Lubricating My AR

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SkinnyGrey

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I have an S&W M&P 15. I have noticed that if I don't lubricate it often I have some cycling problems. I cleaned and oiled it about a month ago and then when I tried firing it the a month later it started short stroking. Then I oiled it and it worked fine. How often should I lube it? Does lube tend to dry up over the course of a few weeks?
 
How it's running will guide you as to how often to lubricate it. Also many are a bit tight when new and loosen up with some use.

Some lubes do dry up, but most commonly if you're using oil (which is generally the choice for an AR) and you store the rifle vertically sitting on the buttstock, a lot of that oil drains out of the action and into the buffer tube where it does no good. One option is to store it lying on its side, if that's an option (won't fit that way in most safes!). Another is simply to lube it prior to each use.

There are some lubes that don't dry up or run off, and the debate of what's good and what isn't is one of those typically running, never-ending forum debates.

My personal approach, which is worth what you paid for it, is to coat all metal parts first with Boeshield T-9, primarily as a protectant but also as a backup lube, and then after it dries oil all the moving surfaces. But I don't know if this actually works better than using the oil by itself.
 
I only use CLP. I like it, it works great for me, never had any issues.

By the way, if you do a search, you should find a half dozen threads on this topic.
 
I clean and lube after every range session, and when I get to the range I dump some oil in again. My ARs love to run wet.
 
I only use CLP. I like it, it works great for me, never had any issues.

By the way, if you do a search, you should find a half dozen threads on this topic.

+1 & +1

My rifle requires a periodic drizzle of CLP for proper function.
 
use a better lube like slip2000 ewl or machinegunners lube and it will stay put longer. or use a cheap lube more often.
 
If it is new, run it wet for the first 200 or so rounds. Clean and lub it as normal, and it will run fine.
 
mine run fine when wet,
I most likely over lube everything but everything works, so I'm good
 
If it comes out to play, it gets some lubrication.

A short spritz of Break Free (CLP) into the open chamber will do it right every time.
 
<edited>

but its true. theres a reason the old military joke was to get you load up your rifle with a BIG snort of CLP then pop off a round. nothing like warm CLP to the face...but no one's bitter! :)

in all seriousness though, M4's are meant to be run wet. it helps with most every facet of operation. it seals, it glides, it reduces the friction. it helps with extraction, it shines, it buffs, it stops rust, gout, and the occasional bout of the flu.
 
Now, in the desert, she is a nasty b, and must be kept bone dry (why Mil 1, mil spec etc.)

BUT

Once you start shooting you have to get her wet fast or you run into huge problems :)
<edited>
 
Try some different ammo (what you have could be underpowered), try a Magpul PMAG magazine, and also check that the gas key on top of the bolt carrier isn't loose, as a loose key can cause short stroking. If it is fine, I would shoot the rifle a bit with the different ammo and mag and see if the problem goes away. AR's like to be well lubricated, particularly when dirty, but a clean one should be able to run fine dry for a while even if the lube were completely gone.

As far as oils, for an oil that will stay put and not evaporate, Mobil 1 10w30 (or 5w30) synthetic has worked very well for me. Just don't use it for exterior corrosion protection, because the film is thick, slippery, and persistent.
 
A quart every 3 mags -IT'S NOT AN AK!
Those are 20 round mags, not 30's. If you use 30's get out a calculator or get some training . . .

I tried CLP and RemOil, have moved on from that. I don't like the invisible stuff I can't see.
 
I use Mobil 1 10w30

That's what I do. I originally did it until I could get out and buy some of the more highly recommended stuff. I had Mobil 1 laying around since I use it exclusively in my bored, stroked and blown mustang. I figured if it was good enough for that big pile of aluminum, steel and money...then surely it will be fine in my AR which is made of similar components.

Well it ran fine so I haven't bothered using anything else. I don't live in the desert, I'm not going to war...so Mobil 1 works for me.

I have since bought some CLP. I plan on using it after cleaning when I store it and keep the weapon readied for home defense. I hear it sticks better, as most (not all) of the mobil 1 ends up in the buffer tube due to vertical storage. If CLP does the same thing, well I'll continue using mobil 1 since it works, it's cheaper and I already have a ton of the stuff lying around. But if I didn't depend on the weapon for home defense or if it never saw gritty desert duty then I see no reason why mobile 1 couldn't be used if you keep it wet. Works for me, YMMV.
 
I clean and lube after every range session, and when I get to the range I dump some oil in again. My ARs love to run wet.

Ditto! I clean my gun every time even if I only shoot 100-200 rounds.

I Don't know if its my OCD kicking in or because im Bored and like Tearing my gun apart. But I lube mine all the way down to the extractor spring after every trip. And like I said. Some times im bored and do it just for fun :)

--Chris
 
CLP does dry/evaporate relatively quickly. For me I need to relube about every three weeks. That is here in the Pacific NW. CLP is fine for me.
 
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