Why Lubrication Matters
Your AR-15 is a machine with metal components moving against each other at high speeds under extreme pressures. Without proper lubrication, these metal-to-metal contacts generate friction that causes accelerated wear, increased heat, and eventual component failure. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents corrosion, helps seal the gas system, and carries away carbon and debris. It is the single most important and most neglected aspect of firearm maintenance.
Types of Firearm Lubricants
CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant): All-in-one products like Break Free CLP are the military standard. CLPs do an adequate job at all three functions but don’t excel at any single one. They’re convenient for field maintenance and work well enough for most applications. If you want simplicity, a quality CLP applied generously is a solid approach.
Dedicated Oils: Products specifically designed for lubrication typically outperform CLPs in reducing friction and providing lasting protection. Oils like Slip 2000 EWL, Lucas Gun Oil, or Cherry Balmz offer superior lubricating properties and stay in place better under heat and sustained fire. For precision rifles and rifles that see heavy use, a dedicated oil is worth the extra step.
Grease: Grease stays where you put it and provides long-lasting lubrication on surfaces that experience sliding contact. The cam pin track in the upper receiver, the bolt carrier rails, and the charging handle channel all benefit from a light application of quality grease. Many competitive shooters and military armorers prefer grease on sliding surfaces because it doesn’t migrate or evaporate like oil.
Where to Lubricate Your AR-15
The bolt carrier group is the primary lubrication point. Apply oil or grease to the exterior of the bolt carrier where it contacts the upper receiver, the bolt cam pin and its track, the bolt itself where it enters the carrier, and the gas rings. A few drops of oil on the charging handle where it contacts the upper receiver is also beneficial.
The fire control group in the lower receiver benefits from a drop of oil on the hammer and trigger pins, the disconnector spring, and the safety selector detent. The buffer and buffer spring should receive a light coat of oil or grease where they contact each other and the buffer tube.
Don’t forget the barrel extension and the interior of the upper receiver where the carrier rides. These are high-friction areas that benefit greatly from proper lubrication.
Common Lubrication Mistakes
Running dry is the most common mistake. Many shooters clean their rifles and then fail to adequately re-lubricate. A clean, dry AR-15 will malfunction faster than a dirty, well-lubricated one. When in doubt, add more lubricant. The AR-15 system is remarkably tolerant of excess lubrication and remarkably intolerant of insufficient lubrication.
Using the wrong lubricant is another common error. WD-40 is not a firearm lubricant. It’s a water displacement formula that evaporates quickly and provides minimal lasting lubrication. Automotive motor oil can work in a pinch but isn’t formulated for the temperature extremes and carbon exposure inside a firearm. Use products designed for firearms.
Environmental Considerations
Your environment should influence your lubrication approach. In cold weather, heavy oils and greases can thicken and slow the action. Use lighter oils or cold-weather formulations below freezing. In dusty or sandy environments, excess external oil can attract abrasive particles. Apply lubrication more sparingly on exterior surfaces while maintaining internal lubrication. In humid or salt-air environments, increase your protective coating frequency to prevent corrosion.
The G2 Precision Recommendation
Every G2 Precision rifle ships properly lubricated and ready to fire. For ongoing maintenance, we recommend a quality dedicated lubricant applied generously to the bolt carrier group after every cleaning session. Run your rifle wet, clean it when accuracy degrades or after heavy use, re-lubricate thoroughly, and your G2 Precision rifle will serve you reliably for tens of thousands of rounds.
