Questions about “Grease, Rifle” history

[CalTex]

This is not a “what grease should I use” thread, at least I hope not. After I answered a friend’s question about Garand lubrication, I realized that I know less about the grease history of this rifle than I would like. Looking around online and in books, I can’t find all that much documented either. Here is what I think I have learned from these sources and where I still have questions:

- The original grease was “Stano-Rust No. 3” to spec SXS77, adopted in FY38. It is mentioned in the 7/40 edition of FM 23-5 as issued in a tube. Pictures of tubes can be found online. These show instructions on the tube to lube all the usual places, including the compensating spring. So definitely this grease goes back pretty far.

- Following washout problems and maybe insufficient use of the Stano-Rust, Lubriplate 130-A was adopted in late ’42, following tests vs. several competitors, and provided in the little yellow-lidded containers added to the cleaning kits.

- At some point apparently after WWII, the little containers marked Lubriplate 130-A were replaced by similar ones just marked “Grease, Rifle”, containing a darker grease that is widely called Plastilube, but sometimes also called Lubriplate. Does anyone know when exactly this change was made, and why?

- One pound cans of this darker grease used to be widely available. For some reason, every one I have seen is dated 11/63. Coincidence, or what? The cans are marked as “Grease, Rifle”, made by International Lube. Corp, to spec MIL-G-46003, Amend 2.

- You can still buy commercial Lubriplate 130-A today, and spec sheets are available online.

- You can still buy a grease marketed as Plastilube today, and find a spec sheet for it. But the current Plastilube is a premium synthetic grease made by Henkel and targeted at brake pad applications, that I doubt has much if any similarity to “Grease, Rifle”.

- Did Lubriplate 130-A meet the same spec (maybe an earlier revision) as the darker grease?

- Can anyone comment on what exactly is in the darker grease?

- The spec for the darker grease was rescinded in 1/09. But there are still some M14s in service. What grease do they use?

I am hoping the experts here can help fill in or improve any of the above. Sorry for all the questions and thanks so much for any assistance.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Singer B]

I use the Lubriplate 130-AA on my Garand and both of my M1 carbines. Never failed me yet and they get used pretty regularly. I don't use it on my other rifles since I save it for the M1. I really only use Hoppes oil on those other guns and maybe some MCarbo grease on the rougher actions (like the MAS-36 I just obtained).

[ArizonaBeagle]

I have used Lubriplate 630AA for years on Garands, M3-A1, AK's, Brownings and all other military weapons.
I had used it on printing presses earlier in my life.

130 AA is calcium based and 630AA is lithium based.

Their slogan is, "It's the film"

From their website.......
LUBRIPLATE No’s. 130-A & 130-AA are designed for those applications where a grease-type lubricant possessing extremely good water repellency and superior lubrication characteristics are desired. These products are recommended for plain bearings, cams, guides, open gears, slides and chassis lubrication and where temperatures do not exceed 170°F. (Note not exceed 170degrees)

LUBRIPLATE No 630-AAA: is an NLGI No. 0 lubricant, is ideal for centralized lubricating systems. Also excellent for certain types of enclosed gear cases (medium speed – no seals) as the lubricant will re-feed itself into the gear train.
Product Highlights Water resistant High anti-wear for extra lubricity Oxidation inhibited

It's really good grease.

AZB

[Orlando]

Early grease tube, as I remember gas trap era. Unfortunately its not in the best condition

[LavaTech]

There were three rifle grease plastic tubs used that I am aware of. The first is Lubriplate brand marked and has a golden yellow lid with rounded knurl. The tub has a flat bottom with rounded edge. The second is identical to the brand marked tub but is instead marked "GREASE, RIFLE". The tub and knurl is the same. The third has a new container and lid also marked "GREASE, RIFLE" but with concave bottom and squared edge and has a lid that is bright yellow with a very different and easier to grasp knurl.

If I am not mistaken, the intermediate tubs had remnants of lubriplate inside when I acquired them at Northridge about 12 years ago.

[Bob Seijas]

I wrote this up in the GCA Journal several years ago.Attachment 111265

[Wineman]

Did the M1 really need the heavy application of grease that we give it today or was the grease a reaction to using the rifle in harsh conditions of water etc.? I know that AR's seem to function better when slathered in lubricant, but the common wisdom is that grease attracts dirt and grit (I use cast bullet wax lube on my bike chains). I have been to CMP matches where if a little is good, a lot is much better. I grease mine as instructed, so I'm not a hater, just curious. The CMP website mentions that the rifle was designed to operate with minimal lubrication, but the experience was that it needed more. I have never dragged a rifle through, surf, sand, muck, dirt, ash or any other stoppage material. Just inquisitive about what we accept as gospel and how it came about.

Dave

[old tanker]

I also use Lubriplate 630AA for riffle grease,

[Daan Kemp]

I also wondered about the minimal lubrication on AR type rifles. The only one I had always worked better with more than recommended gun oil. As to grit, dust, etc, regular cleaning has always been the solution.

[Orlando]

If you are slathering the garand in grease you are lubricating wrong...................