Sure, Ballistol is completely a great gun cleaner. It’s dependable, versatile, and has been trusted by firearm house owners for over a century. Whether or not you’re cleansing pistols, rifles, and even instruments and knives, Ballistol will get the job executed effectively—and it does a complete lot extra than simply clear.
A Temporary Have a look at Ballistol’s Historical past
Ballistol’s story begins again in 1904, when German chemist Dr. Helmut Klever developed a multi-purpose oil for the German Imperial Military. He mixed the phrases ballistic and oleum (Latin for oil) to call the product—Ballistol, or ballistic oil.
By 1905, Ballistol was formally adopted by the German army. Quick ahead to at the moment, and it’s a staple in garages, workshops, and gun rooms throughout the globe.
My Expertise Utilizing Ballistol
Through the years, I’ve tried all the pieces from Hoppe’s No. 9 and BreakFree CLP to newer choices like Shooter Lube. However Ballistol has earned a everlasting spot in my cleansing routine—for a number of good causes.
Handy aerosol can: Excellent for tossing within the vary bag with out worrying about leaks.
Cleans quick: I coated the barrel of my Glock, waited a couple of minute, and wiped it clear. Carbon buildup got here off with ease.
Gentle oil coating: A fast go with a Ballistol-soaked rag gave the slide and body simply the correct quantity of safety.
Finished in below 5 minutes: Significantly, it’s that environment friendly.
The one draw back? The odor. It’s not horrible—some say it reminds them of a males’s locker room—but it surely’s robust. I often clear within the storage with the door open, and it’s completely manageable.
Why Ballistol Stands Out
Right here’s what units Ballistol aside from different gun cleaners:
✅ Cleans, Lubricates & Protects
Ballistol acts as a cleaner, lubricant, and rust protectant—multi function can. You don’t have to juggle three completely different merchandise to get the job executed.
🌿 Secure on Wooden, Leather-based, & Extra
It’s secure to make use of on steel, plastic, rubber, wooden, and leather-based. So in case your rifle has a wooden inventory or leather-based sling, you don’t have to fret about injury.
♻️ Non-Poisonous & Eco-Pleasant
Ballistol is biodegradable and fewer harsh than many petroleum-based cleaners. It’s a strong possibility for gun house owners preferring environmentally pleasant merchandise.
🛠️ Excellent for Instruments & Gear Too
Past firearms, Ballistol works wonders on knives, instruments, fishing gear, and even automobile components. Consider it as a multi-tool in a can.
📦 Handy Aerosol Supply
Its aerosol can makes it tremendous straightforward to spray down your gear—whether or not you’re within the storage or on the vary. Plus, no mess in your vary bag.
Considered one of Ballistol’s standout options is that it doesn’t come off when it will get moist. That makes it nice for humid environments or wet days on the vary.
Ballistol vs WD-40: What’s the Distinction?
Individuals usually examine Ballistol to WD-40—however they’re not the identical.
WD-40 is a solvent and water displacer, not a devoted lubricant. It would assist loosen a rusted firearm, but it surely’s not preferrred for normal gun upkeep.
Right here’s why:
WD-40 evaporates quick – leaving your gun dry and unprotected.
Ballistol sticks round – providing ongoing lubrication and rust prevention.
Ballistol is made for weapons – WD-40 isn’t.
That stated, WD-40 will be helpful in emergencies—like when your firearm will get submerged in water or is totally rusted shut. However when you’ve obtained it cleaned up, you’re higher off switching to Ballistol.
What Is Ballistol Made Of?
Ballistol is a mix of:
White mineral oil – for lubrication and rust safety
Vegetable-derived oils – to assist situation wooden and leather-based
Alkaline salts of oleic acid – for neutralizing acidic residues
Alcohols & Benzyl Acetate – to assist with cleansing and penetration
Propane/Isohexane (in aerosol kind) – to propel the product from the can
It’s secure to make use of on steel, plastic, rubber, wooden, leather-based, and extra, which makes it a flexible possibility for gun house owners who additionally preserve knives, instruments, and even fishing gear.
Continuously Requested Questions
Does the army use Ballistol?
Sure, the German army used Ballistol from 1905 to 1945. Right now, it’s utilized by some U.S. Coast Guard items, Navy SEAL groups, and German particular forces.
Is Ballistol made within the USA?
No, Ballistol continues to be manufactured in Germany by Ballistol GmbH within the village of Aham.
Can Ballistol be used on wooden or leather-based gun components?
Completely. That’s one in every of its greatest promoting factors. It’s light sufficient for leather-based slings and wood rifle shares, whereas nonetheless cleansing and defending steel components.
Closing Ideas: Is Ballistol Value It?
Sure—Ballistol is a implausible gun cleaner. It cleans totally, lubricates successfully, and leaves an enduring protecting barrier that helps forestall rust and corrosion.
It may not be the flashiest product on the shelf, but it surely works—and it really works properly.
The place To Purchase
