not hardening) the metal surface. Second, it makes the gunmetal self-lubricating under all environmental conditions.

SELF-LUBRICATION: After a complete application, a MILITEC-1 conditioned firearm is self-lubricating. Self-lubrication gives the firearm’s gunmetal the dry lubricity that is required for sustained fire under all environmental conditions. If exposure to dust, sand, or extreme cold is a concern, all excess MILITEC-1 must be wiped away, leaving the firearm’s surface metal clean, dry, and constantly lubricated. Please note: Complete corrosion protection and self-lubrication is attained only after both Step One and Step Two (below) are completed.

PREPARATION: To take full advantage of MILITEC-1’s unique properties, start with a clean firearm. Although MILITEC-1 contains a mild detergent that will help with subsequent cleaning, there are no solvents or other hazardous materials in MILITEC-1, so it cannot remove old caked-on fouling and build-up from other lubes. Thus, if a firearm is dirty, you must clean it with a solvent before you proceed. Normal fieldstrip cleaning should be perfectly adequate. If possible, remove the handgrips, clean and prepare.

INITIAL TREATMENT: Applying MILITEC-1 to a firearm for the first time is a two-step process: (1) Application and (2) Firing.

STEP ONE: APPLICATION. Now that the firearm is clean and dry, apply a light film of MILITEC-1 to all surfaces, including the bore. Burnish/polish MILITEC-1 into exterior surfaces by rubbing rapidly using a cloth lightly dampened with MILITEC-1. Sparingly apply drops into the action, concentrating on springs, moving parts and metal-to-metal contact areas. If your firearm has a magazine, be sure to apply MILITEC-1 both inside and out. Leave a very light film of MILITEC-1 on all surfaces during reassembly. Now proceed to Step Two.

STEP TWO: FIRING. Once you fire your weapon enough times to reach operating temperatures, the heat and friction will activate MILITEC-1, strengthening the bonding process that was started in Step One. While firing, MILITEC-1 creates a self-lubricating, water-repelling, dry compound within the gunmetal.

Additional Application Instructions: If Step Two is not immediately possible, consider applying low heat to the firearm to facilitate the bonding process until you can perform Step Two. In field conditions, place your lubed firearm in the sun underneath black plastic or a similar ventilated heat source for at least two hours. Alternatively, you may use a heat gun, hairdryer, burnishing or polishing tool to heat the gunmetal. In heat controlled environments, do not exceed 150° F (65° C). In all applications that require heat to condition the firearm, always insure proper ventilation and wear protective clothing. Please consult our MSDS for additional information.

ULTIMATE PROTECTION: To maximize the effects of MILITEC-1, repeat Step One and Step Two while the firearm is still hot from the first firing session. MILITEC-1’s impregnated molecular bond intensifies during the next 2-3 applications on hot gunmetal. MILITEC-1 has now become a physical part of the gunmetal.

SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS: It is important to continue using MILITEC-1 to lubricate your firearm throughout its normal service life. Consistent use of MILITEC-1 will maintain the self-lubricating effect, maximize corrosion protection, and minimize wear on all friction surfaces. Fouling, deposits and metallic debris do not adhere as easily to gunmetal surfaces conditioned with MILITEC-1. Use a safe, inexpensive cleaner or solvent to detail the firearm, if necessary. For maximum corrosion protection, and especially if long-term storage is anticipated, leave a very light film of MILITEC-1 on all surfaces, after both steps or field application procedures are completed.

APPLICABILITY: MILITEC-1 is recommended for all pistols, shotguns, rifles, automatic weapons, tank guns and artillery of all calibers and sizes. Note: MILITEC-1 will alleviate jamming due to tight tolerances.