Q. Is your cleaning product ‘flammable’? Does your gun lube burn? If so, it’s likely an ‘oxidant’.
Oxidant. A substance that reacts with oxygen, taking electrons in a reaction to reduce itself, such as in a fire. In a gun, flammable gun lube, reaching a high temperature, will oxidize in the form of combustion, adding more heat to the act of firing, lube loss and creating burned fouling deposits.[1]
Discussion on polymer guns:
Advancements in polymers have now made them increasingly popular across the gun manufacturing community. The gun industry uses polymers that are synthetic plastics molded into gun part shapes such as frames, receivers and accessories.
Glock pistols are the best example of the successful use of polymer in pistol frames. Pioneered by the G-17 in 1981, polymers are now common in the gun manufacturing community.[2]
Polymer Pros:
1. Reduced cost
2. Rapid design
3. Light weight
4. Corrosion resistant
5. Reduce felt recoil
Polymer Cons:
Common oxidation exposures can cause a breakdown of the polymer bonds resulting in brittle structural integrity, loosening of fit, degradation of finish or cracks and even hidden stress fractures that could cause delamination.
Oxidation types. Oxidizing with the polymer can occur in 3 main types:
1. Photo oxidation. Exposure to sunlight.
2. Thermal break down. Exposure to high heat and/or cyclic temperature changes (cold-hot-cold…)
3. Chemical oxidation. Exposure to oxidative solvents, cleaners or corrosive gun care products.
What to look for:
- Structural integrity becomes compromised over time and duration of exposure to oxidation.
- Parts become distorted or lose shape.
- Surfaces lose color, get stained or become roughened.
What can you do to protect your polymer parts?
Consider the use of an ‘anti-oxidant’ gun care system, such as FrogLube. FrogLube is made with non-flammable, non-petroleum and natural ingredients that don’t oxidize.
- Non-flammable, will not burn
- Protects from ‘drying out’, retains “like new” appearance
- Clean without using corrosive solvents
Conclusion. FrogLube recommends you inspect your polymer gun on a regular basis for the hazards stated above and use Anti-oxidizing FrogLube Cleaners and Lubes exclusively on your polymer parts to avoid the consequences of oxidation and keep your “Plastic” Fantastic”.