One of the representatives from Slip 2000 (www.slip2000.com) provided me with some samples of his product at the SHOT show this January. Slip 2000 Extreme Weapons Lube (EWL) is a clear, nearly odorless, non-toxic, non-hazardous, full-synthetic, relatively light-viscosity cleaner, lubricant and protectant. It was originally designed for automatic weapons and crew-served machine-guns.

It is highly penetrative, which allows it to immerse the micro pores of the metal especially when warm. This means it can be used in dusty or sandy conditions as a dry to the touch lubricant, while still providing excellent anti-wear properties.

While most of us who routinely use lubrication prefer to see and feel a light film on our firearms and there is no reason not to do so under most circumstances (except that it collects dirt and fouling. -Editor), Slip 2000 EWL's ability to allow a firearm to run dry to the touch is a boon to those who find themselves in desert or icy conditions.

It has an operational temperature range of -100F to +1,250F without particulates, so it does not need to be shaken before use, as does Break Free, the standard U.S. military lubricant. Slip 2000 will not gum-up or harden, as it is mineral oil, petroleum distillate, Teflon and silicone free. It is also biodegradable.

Simply clean your firearm with a small amount of the EWL and it will remove older lubricants. It is claimed to reduce copper, lead and powder fouling in barrels. My admittedly limited testing indicates that this is true. It does seem to leave a slickness to the barrel interior that makes successive cleanings much easier to accomplish, without nasty or harmful odors requiring a well-ventilated area.

It has been used by FN, H&K, Colt, Bushmaster, Beretta, SIG-Sauer and many Federal law enforcement agencies. If used correctly, in my particular application on a SIG P229, it will greatly reduce wear of the hard-anodized receiver rails due to slide motion, as well as protect against MIL-STD corrosion tests.

I will advise the readership that a little goes a long way when using this Slip 2000 EWL. It has largely replaced the company�s earlier gun lube, but for more anti wear properties it is also offered as a 30-weight oil, as well as a grease, to perhaps extend the time before requiring replenishment/replacement under very severe conditions.

One other example is somewhat illustrative of Slip 2000 EWL's lubricating properties. I placed a very small drop onto my index finger and rubbed it with my thumb. Minutes later, after the material had absorbed into my skin, the surfaces were still very slick feeling with markedly less friction than skin alone, very similar to a very high quality moisturizing lotion containing lanolin.

It would be an excellent general-purpose lubricant around the house and your better half will probably appreciate the lack of odor. It is available in four ounce squeeze bottles, up to one-gallon jugs for bulk usage or with ultrasonic cleaners. The USMC has recently extended a contract for purchase for EWL in ultrasonic cleaners to the company, so they are apparently well satisfied. The Company also markets a variety of specialized cleaners, including one designed specifically for black powder users.