AK47 lubrication - grease or oil?

[gunsrfun1]

Is there a general consensus or rule of thumb on whether to use grease or oil on the bolt carrier, bolt, and rails of an AK 47. I understand that oil is used on various pins, etc., but I am wondering about these three areas. Reason I ask is that I have heard both answers, but I normally use grease on these three areas of my other milsurp items. However, two reasons I was given for oil on AKs in these areas is to not to gum things up, and that AKs should be run more on the dry side. Thanks

 

[Carl N. Brown]

don't say its necessarily right, but it's what I do:

I use a q-tip and CLP to paint the receiver rails that the bolt carrier rides on and the angled slot in the bolt carrier the bolt turning lug engages. Other than a light coat of oil left after cleaning powder residue off the internal parts, that's it for my Kalashnikov. (About the same on my m1 carbine: any part directly exposed to hot gas or powder residue is relatively dry, metal on metal bearing surfaces behind the firing chamber and bolthead area get some lub, the angled slot in the cocking handle and the turning lug on the bolt get a light coating of a thick oil.) Parkerised finished parts get wiped with oil and wiped dry.

 

[fireman 9731]

If it slides use grease, if it pivots use oil.

Thats what I go by.

 

[nathan]

I ve used both and it works. It doesnt matter, AKs are not finicky. It keeps chugging along.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Oil is just fine. IMO

Heavy grease can hold dirt / sand / etc. very well.

 

[451 Detonics]

Mobil 1

 

[memphisjim]

Sand

 

[nathan]

I bought a spray can of that white lithium lubricant at Autozone and last me a long time.I even use it on my Garand and works just as good.

 

[AR27]

the best lubricant for any firearm in my opinion is SLIP 2000 EWL

 

[zhyla]

Sand

Sand if it slides, mud if it pivots .

 

[Hizzie]

Tetra grease.

 

[wally]

I ve used both and it works. It doesnt matter, AKs are not finicky. It keeps chugging along.

Ditto. I enjoy getting to neglect my Aks, its a large part of their charm