Cold weather shooting with AR ....need tips!

R

Runt

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Hello,

Been doing a bitt of - 30 C shooting lately with my modified Stag10 and noticed it having the odd issue when i let the charging handle fly. Strips the round and loads it up but has an issue closing the bolt fully. Only issue I have had yet with this rifle, figured it was the cold. Perhaps the CLP becomes to viscous at this temperature creating too much drag? when I drop the mag & let the charging handle fly again the BCG goes into battery with no issues. Goes bang till she's empty after that. So any of you have any tips for shooting AR's in these colder temperatures?
 
I read somewhere that it’s best to clean all the normal to warm temperature compatible lube out of your AR and either go with no lube or dry graphite based lube in extreme cold.

However, the dry graphite can also gum up a rifle if there is any other sludge or lube present.

You’re right that normal CLP and Froglube etc may gum up and slow down the bolt.

I know I like running my AR fairly wet but I don’t live nor shoot in sub-zero temps either.
 
I have some hoppes in a spray bottle that is the perfect viscosity for cold weather. Not sure what it is off the top of my head but i will update when I get out and have a look. Worked for my XCR, as well as my bro’s Tavor in -25.
 
g96 .

Shot my DPMS LR-308 at sub -30 in the B.C. peace region. No problem with this lube/metal conditioner. In warmer than -30 I also use 0w40 shell roteilla diesel oil in the high wear points. Worked great in my truck too even when we hit sub -50. At below -30 I would stick with only G96. It works well and makes the surfaces very slick. Carbon wipes off. Cleaning after is a snap.
 
+1 for the G96

I had issue you are having with my Modern Hunter when I was using fireclean. Switched to G96 and no issues at -15, the coldest I’ve tried so far. Fireclean is great by the way, just not for sub zero conditions.
 
Been shooting AR for a few years now in the cold and have never had an issue with Rem-oil.
Thicker oils “gum” up!
 
I was out of lube one day, then I remembered that left over 5W20 from my last oil change. I spent a moment considering what engine oil has to contend with, and concluded that trying to remember to pick up some miniscule quantity of some lube with a cool name wasn't worth the effort. I haven't looked back since, works like a charm, dirt just wipes off the bolt and carrier. The action runs so smooth it makes a Tikka feel like it's filled with sand. As for -30, can't say for certain, but I was out the other day at about -20 and it didn't feel sluggish, or sticky.
 
As has been stated already, lubrication and freezing temperatures do not go well together. If you want to shoot much below freezing, for reliability you need to run your gun dry. One of the several reasons I don't shoot much in January and February, most of the others involve the local roads and the rest simple comfort.
 
When I was in the Army we would clean our C7 bone dry then apply powdered graphite. They ran fine, but I don't know how many of us have that much powdered graphite around... Made a heckuva mess too!
 
Chatrbaz84 said:
buy a winter rifle , M14
non gas piston semi auto in winter , never jam
Click to expand...

No jamming. Issue is initially letting the bolt fly to strip a round off a fresh mag. I think the CLP is too vicious at cold temperatures slowing down the bolt. Chambers a round but does not let the bolt lock up. Once fired...no issues.
 
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