The best Gun Maintenance: Reddit reviews

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Reload.

Seriously.

I'm procrastinating so I'll just do the math for you right now:

As of April 16, 2019, a Lee Anniversary single stage reloading kit is $130.71

A set of Lee .308 dies is ~$45.

Let's say you add a few more reloading starter items and you bring your equipment cost to $300 USD. This is on the higher end of what you'd need to start, but who knows.

To load .308 you need brass, powder, primer, and a projectile.

Powder: Ramshot Tac. $160/8 lbs. (These are ballpark prices but I'm searching them on ammoseek.com right now which is a search aggregator).

Primer: CCI #200 Large Rifle Primer. $30/1000.

Brass: Mixed once-fired brass. $13/100.

Projectile: Hornady 168 HPBT. $0.24 per projectile

Let's assume 45 grains of powder per charge (note: Fuck no this is high. Don't use this. It's an overestimate).

That brings your total cost per round to: $0.53 per round. And that's assuming you don't use the brass multiple times. If you reload the brass 3x, that brings the total cost per round to $0.44 per round.

At $0.56 of savings per round compared to $1/round match ammo, you'll break even at about 540 rounds. While that may seem a lot, that's <6 months of weekly range trips of 25 rounds. And let's not lie. You'll probably shoot more than that.

no, don't do it! Just buy a set of picks on Amazon - plastic, brass, unobtanium - so many options

https://smile.amazon.com/Tipton-549864-Cleaning-Picks/dp/B0048KGFHU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1536755443&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=plastic+cleaning+picks

You can get a lee bench kit for like $120-140ish and it has just about everything you need to get started. Seen em on midway for $130. Amazon has one for $90 so if you have prime free 2 day shipping i think they even do free prime for college students too https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Anniversary-Challenger-Kit/dp/B00162RM3E

Are all of these brand new? Looks like the handgun ones have plastic wrap but wasn't sure about the long gun ones.

Amazon is selling some of these/similar products for similar pricing.

Here's a cheaper version of the AR mat.

Little tip for who ever ends up with this. Try something like this on the scuffs first: https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-15121-Casey-Aluminum-Touch-Up/dp/B072LT4HCZ

I've used it to perfectly touch up a scuff on a black keyboard and a black PC case. It took multiple applications to get it black so applying a thin coat and quickly wiping off the excess could get you to a close grey.

Worse comes to worse, you can get it refinished in the color of your choosing like you'd have to from the start

This is my cleaning method, I have the Warlock 22 from SiCo and use these plastic dental picks from Amazon. I mainly use the small flat tipped pick as this allows me to scrape off the gunk fairly easily but not damage the aluminum. I also do clean the baffles with some solvent, a nylon brush, and rags to help loosen up the carbon buildup.

Best $30 I've spent on reloading gear:

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Digital-Reloading-Display/dp/B002BDOHNA

I have that same Lee scale. Works great. Super simple. Massive waste of time to use.

If you’re planning on attaching and removing your sights multiple times or you have several jobs you’re planning on doing, you might want to pick up your own sight pusher. About a week ago I bought and used a sight pusher to install some Trijicon Suppressor Height Sights for my 17L.

If you’re curious, this is what I had used to install them. Just a matter of if you feel like you’re gonna have to remove them for a future event or etc.

Patch and NcSTAR Heavy Duty Universal Pistol Dovetailed Rear Sight Pusher Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMZDD6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B5K3T3AYG0HR0EQF7WYX?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

TRUGLO Glock Magazine Tool, Front Sight Tool and armorer's disassembly Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K89LJ94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4N4H2XJ9R7WF0S54WX4T?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Exposed metal will degrade, and you are allowed to take care of your tools.

For aluminum: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072LT4HCZ

For steel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MD1RXP9

This will "blacken" or "blue" the exposed metal, and prevent them from reacting with air or water and rusting. In all reality, its probably fine, and that isn't exactly a working part, but I would treat it and forget about it. It will always be visible unless you get it recoated like a cerakote.

I have a black knife too and I thought I was ok with distressing but turns out I'm not. This stuff works awesome to restore the black, looks brand new!

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002JCW2CG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_5WJGPKJVPVD68CEB37KW

I usually clean them monthly or after skating wet or dirty roads. Some people hate doing maintenance, but I enjoy it. I think of it as a meditative experience. With a good cleaning regimen, my bearings last almost indefinitely. As suggested, Bones Reds are the best bang for your buck and have removeable shields for easy cleaning.
Cleaning:
1. Remove shields and put in mason jar with enough acetone to cover all your bearings.
2. Shake well (you might have to do this a couple times changing out your acetone if the bearings are super dirty.)
3. Take out bearings and pat dry with a paper towel.
4. Spin bearing in your hand to make sure you get out all the acetone. Let them air dry or speed up the process with a hair dryer. Just make sure all the acetone has evaporated.
5. Drop a few drops of your favorite oil. I use Hoppe's Or get Bones Speed Cream. (I've never used it, but you can't go wrong with a bearing manufacturer's recommendation). Just don't use WD-40. Ever.
6. Spin the bearings in your hand to ensure good coverage.
7. Put your shields back on and reassemble your wheels.
Good as new!

Yeah, expensive.

Buy your own install tool and never have to go to a gunsmith again. I've never gone to a gunsmith to install irons. Takes few tools.

https://smile.amazon.com/ATG-Universal-Pistol-Dovetailed-Pusher/dp/B07DMZDD6V/

Oh man I didn't know that came in pen form. I came here to recommend Birchwood Casey's aluminum black restorer but the pen version looks super convenient.

So looking at buying my first press and noticed that amazon has the lee jeans logo on the lee press. clicking on it takes you over to the jeans. lol

It's a TekMat and they're pretty neat.
Amazon

Never use WD-40 on a typewriter. It is a good short-term fix but will cause massive issues down the line once it gets dirt in it and gums up.

This oil is what I use on all my typewriters and I find it works very well.

As for a squealing belt, the basics are the same as for an accessory belt on a car... you can make the squealing go away for a little bit with belt dressing and the like, but the only real fix is to replace the belt. Remove the belt, measure it (width, style, length) - if it has teeth count them, if it doesn't, wrap a cloth tape or string around it and measure it or cut the belt and measure it, and get a replacement off amazon.

I have the ATG Vism NcStar kit thing and it works really well. I've used it on 3 Glocks and 3 P80 kits. Easy to use. It even came with a nice case. Hard to beat for $50.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMZDD6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LdzxFb3DQB0A6

That vism pusher was the best $45 I've spent. Changed hundreds of sights with it. ATG Patch and Heavy Duty Universal Pistol Dovetailed Rear Sight Pusher Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMZDD6V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o-nNCbD987EKR

You can buy a sight pusher for about $50 online. I think it’s a great tool to have, but worst case the return policy on these items is quite generous.

You can get one of these on Amazon in the mid 50's (check for open box, very good or like new). I've had mine for about two years and it works great for the hobbyist.

That said... having been messing around with one of these for a while now (maybe a dozen or so sight jobs) it's honestly just as easy, just as fast, and significantly cheaper to stick your slide in a vice and use a non-marring punch. A 3" piece of 3/8" delrin rod is the perfect tool for this job. Wrap a belt around your slide before clamping down so you don't jack up the finish. I know you told the other guy off who mentioned this as well but it's sincerely worth considering... a $2 stick of delrin gets the job done just as well as a $140 sight pusher.

Thank you everyone! There’s too many comments for me to reply to all of them, hopefully everyone (who cares) sees this.

I’m going to buy this starter kit:

LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00162RM3E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TDEAS6R4CS45QV3XVYB1

Just to get a feel for it, and to get myself started. I’m also going to do a lot more research, I already own this book linked here:

LEE PRECISION Modern Reloading 2nd Edition New Format https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N8OKAU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6CMRD7VYTS8H668EWS57?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I appreciate everyone who took the time to comment, answer my questions, and gave me some advice. Thank you!

give it a rattle can spraypaint camo job or if #blackriflesmatter just hit it with an aluminium black pen to get rid of the shine and call it good.

I ordered from amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-205205-Reloading-Scale/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1470689901&amp;sr=8-9&amp;keywords=frankford+arsenal)

I'm thinking they just didn't put it in any pictures. Thanks for the assurance

Its probably a Tek Mat. They're for gun cleaning / assembly, but its literally the same material as a cloth mousepad.

https://www.amazon.com/TekMat-12-Inch-36-Inch-Long-Cleaning/dp/B0036N474S

Just search for TekMat on amazon and you should be able to find a ton of different guns.

I’m a fan of Ballistol for a ton of applications. amazon link to ballistol

It never hurts to start saving brass now. As for storing it, I use a mixture of ziplock bags and old glass jars. You might have some corosion later if you don't clean them before you store them but it should clean up if you use a wet cleaner. If you might want to get a cheap tumbler and clean them before storing. Amazon has the Frankford Arsenal one for under $40. Then just hit up your local pet store for some crushed walnut mix to use as a cleaner.

I’m a novice compared to a lot of folks on here. But, I’ve been diving in deep the past few months. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. You say I know stuff - look at my flair - I get confused sometimes haha.

Nano oil: So, if you’re looking for nano oil, know it’s most expensive on amazon. It’s cheapest on eBay and other places. It generally shouldn’t be that expensive.

Many say the best oil is KPL. Knife pivot lube. Available on amazon for $14. It’s the best for washer based knives. Whereas, nano oil is sometimes best for bearing based knives.

My recommendation for strops will follow this post. I got my strop from someone here on reddit and it’s great. Apply compound and when it gets grey with metal clean the strop with a pink eraser.

Lastly, when it comes to sharpening: I use a sharpmaker to maintain my knives. Unless I buy a used knife that’s super dull, this is all I ever need. A knife shouldn’t get dull enough to be reprofiled, I think.

But, if I do need to reprofile, I use a lanksy system. I’ve got the standard kit but added a course and extra course diamond to help reprofile hard steels like super steels. The luxury solution (in my opinion) is a KME system. It’s too much to go into to discuss sharpening further than a device.

I’ll probably get some KPL when it runs out, but this is the oil I use right now: Hoppe's No. 9 Lubricating Oil, 14.9 ml Precision Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013R67A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S4-kDbW2GR41P

I just started experimenting so take this with a grain of salt because I'm super n00b to sight changing, but I bought this one for $57 open-box and it seems to work pretty well so far. Four sight changes in and only a couple minor hiccups (that were all 100% my fault for going too fast and not paying attention).

I’m admittedly not an oil expert, but picked this up recently after doing a little googling & Amazon-review research.

Hope’s 9

This I see regularly in YouTube knife vids:

KPL Knife Pivot Lube Knife Oil

Even with a conservative estimate of saving 30 cents per round when compared against factory match ammunition (lets say, for hyperbole's sake, Federal Gold Medal Match, which I would normally rarely splurge on), a $130 Lee Precision kit would likely pay for itself over about 450 rounds. (any major factors I failed to account for?)

For me, that equates to about 5 or 6 trips to the range.

It seems like this may be my best option after all.