Review: PrOlix TGCP
A friend of mine sent me some lubricant and some cleaner to try out, saying that they were nonpetroleum based and biodegradable. I’ve had a few weeks of gun cleaning under my belt with PrOlix now, and it definitely works for me.
PrOlix lubricants are designed to clean, lubricate, and preserve firearms using a nonabrasive, non-acidic formula. It is a unique formulation. It is thin enough to be sprayed from a bottle, which is mostly from where I used it.
When I got the product, I assumed it was a type of suspension and its behavior would be similar. That is, the material that has the lubricant property is suspended in a liquid that has solvent-like properties, which allows the material to distribute evenly. However, suspensions eventually separate on the shelf, and this product does not.
The manufacturer claims that it creates a microscopic barrier, after "floating" the dirt and contaminants on the surface of the firearm away. It's a light blue color when it goes on the surface of the firearm, but the blue part doesn't seem to wipe off when a patch is run down the barrel.
I'm a little skeptical about this type of product. I brought a magnifying glass to the range to observe how it worked on the surface of my guns. Later, I had a good look under a microscope after shooting and cleaning. It did retain a surface of lubricant, even in higher temperatures. It also did a great job removing fouling from the gun. I didn’t see anything that “picked up and floated” contaminants off the surface of my firearms, but this stuff cleaned my guns and kept them running. Funny, PrOlix, when applied correctly, feels dry to the touch.
Lubricants are relatively inexpensive, and therefore I am always being solicited to test them. The fact is, I get dozens of unsolicited packages per year with an enthusiastic, “try this stuff and write about it” letter. I maintain a closet full of lubricant samples so when I get them , I don’t get very excited.
PrOlix does do what it says it does, except one thing: The manufacturer says it has a “pleasant smell”. Yes, it does have a slight citrus odor. No, it is not offensive at all. In fact, I was able to spread some towels on the living room floor and watch iZombie while cleaning guns instead of having to move to the garage. This is progress, but the smell does not compel me to use it as cologne or to freshen footwear.
From my next series of tests, I gave PrOlix a run for its money. I took my black powder pistol shooting. When everything around me was covered in soot, I broke out the PrOlix and sprayed my gun down. While that gun was soaking, I enjoyed a little semi auto action. I pour my own lead so I began with PrOlix pre-treated barrels.
Everything wiped clean. Everything ran well. PrOlix didn’t abandon the actions, even when the temperatures went to100 plus degrees. It definitely cleans, lubricates, and protects. I didn’t experience any build up or gumminess. PrOlix is good for all metals, but they recommend you test synthetic surfaces. It worked fine for my Glock, Henry, and Shield.
PrOlix doesn’t require a lot of product to work. I wiped down most of my guns and did not really make a dent in the 4oz bottle.
For slide contact areas and BCGs, I recommend PrOlix Xtra-T, which is the PrOlix version of gun grease. This has similar qualities to the standard product, except it is like a thin grease. Because it is also a dry lube, it’s a great thing to squeeze into auto door locks.
MSRP 4oz PrOlix TGCP w/pop up squirter cap is $9.99. 8oz is $16.99
Officer Lindsey Bertomen (ret.), Contributing Editor
Lindsey Bertomen is a retired police officer and retired military small arms trainer. He teaches criminal justice at Hartnell College in Salinas, California, where serves as a POST administrator and firearms instructor. He also teaches civilian firearms classes, enjoys fly fishing, martial arts, and mountain biking. His articles have appeared in print and online for over two decades.
