Anyone use gear oil for pistol lube?

[kcshooter]

ATF is high in dispersants a whole different thing than detergents.

No, they aren't much different at all, and in most cases, you will see transmission fluid detergents and dispersants generally referred to as "detergent/dispersant". It's customarily easier and accepted to just refer to them categorically as detergents rather than make the distinction in most situations that they would come into discussion, such as this.
They perform the same function in this case, lifting and encasing the carbon particulates. The end result, especially in reference to usage in firearms, is the same.
The ester vs paraffin differences in the two fluids makeup also account for some of the cleaning properties of ATF.

There many different ATF specs now unlike years ago when there were just 2 or 3.

Very true, and I don't have any info regarding the new ones, including any of the CVT specific fluids.
If you're using an ATF on your guns, stick to Mercon/Dexron.

 

[rhinoh]

Most auto oils won't harm plastics and polymers. There are as many plastic and polymer parts in engines as there are guns now days.

Really? I'm sitting here trying to think of a current production vehicle that uses plastic or polymer as a major engine component and coming up blank.

Nothing was mentioned about vehicles only or only major components.

Some Honda and Briggs&Stratton engines now have plastic camshafts.

Many engines use plastic valve covers, Nissan comes to mind.

I've seen plastic thermostat housings on Toyotas also.

 

[rhinoh]

No, they aren't much different at all, and in most cases, you will see transmission fluid detergents and dispersants generally referred to as "detergent/dispersant". It's customarily easier and accepted to just refer to them categorically as detergents rather than make the distinction in most situations that they would come into discussion, such as this.
They perform the same function in this case, lifting and encasing the carbon particulates. The end result, especially in reference to usage in firearms, is the same.
The ester vs paraffin differences in the two fluids makeup also account for some of the cleaning properties of ATF.

May want to go here-http://books.google.com/books?id=YTa5TsL0KnIC&pg=PA225&lpg=PA225&dq=dispersant+vs+detergent&source=bl&ots=lLO35OGgZW&sig=-mikmA8vVvO1zzUGI1PUbInFngk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dgUnUMAw4ZDrAfm1gMgO&ved=0CHgQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=dispersant%20vs%20detergent&f=false and read the second sentence of 7.3.1.
It states the chemistry of dispersants and detergents are markedly different.
I do agree their functions are similar and they are often used together. But they aren't the same thing. I don't customarily make technical errors when it comes to chemistry.

 

[kcshooter]

I don't customarily make technical errors when it comes to chemistry.

However, you do miss some stuff when it comes to reading comprehension. Please note this part of the same sentence of mine you chose to highlite:

in most situations that they would come into discussion, such as this.

We aren't talking about chemistry, we're talking about firearms lubrication.

You stated that they are a whole different thing. As far as this discussion goes, that isn't correct. Regarding firearms lubrication, they perform the same function, as you yourself admit.

 

[rhinoh]

I did not say "Regarding firearms lubrication, they perform the same function, as you yourself admit." I wrote they perform SIMILAR functions. Don't lecture me on reading comprehension when YOU cannot get it right.

I did not bring the chemistry of the oils into the discussion, others did. I was merely correcting the COMMON misconception that ATFs are high in detergent which they are NOT. That is a truth and it stands as far I'm concerned. Guess my 5 years on a university chemistry staff dealing with post grads should have taught me more on dealing with difficult people, instead of just technical correctness..
Good DAY SIR!

 

[kcshooter]

I don't have a degree in chemistry, so I wouldn't think to argue that with you. I will concede that in a chemistry lab or academia, they aren't the same. But that isn't what we are dealing with here, so it's moot.

I will, however, argue the practical application as it is being discussed here, as I do have sufficient knowledge in this arena, regarding both firearms and automotive lubricants.


I don't think the fact that I didn't quote your exact words diminishes from their meaning.

Definition of SIMILAR
1: having characteristics in common : strictly comparable
2: alike in substance or essentials : corresponding

I will amend the sentence, then to this:
Regarding firearms lubrication, they perform a strictly comparable function, as you yourself admit.

Good day, indeed.

 

[Sam1911]

Oh good grief.