[RetiredNSmilin308]

I did some research into the proper way to put all of the original GI buttstock cleaning gear into the two holes in the stock and did it the way most said it should be done.

I found there is an issue with it.

This morning I was transferring the stuff from one buttstock to another and discovered the greaser / oiler had been crushed for some weird reason.USN3

Please understand, this rifle was not banged around at all. Just normal use going to and from the range and being put in the safe. That is it.

Anyway it looks like I have to discontinue use of the now wrecked oiler / greaser and use a small bag full of patches in its place.USN4

Kinda sad, because the original way I had set it up was to eliminate battle rattle as told by those that humped these for a living.USN4

Does anyone know if they make these out of steel or brass?

 

[M14]

Just get a replacement oiler. Also, the oil or grease may be deteriorating the plastic. I had mine filled with Breakfree CLP. After a few years of use I pulled out of the stock and the oiler had an S curve to it.

 

[brianns]

Check Fulton Armory. I thought I saw a variety of containers. I can't remember if they were various materials but it's worth a look in the Garand and M14 sections, maybe look in the 1903 section too.

 

[Col. Colt]

Perhaps for long term use in the GI Plastic Oiler, it might be wise to load it with USGI Lubricant/Grease! It should have been designed and chemically tested to hold THEM, very long term.

So get a can of LSA (Lubricant, Small Arms as I recall) and some GI brown Plastilube (or Lubriplate 130) and replace your oiler with another GI one. Should be good to go for many years.

Unless someone has direct, actual experience with another lube that has caused no deterioration of a GI Oiler in years of storage - if you do, sing out, guys. CC

 

[GardenValley]

Doesn't look to me that it was crushed or that it was affected by the oil and grease Looks more like the cap was tightened too tightly and the top broke off. An original GI lubricant case won't do that. My guess is that you have one of the Chinese copies that have flooded the market and it is the typical poor quality you can expect from these. Get original GI components and you won't have this problem.

 

[KurtC]

Keeping lube in your butt only invites trouble. RNGR3

There are better things to store in there then the GI cleaning kit. Such as:

USGI Combo tool
Broken shell extractor
Clean Piston
Spare Extractor
Rear aperature (if you slide yours out when a scope is mounted)
Boresnake

If you do want a period correct kit, do as Lysander says and make sure they are USGI. The stuff that SAI and others sell is junk.

 

[RetiredNSmilin308]

It has been too long for me to remember if the oiler / greaser was GI or not. Most probably not.

I think I will follow Kurt's advice. I know of a few tubes that will fit in there just fine.

BTW, I DID use USGI grease, but think it was probably the el cheapo container that was the problem.

Thank you all.

RNS

 

[Albud3]

I agree with GardenValley that you have a ChiCom copy of the USGI oiler. The USGI oiler is made of an older type plastic that is stronger and thicker than the copies. The problem is finding an oiler that is truly USGI, even from reputable sellers. I checked Bill Ricca's site: www.billricca.com. for one but they're offered only in complete cleaning kits.

My first M1A was purchased from a gunsmith that built it as a NM in 1982 and included a complete cleaning kit from parts he had in wrap or boxes. Around 2002, I picked up a spare kit that was USGI except for the oiler which has a totally different look and feel. If you see and feel the two side by side you'll never get a copy again.
Good luck on your search for a USGI oiler. Maybe KurtC's suggestion of spare parts in its place would work as well.

 

[RetiredNSmilin308]

I agree with GardenValley that you have a ChiCom copy of the USGI oiler. The USGI oiler is made of an older type plastic that is stronger and thicker than the copies. The problem is finding an oiler that is truly USGI, even from reputable sellers. I checked Bill Ricca's site: www.billricca.com. for one but they're offered only in complete cleaning kits.

My first M1A was purchased from a gunsmith that built it as a NM in 1982 and included a complete cleaning kit from parts he had in wrap or boxes. Around 2002, I picked up a spare kit that was USGI except for the oiler which has a totally different look and feel. If you see and feel the two side by side you'll never get a copy again.
Good luck on your search for a USGI oiler. Maybe KurtC's suggestion of spare parts in its place would work as well.

Thanks. I don't think I will concern myself with it anymore.

If the Zombies / Red Dawn situation arrives, I have a place in my vest for cleaning gear.

If at the range, I have a place in my range box for cleaning gear.

If at home, I have a whole drawer in my tool chest dedicated to cleaning gear.

I think I will just stick a little USGI grease tub in the stock after the patches so it will buffer the grease tub and clear my mind of the issue.

That you all.