AK-47 oil and the firing pin

[JesterRock]

I've got a SAR-1, and I've heard that you should put a drop of oil in firing pin hole, and I've heard that you shouldn't. What is the correct way? Thanks!

 

[50 Shooter]

I wouldn't, dust, powder residue.. can build up and cause problems. Lube the areas that need it, that's not one of them. Check your owner's manual for the correct areas and use a good lube to keep your rifle running.

 

[herrwalther]

Most AK and clones use a 2 piece bolt to get to the firing pin for cleaning. Cosmoline and Vaseline, used by some as long term storage preservatives can gunk up the firing pin and cause some malfunctions such as hang and misfires. If your firing pin is working fine, there is no reason to use oil or lube on it, just wipe it off with a dry cloth.

I have had to SOAK the firing pin on a friend's NHM 91 because he thought Vaseline was the same as gun oil. The lube did not hurt the firing pin as the owner was far more dangerous.

 

[briansmithwins]

After a lot of shooting or after shooting corrosive ammo I break the bolt down for inspection and cleaning. Lightly oil everything afterwards.

I'm using a light oil and have never had problems with FTFire.

If you're using grease it would probably be a good idea leave it off the firing pin.

BSW

 

[Deus Machina]

If you break it down and clean it often, a light oil will only benefit it.
If you treat it like, well, an AK, leave it dry.

What I did is pull out the dry teflon or silicone lube from the garage. Something that was just teflon/silicone film in a solvent. Put a drop in, spread it, let it dry. No oil to collect residue, but it left it slicker than it was.

 

[Slamfire]

The only free floating firing pin I would liberally lubricate would be the one in my AR15 actions, because that action blows powder residue throughout the action, and wet is better. I am not concerned in an AR that the firing pin might get stuck out of the bolt face due to dried out lube because the AR15 positively cams the firing pin back and keeps it back until the lugs are engaged.

I know Ken Warner, the gunwriter, warned about a M1911 firing pin being stuck in the forward position due to dried out oils, he had a slamfire if my recollection is correct.

My advice would be to keep the firing pin and its channel clean and dry.