Winterproofing an AR 10

Speaking of, I don't know if it's just break in or not but I used my Stag 10 for the first time at -15. Not that cold but I had a heck of a time getting it to chamber rounds properly. Going to give it a good cleaning and a light lube but does anyone have any ideas why? It cycles fine but that first round is always a prick.

I built it from one of the blem Stag sets from Arms East, not a full rifle, so no going back to manufacturer for questions.

Mine did the same thing, it was the extractor not wanting to open up when cold. Took it apart and found a rubber o ring that is commonly added for more tension. Took it out and chambering the first round is easy hot or cold. Your buffer spring will be fine.
 
I am testing some stuff I actually picked up at Canadian Tire.

PL-100 from prolabs.

Seems to be from a small Canadian company.

I tried some on my woodstove hinges and handle and it lubed it up nicely and is still working so it definitely handles high heat....it's rated to minus 65 celcius.



I tried some for an afternoon of shooting in minus 12 with some wind gusts and some blowing snow.....7mm BAR and FNAR 308 both function flawlessly.

I squirted a few drops in bolt and inside slide worked action multiple times and wiped of excess. It appears to leave a very slippery "nano" film on metal parts.

I will be using BAR on late season hunt for Deer and Moose next week.

Will see how it works.
 
We were taught to use a graphite based lube for arctic ops during BMQ?
I know some people teach that in BMQ, but it's a great way to ruin a gun. Graphite isn't actually a lubricant, it's an abrasive. We bring it along just because it's in the system, but it's not really used. The main point with AR variant guns is that they dump all their hot wet carbon right into the action. So as long as the gun's firing, regular CLP lubricant will work. You just need to strip it afterwards. Moreso for avoiding melted ice and snow from re-freezing in nooks and crannies. Graphite won't prevent this freezing.
 
Mine did the same thing, it was the extractor not wanting to open up when cold. Took it apart and found a rubber o ring that is commonly added for more tension. Took it out and chambering the first round is easy hot or cold. Your buffer spring will be fine.

Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look for the o ring tonight. What bolt are you using? I'm running a cheapo Brownells NiB.
 
I am testing some stuff I actually picked up at Canadian Tire.

PL-100 from prolabs.

Seems to be from a small Canadian company.

I tried some on my woodstove hinges and handle and it lubed it up nicely and is still working so it definitely handles high heat....it's rated to minus 65 celcius.



I tried some for an afternoon of shooting in minus 12 with some wind gusts and some blowing snow.....7mm BAR and FNAR 308 both function flawlessly.

I squirted a few drops in bolt and inside slide worked action multiple times and wiped of excess. It appears to leave a very slippery "nano" film on metal parts.

I will be using BAR on late season hunt for Deer and Moose next week.

Will see how it works.

been using Prolab synthetic grease in my firearms for years now, it's great stuff.
 
Royco 308CA

ROYCO 308CA is a highly refined mineral oil based lubricating oil blended with modern additives for rust and corrosion inhibition and improved water displacing characteristics. It was developed for the lubrication and protection against corrosion of small arms and automatic weapons however, it may be used as a general-purpose lubricant in all applications where water displacement, water resistance, corrosion protection and/or low temperature performance is required. ROYCO 308CA is an excellent lubricant for locks, hinges, electric motors, chains, and fishing, hunting and camping equipment. For small engine storage, pour slowly into the throat of the carburetor until the engine stalls. The engine is now preserved internally and assures that no gums or corrosion will develop during storage and that valves will not stick during start-up. ROYCO 308CA is not recommended as a lubricant at temperatures below -70oF. For operation at extreme low temperatures ROYCO 363 is advised. ROYCO 308CA meets all requirements and is qualified to Federal Specification: MIL-PRF-32033, which supersedes and replaces VV-L-800C.

I've never had an issue with this oil for small arms, in any climate.
 
I agree with previous comments about removing the rubber o-ring. When shooting my stag at -35 it would not go into battery because the extractor was so stiff. I suspect the o-ring becomes hard as a rock at these temperatures... I am using the Brownells nitride bcg
 
This thread needs more winter hunting photos. Had the 338 fed out today.

JQrsL7R.jpg
 
Brownells nitride lol. Actually it looks quite well made.The extractor looks identical to a jp spare I picked up.

I actually had 2 stacked o rings on my extractor. A good scrub, some oil, and taking those out should really help out the feeding. Probably put one back in to try it out later but for now I'll go with it bare.
 
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