Mini-14: grease or oil

[briansmithwins]

For best relaibility in dusty conditions should I use grease or oil on the external track, locking lugs, and hammer of a Mni-14?

Yes, I read the manual and know it calls for lightly oiling those parts. But what does Ruger know?

BSW

 

[ball3006]

Ruger made the gun so they should know what is best to care for their guns. If you know more than Ruger about what is best for their products, why aren't you working for them now? chris3

 

[RaceM]

I use a light sewing machine oil. As for the cocking handle track I either run that dry or very lightly oiled (what's left in the rag from wiping down parts). Same for the lugs. Internals are lightly oiled, but for real dusty conditions I might opt for a graphite lube. I've never tried skull dragging one through the sandbox, but I have carried one through all manner of wet and slop while hunting with no problems.

 

[briansmithwins]

Ruger made the gun so they should know what is best to care for their guns. If you know more than Ruger about what is best for their products, why aren't you working for them now? chris3

If you google search this question you'll find a lot of people arguing that since the Mini resembles a M14 you should grease the Mini the same way.

BSW

 

[1KPerDay]

IMO doesn't really matter. The gun is so overgassed it'll run fine dry. I use a bit of grease, like on the M1 Carbine on which the mechanism is based, and the M14 on which the looks are based.

 

[stubbicatt]

How about both?

I sometimes will dip my oil or grease applicator (a horsehair solder flux brush) in a bottle of 5w30 synthetic motor oil, then dip it in the jar of grease to sort of make a slurry, and apply that to pistol slides, and rifle bolt carrier tracks etc. It seems to work really well, and doesn't run off or drip.

FWIW.

 

[dprice3844444]

want a thick oil,try stp

 

[Roadking Rider]

If it slides I put a very light coat of grease on it using a 1/4 paint brush so as to apply it evenly. If it rotates I use a drop of oil. Mini 14's are pretty durable ,especially the newer ones, so it probably doesn't make a whole lot of difference if you just use oil. I just choose to lube it the same as I do my M1 Garand.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

high temp lithium wheelbearing grease. works on everything, stays in place.

 

[Speedgoat]

KY? I like to shoot my Mini 14, not take it to the bedroom!


My joke being made, I like the Shooter's Choice that comes in a syringe. Easy to apply halfway cleanly.

 

[briansmithwins]

So, as of 8:30 the votes are evenly split at 10 and 10.

Anyone change their decision if the rifle is being used around lots of fine dust? Around mud?

BSW

 

[1KPerDay]

Yeah, I would. I'd run a light oil and keep a bottle handy to hose it down.

 

[Dr.Rob]

CLP, works great.