Best lube/grease for AR

Mike_R23A said:
CLP works fine, you just gotta keep putting it on. It's also good rust protection, finishing well in the 6mm forum test. Plus it's free in the army!

Marstar has a good price on CLP for those that buy it.
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Well you did get me thinking "i may have to have afew of the guys try grease and see how it fairs out"
 
I used less lube and a lighter lube (not grease) on guns in winter conditions. I wonder what the military uses in the winter or is their lube light enough for all conditions?
 
I think there is arctic weight oil in the system, but I've always used CLP in the winter with no problem.

Some people use snowmobile grease as well.
 
TDC said:
Any product that claims to do more than one chore, isn't doing any one of them very well.

TDC
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Agreed. However, since CLP is in the system, I apply liberally, and it is effective. I do mine, it does its job. There is no substitute for a thorough cleaning on a schedule.
 
I've heard lots of good things about TW25 grease. 4oz @ Brownells: $24.15 USD

Motomaster Wheel Bearing Grease. 7oz (200g) @ CT: about $5 CDN

Has anyone used both? Is it really worth 5x more for the TW25??
 
not sure what the viscosity is like on the wheel bearing grease- could be an issue when its to cold out might get abit sludgy and cause a jam (maybe?) For the amount that you use on the TW25 its worth it. Also I find that it makes cleaning the bolt much easier as the carbon doesnt stick as well. I use to use CLP but dont anymore unless its for cleaning only.
 
Maybe someone who has both on hand can chime in. Sometimes I add a drop or two of oil to the grease if I want a lighter consistency. Agree about the bolt cleaning (and cleaning in general), with grease you just wipe it off!
 
buy a mini tube of the TW25 (it lasts along time) and try some out. I dont think you need to "thin" it out.
 
CLP is/was a good enough lube when I used it (including winter use). BUT, it wasn't a very good CLEANER. When I was first starting out I got sucked in to the "cleaner, lubricant and protectant" all in one speil. As a result, I suffered a number of malfunctions (carbon buildup) because I relied on CLP to be a cleaner. Use a dedicated cleaner first, then CLP can be used as a lube.

The AR series is an "oil" rifle. You can use grease on some parts but be aware it can attract sand/etc., If you go this route use a grease that won't freeze up on you in winter-time (snow-mobile grease?). Best stay away from grease unless you're shooting one of the larger calibre (308 Winchester) AR's.
 
I've been using Breakfree CLP since the 80s. Never had a problem with any of my guns, never found the necessity to use grease on my ARs either. I guess it is each to their own when it comes to lube!:)
 
nza said:
Agreed. However, since CLP is in the system, I apply liberally, and it is effective. I do mine, it does its job. There is no substitute for a thorough cleaning on a schedule.
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You bring up some good points. A regular cleaning/maintenance schedule is essential. With any oil a very wet system is preferred. This method does not translate well to grease which is where most people have problems. Due to the natural tendency for oil to blow/burn/drip off you must run the system very wet. Grease stays where you put it and does not require much to be effective.

As for grease "attacting" grime, its a myth. Any wet surface will collect grime at a greater rate than a dry surface regardless of medium. Both oils and greases will accumulate dirt and grime. Neither will actively "attract" dirt and grime.

TDC
 
You can actually run an AR completely dry - all you need is a Fail Zero upper receiver and bolt / carrier group.

I think this is the final piece of the puzzle for hard use AR.
 
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