Why Oiling Your AR-15 Matters
Maintaining an AR-15 in peak operating condition is essential for its longevity and, most importantly, its reliable performance. At the heart of this maintenance is proper lubrication, a process that’s often overlooked but absolutely critical. This guide will delve into the how to oil an AR-15 process, ensuring you understand the critical steps for keeping your rifle functioning smoothly and effectively. This is more than just a guide; it’s a path to maximizing your AR-15’s lifespan and enjoying its optimal performance.
The AR-15, a marvel of engineering, relies on a complex interplay of moving parts. These parts, when in contact with each other under the immense pressures generated during firing, are subject to significant wear and tear. The role of oil is to mitigate this, serving as a crucial buffer to several critical functions that directly impact your firearm’s functionality and life expectancy.
First and foremost, lubrication is a key defense against friction and wear. Think of the bolt carrier group, constantly reciprocating within the upper receiver. Without oil, metal grinds against metal, leading to accelerated wear, increased chances of malfunctions, and, ultimately, a diminished lifespan for your rifle. Oil minimizes this friction, allowing for smoother operation and reducing the stress on critical components.
Next, consider the threat of corrosion. Moisture, humidity, and even your own handling can introduce elements that lead to rust and corrosion. These processes can wreak havoc on the finely-tuned mechanisms of your AR-15, leading to operational issues and a deterioration of the metal. Oil forms a protective barrier against these corrosive agents, preventing rust and ensuring the continued integrity of your weapon.
The heat generated during firing is another significant challenge. Each shot produces intense heat, and this heat must be dissipated. Oil assists in heat dissipation, absorbing some of the heat and helping to keep the operating temperature of the rifle within acceptable limits. This is especially important during sustained fire, where the build-up of heat can lead to malfunctions or damage.
Finally, and perhaps most critically, proper lubrication ensures reliable operation. Without lubrication, the AR-15 is prone to malfunctions, such as failure to feed, failure to extract, or failure to eject. These stoppages can be critical in a defensive scenario or frustrating during recreational shooting. Correctly lubricating your rifle reduces the chances of these issues and ensures a smooth, consistent performance, every time you pull the trigger. Therefore, understanding how to oil an AR-15 is an investment in its performance and reliability.
The Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before starting, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. This will streamline the process and make it far more effective. Here’s a list:
Gun Oil: This is the most critical component. Choose a high-quality gun oil specifically designed for firearms. There are many options available, and some brands are better suited for specific environments or applications. Look for oils that offer excellent lubrication properties, corrosion resistance, and the ability to handle high temperatures. Some popular brands include Ballistol, Hoppe’s, and Lucas Extreme Duty. Consider the climate and usage of your AR-15 when selecting a product; heavier oils might be suitable for hot environments, while lighter oils may perform better in colder climates.
Cleaning Brushes: You’ll need a variety of brushes to reach all areas of your rifle. A nylon bore brush is essential for cleaning the barrel. Other brushes, such as a toothbrush-style brush and smaller detail brushes, are useful for cleaning the bolt carrier group and other hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning Patches or Lint-Free Cloths: These are crucial for wiping away excess oil and removing debris. Cotton patches are traditional and effective for bore cleaning. Lint-free cloths are ideal for cleaning the bolt carrier group and other sensitive components to prevent any microscopic debris from being trapped.
Cleaning Rod: A cleaning rod with a patch holder is helpful for cleaning the bore. While a bore snake is an alternative, a cleaning rod allows for more thorough cleaning and provides better control, especially when removing stubborn fouling.
Shop Towels or a Work Surface: This helps to protect your work surface and catch any drips of oil or solvent. Lay down a shop towel or a designated workspace to keep everything clean and organized.
(Optional) Bore Snake or Bore Brush: These tools aid in cleaning the barrel but are not essential for how to oil an AR-15.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Oiling Your AR-15
Now, let’s dive into the practical steps of how to oil an AR-15, ensuring you can maintain your rifle effectively. Remember to perform this in a well-ventilated area.
Prioritizing Safety
Always prioritize safety. Before handling your AR-15, it’s essential to confirm it’s completely unloaded and safe.
Ensuring it’s Unloaded: Open the action and visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well. Ensure there is no ammunition present.
Checking the Muzzle: Point the muzzle in a safe direction, away from yourself and any other people. This is paramount throughout the entire process.
A Minimal Disassembly
For effective oiling, you don’t need to completely disassemble your AR-15. The goal is to expose the key areas that require lubrication, and this can be achieved with minimal field stripping.
Separating the Upper and Lower Receivers: Push out the rear takedown pin to separate the upper and lower receiver.
Removing the Bolt Carrier Group: Pull the charging handle back to the rear, and then remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) from the upper receiver. This gives you direct access to the heart of your rifle’s operating mechanism.
Lubricating the Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is the engine of your AR-15. It houses the bolt, which performs the critical functions of locking, unlocking, extracting, and ejecting spent casings. Properly lubricating this assembly is vital.
Oiling the Bolt: Apply a few drops of gun oil to the bolt itself. Focus on areas like the extractor, the ejector, and the locking lugs. Ensure the oil penetrates into the crevices, allowing the components to function smoothly.
Lubricating the Bolt Carrier: Generously apply oil to the inside and outside of the bolt carrier. The inside surface is where the bolt slides during cycling, and the outside interacts with the upper receiver.
Oil the Gas Rings: A small amount of oil here is enough to maintain proper sealing during the firing cycle.
Reassembling the BCG: After oiling, reassemble the bolt carrier group.
Oiling the Upper Receiver
The upper receiver houses the bolt carrier group and the barrel. Lubricating certain parts of the upper receiver helps in the smooth movement of the BCG and minimizes friction.
The Charging Handle: Lightly oil the charging handle where it slides in the upper receiver. This ensures smooth and easy charging of the weapon.
The Rails of the Upper Receiver: Apply a thin film of oil to the internal rails of the upper receiver where the bolt carrier group slides. This dramatically reduces friction and enhances reliability.
The Cam Pin Channel: A drop or two of oil here is important to prevent friction and wear as the cam pin rotates.
Oiling the Lower Receiver
The lower receiver houses the trigger mechanism, the buffer, and the buffer spring.
Buffer and Buffer Spring: Apply a small amount of oil to the buffer and the buffer spring. This will smooth the cycling of the action.
Trigger and Hammer Contact Points: Add a small amount of oil to the trigger and hammer contact points. This ensures a crisp trigger pull and reliable firing.
Optional Lubrication: For some users, it’s beneficial to lightly oil the magazine release, safety selector, and bolt catch, but this is not always necessary.
Reassembly and Function Check
Once all the components are oiled, the next step is to reassemble the rifle and check its functionality.
Reassembling the Rifle: Reassemble the upper and lower receivers. Slide the BCG back into the upper receiver. Reinstall the charging handle. Close the upper and lower receivers by inserting the takedown pin.
Performing a Function Check: Cycle the charging handle and ensure the bolt locks back on the open position. Next, dry fire the rifle if it is safe to do so and as permitted by your safety protocols. Cycle the action several times, manually charging and releasing the bolt, to verify that all the lubricated components are moving freely and smoothly. This step tests to ensure your AR-15’s action is functioning properly.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your AR-15 isn’t just about oiling; it is about a consistent and diligent cleaning and maintenance routine.
Frequency of Oiling: The frequency of oiling depends on the use of your AR-15. For light use, lubricating the rifle every few hundred rounds might suffice. For heavier use, such as competitive shooting or tactical applications, oiling should be more frequent. After shooting, it is highly recommended to oil your rifle.
Cleaning After Firing: After each shooting session, you should thoroughly clean your AR-15 to remove carbon buildup and other fouling. This typically involves using a bore brush and solvent to clean the barrel, and cleaning the bolt carrier group.
Storage: When storing your AR-15 for extended periods, make sure it’s clean and properly lubricated. Store it in a gun safe or secure location, and consider applying a light coat of oil to the external surfaces for added protection against corrosion. Make sure to inspect your firearm periodically for any signs of rust or corrosion.
Troubleshooting: If you experience any issues, such as failure to feed or extract, start by checking your lubrication. Make sure all the components are properly oiled and that the rifle is clean. If problems persist, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Conclusion
How to oil an AR-15 correctly isn’t just a mechanical process; it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible firearm ownership. Regular lubrication is critical for the smooth, reliable operation of your rifle. Remember that every step, from selecting the right oil to applying it correctly, contributes to the overall performance and longevity of your AR-15. By understanding the how to oil an AR-15 process and dedicating time to it, you can ensure that your AR-15 is performing at its best for years to come.
For those who have questions or want to share their tips, please leave them in the comments section.
