Drywall and Paint Primer

[pioneergal]

The drywall guys should be finished on Tuesday so we hope to start priming and painting next weekend.

A friend gave us 3 gal. of oil based primer but another friend said we should not use oil based.
I like my friend  a lot..... he does great ribs on the BBQ but I'm not so sure about his carpentry / painting knowledge.

So, since I really trust the judgment of those on this great forum I decided to come here for advise.

Should I use the oil based or not?

[Redoverfarm]

I had always been told that it is OK to use oil based primer and latex top coat.  It is not OK to use latex over oil based paint.  The primer in oil base is not a high gloss finish allowing the latex to bond. Just the opposite for the paint though. 

Maybe this will ease your mind

http://www.homeabc.net/Decorating-Remodeling/1284-2-Decorating-Remodeling.html

[Rover]

I checked with my wife, who works for Benjamin Moore. 
Latex primer is best for new drywall because it penetrates and binds the paper and gypsum.  The oil primer doesn't sink in very much.

FYI, oil based primers could be used for new plaster and should be used for new wood, where you don't need it to penetrate.  Water based primer wets the wood too much. 
Oil based primers are perfect for those plaster type ceiling finishes because it gives a quick surface priming.  Latex primers tend to wet the plaster and it loosens from the substrate.

[pioneergal]

Thanks Redover and Rover!

Your information was very helpful and we plan to begin priming the walls and ceilings on Friday.