Firearms

Best Lubricant for .22 LR / Rimfire Rifles

Looking for the right lubricant for your .22 lr / rimfire rifles? We compared 4 options for this use case — including common searches like 22lr, 22 lr, .22, rimfire, 10/22. Here's what works and what to avoid.

Break-Free CLP

Oil Base: Synthetic Viscosity: ISO VG 15 Form: Dropper Bottle

Cleans, lubricates, and protects in one step. Military-spec formula.

Best for Firearms, precision tools, scissors, knives, multi-tools, any metal tool prone to rust
Avoid Plastics (some formulations may affect certain polymers)
For this use General maintenance — .22 LR produces waxy residue that CLP handles well.

Slip 2000 EWL (Extreme Weapons Lubricant)

Oil Base: Synthetic Viscosity: ISO VG 22 Form: Dropper Bottle

100% synthetic, non-toxic. Won't gum up in cold or thin out in heat. Popular in competition shooting.

Best for Bolt carrier groups, slides, trigger assemblies, all firearm actions, AR-15 / AK / pistol platforms
Avoid Not a solvent — clean first, then apply. Not for plastics.
For this use Bolt face and extractor — .22 LR carbon buildup is heavy, synthetic oils handle it better.

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil

Oil Base: Mineral Viscosity: ISO VG 22 Form: Aerosol Spray

Biodegradable, alkaline formula from Germany. Cleans, lubes, and protects almost everything.

Best for Firearms, knives, leather conditioning, wood treatment, general household
Avoid Strong herbal scent some people dislike; not best for extreme temps
For this use Good all-around for .22 rifles especially with wood stocks. 10/22 owners love it.

M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner

Oil Base: Blend Viscosity: Ultra-thin Form: Aerosol Spray

Non-toxic, odorless bore cleaner. Dissolves carbon, copper, and lead fouling without harsh fumes.

Best for Carbon fouling in barrels, bolt face cleaning, chamber cleaning, suppressor cleaning
Avoid Not a lubricant — always follow with oil or grease after cleaning
For this use Best for bore cleaning on .22 — removes lead and wax buildup without harsh chemicals.
See the full lubricant guide →