Handgun magazines - Lube or No Lube?

[CCWKen]

Quick question on handgun magazines-- Do any of you lube the magazine?

The newly purchased S&W Shield came with two mags and both are extremely stiff and hard to load. I didn't want to oil them and make them dirt magnets so I pulled one apart and "greased" the spring and follower with thread lube. (This thread lube is a modified bees wax used to lubricate heavy sewing thread/cord for upholstery or leather.) It's not a grease per say but rather a softened wax that stays where you put it. And no, it's not flakey or wet.

The waxed magazine works and loads great now but I'm wondering what you guys do. I suspect they would loosen up with use but that only means wear to me.

 

[bigtiller]

I use a spray-on dry lube from Liquid Wrench. Or if you don't mind silicone, Walmart sells some. Other brands use graphite in their sprays.

 

[jeff9366]

Graphite is hygroscopic. It attracts moisture. Be cautious.

I once used spray graphic on Lower Link pins, but the zinc-chromate coated pins rusted on implements stored outside.


I use Carnauba Wax on my magazines.

 

[CCWKen]

Yeah thanks, I may look into the dry lube spray. That's basically what the thread lube does. I'm not to keen on silicone since I have a paint booth. Silicone spray droplets can travel hundreds of feet and ruin a paint job. It's also like a virus. It travels by touch. Nasty stuff. I don't allow it in my shop. The graphite is kind of messy too. After some searching, I see that some use carnauba car wax. I have that too!

Edit: Thanks Jeff. I didn't see your post before starting my typing. I'll try that on the other magazine. I've got two more on order to try too.

 

[dodge man]

I never lube mine.

 

[jack707]

I spray mine and then wipe it down with a rag.

 

[SPYDERLK]

MILITEC-1(R) Firearms Lubricant

 

[Jeff F.]

I use Remington Dry Lube. It doesn't attract dirt.

 

[kenmac]

I lightly lube the outside of mine, and wipe off. New mag. springs will be stiff... Buy a loader assist. I have this one

Amazon.com : Maglula UpLULA Magazine Speed Loader 9mm-.45 ACP UP6B : Gun Magazine Loaders : Sports & Outdoors

 

[cqaigy2]

I've never lubed mine, but the wax sounds like it should do fine.