Looking for new personal defense skills delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the free PDN newsletter to get started today.
Don Edwards of Green Line Tactical demonstrates his rifle lubrication method. It’s quick and easy to keep your AR-15 running smoothly on the range … and anywhere you might need it.
WHAT TYPE OF OIL?
The inside of a rifle gets extremely hot when fired repeatedly, and a lot of carbon is blowing in there, so use the right type of oil — one that’s made for rifles. Several thin teflon- or silicon-based lubricants are on the market and are designed more for rust protection on the outside. They will burn off, blow away, and not last very long. Keep a bottle of high-quality rifle lube on hand as part of your defensive gear.
RIFLE LUBRICATION, CLEANING, OR BOTH?
If you clean your AR-15 but don’t lubricate it, it won’t run very well. After about one magazine of ammo, it will start getting sluggish and loaded with carbon. If you leave it dirty but keep it lubed with high-quality lube, it will run for a very long time.
DON’S RIFLE LUBRICATION PROCEDURE
1. Move the bolt forward.
2. Find the two small holes that are in the side of the bolt carrier and put a drop or two of oil inside each hole.
3. Using the thumb, pull back on the charging handle just enough to expose the locking lugs and put a couple drops of oil on them.
4. Turn the rifle on its side, exposing the magazine well. Do the same thing with the thumb, hold it open, and put a couple drops of oil on the locking lugs from this angle.
5. Also put two drops on the bottom shiny friction surface of the bolt carrier itself.
6. Turn the rifle right side up, lock the bolt to the rear and leave the charging handle open. Put two drops there on the charging handle and smear them around with your finger. That will keep the charging handle slick too.
7. Work the oil in by moving the charging handle back and forth a few times.
That’s all you need to do to take a rifle that’s acting sluggish on the range during rifle training or practice and get it back in the game.
Sign up for the free PDN newsletter to find the latest personal defense tips and techniques right in your inbox.
OTHER NOTES
Be careful how much oil you put on your rifle. If you overlube it, though it doesn’t hurt the rifle, the oil will fly up into your face during a string of fire and you’ll need to stop and clean your glasses before continuing.
what is everyone's thoughts on using gun oil as lube?
I use this process. I'm kinda anal about carbon build-up, so I also use a carbon remover first. My AR loves me!
I've been using synthetic oil for years to lube my AR's .