Noticed how you stoped the hammer from slapping forward when the gun was broke down. I made that mistake a couple of times. I stoped when I learned not to let that happen. You can learn a lot from someone who knows what they are doing just by watching them. Great vid.
You say people tend to over clean their AR's. I am one of those people. I do so only because I clean it when I am bored and have nothing else to do, which is around midnight and the family is sleeping. Lol.
Great info Reid. I've been using wheel bearing grease on my M1 for years and always wondered why everyone said to oil the ar15. I was taught- if it slides use grease. If it turns use oil.
Thanks Reid for the tip on High Temp Bearing Grease. I am picking up a can today. I have been running my bolt with Mobil 1 5/30 synthetic and Mobil ! synthetic trans fluid mixed 4 pts oil 1 part tranney. It keeps the grit/carbon suspended and makes clean up a breeze. I tried every brand of traditional "gun oil" but my AR's were cooking it off. I always shoot my Colt AR's well oiled with my mix and at year 10 their is no appreciable wear Thanks again for making great videos.
I've been using high temp axle grease on my rifles every since i saw this video a year ago and i've not had any issues since. THE BEST tip in this video. trust me.
I'm going to pick up a tub tomorrow. Mobil 1 motor oil works great for rust resistance and lubrication. I always wondered about hydraulic fluid, haha. But, I think one would be hard to beat wheel bearing Grease.
Thanks for the recommendations for the grease...watched dozens of videos, and all the big TH-camrs are always hawking products...$7 for a tiny tube of grease...you are the first guy I've seen give a practical guide for cleaning my weapon--thanks!
Thank you Reid thank you. I have preached and practiced for decades the methods you lay out here and my ARs have always worked. Your words are music to this old soldiers ears!
I've always been partial to CLP ( I remember dipping my M60 bolt in the gallon jug at ranges), but buying it as a veteran sucks (Ungle Sugar got the bulk discount...). Love the use of hi-temp grease. Got 2 tubs in the garage from packing bearings by hand. They have a new purpose! Thanks Reid.
Thank you very much for all of the great information you make available to newer gunners like myself. It's so valuable to be able to watch somebody do all of this maintenance work and to hear them explain their methods. Be safe, man. Cheers.
The day after watching this video I stopped into Walmart and grabbed a tub of hi-temp bearing grease. I've spent so much money over the years trying all the cool, new lubricants that have come out. Tons of money, hours sitting at my bench with a hair dryer, heating up parts, letting things soak, all depends on the new fad... ugh. Then here you come, telling me just to use bearing grease. What a fantastic idea (and how silly of me not to think of it, myself!) I mean honestly! Thanks so much for the tip. I do tend to over clean my guns, but I actually enjoy the act of cleaning them, so I probably won't change that... but I do now have a new way of lubricating them. :)
Who else here has a wife or girlfriend who complains about the smells that come from cleaning your rifle? If I have to put up with nail polish remover, then the wife can put up with a little Hopps#9
Mine says the smell of Hoppes #9 makes her hot and she usually calls her sister up to come over for a three way. I can't hardly ever clean more than one guns at a time without getting ... er... "distracted".
Never thought about wheel bearing grease. That's a great idea. I've got a big tub of it in my toolbox. I just cleaned my guns yesterday so next time I will use wheel bearing Grease. I have been over lubricating my gun. Thanks for the tips Reid.
Awesome video sir! I love hearing that you don't have to be OCD about cleaning the rifle and still making it go bang, especially from someone who teaches and can give advice that is practical and based on experience. Keep up the great work!
Wow! Nice tip, Reid! I never would have thought of using EP (Extreme Pressure) Grease as assembly lube for my AR. I will be adding that to my cleaning kit as it certainly seems much more practical anyway.
Thank you for educating the masses, Reid. :-) I've spent many a long night figuring this stuff out. Glad you've got the condensed version out there for all to see. Keep kickin' ass, brother.
I love your videos. Especially ones like these. I'm a poor guy and the pointer on the grease helps me. Everyone else wants you to get the new thing for that year. Oh this beats that, blah blah. But you, you really help and you break stuff down for better understanding. Thanks again for the videos and keep em coming
The hi temp grease is BY FAR the best lube I've used. I live in a high mountain desert climate which gets all 4 seasons and no problems and the grease is super cheap :)
Very nice. I was spending way too much time cleaning/lubricating. Did not know about the bearing grease either, I have a huge tub of it and have been buying lubricant from a gun store which is much more expensive. Thanks.
Awesome video! Simple and to the point. I don't think anybody can say anything negative about this. This guy is running his rifles more than most of us ever will. Do you lube your pistols with the same grease? Post a video of cleaning your ak and pistols.
Reid I have bin cleaning my AR-15 for 30+ years. But I could always improve So I had to lesson to what you had to say On the cleaning process, thankyou
Nice videos! I appreciate your easy going attitude and approach. One warning though-Hoppes #9 is some pretty toxic stuff, so I would strongly suggest using gloves and in a well ventilated area.
For extreme cold weather in the north, CLP is recommended and rated for -15F. Once in awhile it will go to -35F, and -50F, in the mountains. Below -15F, change to LAW per manual. Grease will not work in all temperatures. The AK is made for Russian winters. Use an AK in the winter, and be happy. Heavier motor oils can become sticky at 20F.
Hey Reid, Great tip on the High Temp bearing Grease. I picked up a can at Auto Zone for $3.99. I had been buying M1/M14 grease in the Yellow cap butt stock containers at gun shows. God knows how old that shit was.
Thanks for the info I just got my first ar a few days ago. This video has really helped, especially the tip on the grease. Keep up the great work, and thank you for you service sir
I do the smaller stuffs first coz they have the least grit - then put aside. A patch full of grits will ruin the surfaces of a gun. So from the least dirty to the most dirty parts is where the patch will go. The piston rings need to make sure they are stagered - i lube the rings too.
While I have a 'number' of firearms, just added an AR. This was a simple explanation and appreciate your help with my first detail cleaning. Used some Tetra Gun Gease, but will get some high temp bearing grease foe next time! Thanks! Appreciate your service to our country👍🏻
Very helpful video. I do wish you had shown your technique and commented about cleaning the bore. That may be the biggest "gray area" of question in my mind, not just regarding ARs but just about any rifle.
Mr. Henrichs, Thanks so much for your simple no BS tips. I had no idea about the use of the grease you mentioned. I'm so used to using different oils/lubes that cook off or blap your eye pro during operation. I'll def check it out! I really appreciate your level headed common sense, and cost effective approach to the topics you discuss. I'd love to get the time off work to come take a course at Valor Ridge. Keep up the good work, and I wish you all the best!
I am so extremely happy to see that of all people Reid henrichs is using wheel bearing Grease for his AR!!! Since I got into the AR platform I have been using either wheel bearing Grease or Teflon Lube like for brakes but mostly I use the red Grease in the tubes meant to refill zerk fittings that are on trucks like the tie rod ends and the front cross-links and stuff like that because like he says it is cheap and the stuff is meant to interact with hot cold wet dry all kinds of dirt and grime etc etc so I feel like wheel bearing Grease as well as brake Grease as well as tie rod end Greece is great stuff because it's super slick and like he says it stays put. One thing I have noticed is the red stuff or any of the stuff meant for tie rod ends is a bit thicker so you have to be a little more anal and like cleaning your rifle more often because I will pop up in my rifle after running several hundred rounds and it is starting to become a little bit tacky because the tie rod grease is not meant to get quite as hot so I have begun to use wheel bearing Grease or brake Grease because that stuff is meant for high temp use as well as interaction with more dirt particulates than tie rod ends so go with wheel bearing Grease.
If you often struggle with undoing the first locking pin for maintenance because it's in there very thight, maybe this tip is for anyone who reads this. The biggest and easiest tip I ever got is: 1. if you have a bipod grip unfold that one first for extra balance/support; 2. press down on the back of the picatinny rail (around where your emergency sight is mounted) while your pistol grip is supported on the table; 3. push out the locking pin and the locking pin comes very easily. I hope that helped someone :)
I've used grease on mine for years.....and.....never thought of high temp wheel bearing grease which I have in my garage. And I'm one of those guys that OC about cleaning the rifle or pistol. It has to be spotless. Or at least it used to. Thanks Reid!!
I clean mine and it is clean. I bought some nylon brushes for the bore and chamber because I was concerned about wearing it out more by cleaning than shooting.
Thanks Reid, This was a great no nonsense video, straight to the point with no B.S. just very good common sense info on how to keep your AR running well.....Thanks
I'm a new Ar15 owner. This video was very helpful. Many people use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I didn't want to deal with a large can of bearing grease. I purchased Mobil 1synthetic motorcycle oil 20/50 weight. I'll se how that goes.Maybe I'll switch to grease some day.
No need to switch. Keep your gun clean and well lubed with your favorite flavor. Grease is OK but not really necessary. That said if I were in the jungles of Vietnam unable to clean my weapon every 3000 rounds, I would definitely prefer grease.
Great video! It reassuring to see you're using grease. I am starting my first AR build soon & so many guys are hung up on expensive, X brand "gun" oils. In my experience gun oil tends to run off & burn up very quickly, & the AR's like to be run wet anyhow.
I've found that motor oil works perfect as lubrication. $3 bottle I dedicated half of since I put the other half in the truck and topped it off and I've barely used anything despite keeping my AR very well lubricated. motor oil is designed to able to take high amounts of heat for an extended period of time. it'll keep your AR running in the worst of it
Interesting. I think the grease is a great idea, especially on the bolt. I'm still using oil for all moving parts on my AR, but I'm not running it in a class. I'm running it no more than 50 rounds off a bench shooting bug hole groups. I will try your method next time I tear it down.
Another EXCELLENT way to really clean your parts is to clean them with Simple Green which doesn't affect your skin and gives the metal a clean/smooth feel. ALL the fouling comes right off. You may need your brush to get inside the parts, but it's worth the time. You WILL need an air compressor to blow everything out since you'll clean it off with water. WORKS GREAT !! Then just lube all your parts with Break Free CLP or whatever you prefer and you're good to go. Been doing this for YEARS and it works GREAT.
I use carb or brake cleaner to rinse down my rifle, then motor oil and high temp grease to lubricate. All my rifles are piston driven and I usually shoot 500-1000 rounds without another cleaning, and have had zero issues. I guess that's the merit of a piston system that many never really see because they don't really get to shoot a high volume of ammo. I hate cleaning my rifles and don't treat them that well, I even think a 1000 round interval is being generous but it goes to show that these things are generally great tools and can take the abuse!
the grease is good for summertime where i live(thanks for the tip), but during winter the grease gets too cold and thickens to the point my bolt wasnt fully closing. so i cleaned of the grease and used some ballistol and have no issues now(winter here). for me: summer=grease. winter=ballistol
I just came across the video. I know it's old, but that advice is great! I'm one of those former Marines who still field strips and cleans the hell out of their rifles.
Great video as usual. Glad to see you use grease as well. I never understood people putting oil on guns especially expensive boutique gun oils. Some people have more money than sense.
Great video! However, many viewers have brand new ARs or similar weapons; these new weapons, especially the bolt carrier groups might have preservative on them that needs to be cleaned off. A good bore cleaner solvent should be used to strip any tacky film off internal parts of your weapon. Also, for long term cleaning and maintenance, I would definitely invest in and utilize a bore brush and a rod for your barrel and/or compatible bore snake.
A good bog standard military cleaning kit is a great investment. I run a brake that doesn't play well with bore snakes which makes the solid cleaning rod a must.
Reid, Thanks for all your knowledge and Tips these are priceless tid-bits of knowledge. Just bought some of the same grease and used it for the first time on my shield about 10 min ago. For 3.99 I think I have enough lube for all of my fire arms for the rest of my life lol. I hope one day I can get the chance to make it to Valor Ridge!!
Hey thanks for the great video, I appreciate the laid back approach to cleaning, you make it sound simple enough for anyone. I've actually felt like taking notes on other cleaning how to's!
since I always shoot steel cased, I use a chamber brush and make sure the chamber is clean. Even though I have the red enhanced buffer spring, h2 buffer and 5 coil extractor spring, I want to keep it clean in there.
I used permatex hitemo grease on AK worked in but the Lucas extreme duty gun grease is perfect. A 1oz tube has lasted 24mo so far on all my guns and a couple friends
If it's lubed, it will pretty much keep running. I generally keep my guns clean but they do get dirty on occasion. The only malfunction I have ever had on an AR, due to carbon buildup, was because it was building up on the tail of the bolt & not allowing the firing pin to properly strike the primer. Carbon was building up on the tail & the flared part of the firing pin was hitting it & preventing the firing pin from moving fully forward. That was causing some light primer strikes. Once I got it home & saw the problem, I put it back together without cleaning & dry fired it a few times. I couldn't fire it at home but that appeared to knock that build up off & I believe it would have worked at that point without additional cleaning. I only had that issue that one time. Usually, as long as there is lube it can get pretty nasty & continue to function. Generally, my desire to clean kicks in long before I have any malfunctions.
Interesting that you keep loaded guns around while doing your cleaning (so do I). Probably most people don't know this, but, recalling the famous FBI Miami shootout in 1986 with two real desperadoes. Those guys stole TWO guns, on two separate occasions, by finding people shooting by themselves in rural locations, KILLING them (surely, when they had just emptied their firearms in practice), and then taking the guns (and cars) of the people. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but I like to avoid actually being without a loaded weapon on those "obvious" occasions when I would be expected to not have a loaded gun.
@Semper Fi Why? Criminal predators are very good at seeking weakness in their victims. Why point a gun at someone with a loaded gun in their hands -- who might unexpectedly turn around and shoot back at you -- when you can just wait ten seconds until they've emptied their gun (as they would predictably do)? Another question would be: why would you bother to nitpick over such a pointless issue?
I always buddy up to shoot anywhere. But we always keep loaded ones just in case as well. Just like sitting down at your camp hunting deer, bear... know where your weapon is and it better be loaded and close, and always have a side arm on you. Try not to take any thing for granted.
Cool easier if you remember that the cam pin goes into the hole opposite the extractor rather than guess you already know where the extractor should be. One question how often do you address the gas system? That gets boggy and if that shuts down extracting that expanded case is a bigger each shot.
When the rifle is disassembled I would also run a piece of cloth once or twice through the barrel. Live rounds does not leave much filth - but anyways - a 'clean gun, is a happy gun'. Great vid!
Noticed how you stoped the hammer from slapping forward when the gun was broke down. I made that mistake a couple of times. I stoped when I learned not to let that happen. You can learn a lot from someone who knows what they are doing just by watching them. Great vid.
The bearing grease is a real good idea, also Walmart sells small tubes of it in the mower section, good for story it in your pack.
hell yea
You say people tend to over clean their AR's. I am one of those people. I do so only because I clean it when I am bored and have nothing else to do, which is around midnight and the family is sleeping. Lol.
Lol me too
Yup, me to!
I should by stock in gun scrubber.
Damn. We need lives. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice. Good Idea
This video is a great community service. Thanks Reid.
Great info Reid. I've been using wheel bearing grease on my M1 for years and always wondered why everyone said to oil the ar15. I was taught- if it slides use grease. If it turns use oil.
"If it slides, use grease. If it turns, use oil"....... perfectly stated.
Well, pistons slide up and down in the engine block, so there is that.
@@alvaroeloredo Good thing the crank turns.
pistons slide in an engine
@@bmffafo5004 good thing your comment said nothing. "the sky is blue"
Thanks Reid for the tip on High Temp Bearing Grease. I am picking up a can today. I have been running my bolt with Mobil 1 5/30 synthetic and Mobil ! synthetic trans fluid mixed 4 pts oil 1 part tranney. It keeps the grit/carbon suspended and makes clean up a breeze. I tried every brand of traditional "gun oil" but my AR's were cooking it off.
I always shoot my Colt AR's well oiled with my mix and at year 10 their is no appreciable wear
Thanks again for making great videos.
I've been using high temp axle grease on my rifles every since i saw this video a year ago and i've not had any issues since. THE BEST tip in this video. trust me.
I'm going to pick up a tub tomorrow. Mobil 1 motor oil works great for rust resistance and lubrication. I always wondered about hydraulic fluid, haha. But, I think one would be hard to beat wheel bearing Grease.
Man I have been oiling my AR with much frustration. The Hi Temp grease has changed up my game. Thanks as always Reid!
Thanks for the recommendations for the grease...watched dozens of videos, and all the big TH-camrs are always hawking products...$7 for a tiny tube of grease...you are the first guy I've seen give a practical guide for cleaning my weapon--thanks!
Thank you Reid thank you. I have preached and practiced for decades the methods you lay out here and my ARs have always worked. Your words are music to this old soldiers ears!
I've always been partial to CLP ( I remember dipping my M60 bolt in the gallon jug at ranges), but buying it as a veteran sucks (Ungle Sugar got the bulk discount...). Love the use of hi-temp grease. Got 2 tubs in the garage from packing bearings by hand. They have a new purpose! Thanks Reid.
***** Same here. Gonna give this grease a try though. Can't argue with that price.
Thank you very much for all of the great information you make available to newer gunners like myself. It's so valuable to be able to watch somebody do all of this maintenance work and to hear them explain their methods. Be safe, man. Cheers.
Who'd of thunk it? So simple , so easy. Just cleaned and lubed my Frankenstein PSA/AR Stoner AR-15 in 7.62x39. Works like a charm.
The day after watching this video I stopped into Walmart and grabbed a tub of hi-temp bearing grease. I've spent so much money over the years trying all the cool, new lubricants that have come out. Tons of money, hours sitting at my bench with a hair dryer, heating up parts, letting things soak, all depends on the new fad... ugh. Then here you come, telling me just to use bearing grease. What a fantastic idea (and how silly of me not to think of it, myself!) I mean honestly! Thanks so much for the tip. I do tend to over clean my guns, but I actually enjoy the act of cleaning them, so I probably won't change that... but I do now have a new way of lubricating them. :)
Who else here has a wife or girlfriend who complains about the smells that come from cleaning your rifle? If I have to put up with nail polish remover, then the wife can put up with a little Hopps#9
+Franklin Cerpico And hair color. OMG that crap is OBNOXIOUS.
My wife thought me cleaning my guns smelled bad, until I started lighting my farts on fire.
+MrChuckwagon55 he'll yeah
+MrChuckwagon55 he'll yeah
Mine says the smell of Hoppes #9 makes her hot and she usually calls her sister up to come over for a three way. I can't hardly ever clean more than one guns at a time without getting ... er... "distracted".
Finally! A cleaning video with a firearm that needs cleaning. Thanks for the practical demonstration and advice.
This video is more informative than the class I got in basic training on how to clean a rifle.
Great tip to keep small BCG parts in the charging handle!
Never thought about wheel bearing grease. That's a great idea. I've got a big tub of it in my toolbox. I just cleaned my guns yesterday so next time I will use wheel bearing Grease. I have been over lubricating my gun. Thanks for the tips Reid.
Awesome video sir! I love hearing that you don't have to be OCD about cleaning the rifle and still making it go bang, especially from someone who teaches and can give advice that is practical and based on experience. Keep up the great work!
great video reid. I use dextron 6 transmission fluid to lube my rifle. it stands up to extreme heat and has cleaning agents in it.
I've had and used the same grease for about 4 years!
Good info, Reid.
I thought I was the only one who used grease it stays where you put it and it doesn’t burn off!thank you great vid
Wow! Nice tip, Reid! I never would have thought of using EP (Extreme Pressure) Grease as assembly lube for my AR. I will be adding that to my cleaning kit as it certainly seems much more practical anyway.
Thank you for educating the masses, Reid. :-) I've spent many a long night figuring this stuff out. Glad you've got the condensed version out there for all to see. Keep kickin' ass, brother.
I love your videos. Especially ones like these. I'm a poor guy and the pointer on the grease helps me. Everyone else wants you to get the new thing for that year. Oh this beats that, blah blah. But you, you really help and you break stuff down for better understanding. Thanks again for the videos and keep em coming
The hi temp grease is BY FAR the best lube I've used. I live in a high mountain desert climate which gets all 4 seasons and no problems and the grease is super cheap :)
Hey Reid - thanks for a helpful video - I'm new to the AR world, and appreciated your suggestions and demonstration.
Very nice. I was spending way too much time cleaning/lubricating. Did not know about the bearing grease either, I have a huge tub of it and have been buying lubricant from a gun store which is much more expensive. Thanks.
Wheel bearing grease? Hmm, so THAT'S what "Gun Butter" is made of. Thanks for the tip Reid!
Awesome video! Simple and to the point. I don't think anybody can say anything negative about this. This guy is running his rifles more than most of us ever will. Do you lube your pistols with the same grease? Post a video of cleaning your ak and pistols.
Reid I have bin cleaning my AR-15 for 30+ years. But I could always improve
So I had to lesson to what you had to say
On the cleaning process, thankyou
Nice videos! I appreciate your easy going attitude and approach.
One warning though-Hoppes #9 is some pretty toxic stuff, so I would strongly suggest using gloves and in a well ventilated area.
For extreme cold weather in the north, CLP is recommended and rated for -15F. Once in awhile it will go to -35F, and -50F, in the mountains. Below -15F, change to LAW per manual. Grease will not work in all temperatures. The AK is made for Russian winters. Use an AK in the winter, and be happy. Heavier motor oils can become sticky at 20F.
Hey Reid, Great tip on the High Temp bearing Grease. I picked up a can at Auto Zone for $3.99. I had been buying M1/M14 grease in the Yellow cap butt stock containers at gun shows. God knows how old that shit was.
Thanks for the info I just got my first ar a few days ago. This video has really helped, especially the tip on the grease. Keep up the great work, and thank you for you service sir
I do the smaller stuffs first coz they have the least grit - then put aside. A patch full of grits will ruin the surfaces of a gun. So from the least dirty to the most dirty parts is where the patch will go. The piston rings need to make sure they are stagered - i lube the rings too.
Watched some time ago...I'm a believer of that high-temp grease. Keep a little pill bottle in my field kit.
(great on cuts too!)
While I have a 'number' of firearms, just added an AR. This was a simple explanation and appreciate your help with my first detail cleaning. Used some Tetra Gun Gease, but will get some high temp bearing grease foe next time! Thanks! Appreciate your service to our country👍🏻
Very helpful video. I do wish you had shown your technique and commented about cleaning the bore. That may be the biggest "gray area" of question in my mind, not just regarding ARs but just about any rifle.
Mr. Henrichs,
Thanks so much for your simple no BS tips. I had no idea about the use of the grease you mentioned. I'm so used to using different oils/lubes that cook off or blap your eye pro during operation. I'll def check it out! I really appreciate your level headed common sense, and cost effective approach to the topics you discuss. I'd love to get the time off work to come take a course at Valor Ridge. Keep up the good work, and I wish you all the best!
Perfect ! No messing around with bs just to the point and done, good job !
I am so extremely happy to see that of all people Reid henrichs is using wheel bearing Grease for his AR!!! Since I got into the AR platform I have been using either wheel bearing Grease or Teflon Lube like for brakes but mostly I use the red Grease in the tubes meant to refill zerk fittings that are on trucks like the tie rod ends and the front cross-links and stuff like that because like he says it is cheap and the stuff is meant to interact with hot cold wet dry all kinds of dirt and grime etc etc so I feel like wheel bearing Grease as well as brake Grease as well as tie rod end Greece is great stuff because it's super slick and like he says it stays put. One thing I have noticed is the red stuff or any of the stuff meant for tie rod ends is a bit thicker so you have to be a little more anal and like cleaning your rifle more often because I will pop up in my rifle after running several hundred rounds and it is starting to become a little bit tacky because the tie rod grease is not meant to get quite as hot so I have begun to use wheel bearing Grease or brake Grease because that stuff is meant for high temp use as well as interaction with more dirt particulates than tie rod ends so go with wheel bearing Grease.
If you often struggle with undoing the first locking pin for maintenance because it's in there very thight, maybe this tip is for anyone who reads this.
The biggest and easiest tip I ever got is:
1. if you have a bipod grip unfold that one first for extra balance/support;
2. press down on the back of the picatinny rail (around where your emergency sight is mounted) while your pistol grip is supported on the table;
3. push out the locking pin and the locking pin comes very easily.
I hope that helped someone :)
I've used grease on mine for years.....and.....never thought of high temp wheel bearing grease which I have in my garage. And I'm one of those guys that OC about cleaning the rifle or pistol. It has to be spotless. Or at least it used to. Thanks Reid!!
Great tips, Reid! I've never heard anybody say extend the bolt. I've always had a hard time putting the charging handle and the bolt back in. Thanks!
I clean mine and it is clean. I bought some nylon brushes for the bore and chamber because I was concerned about wearing it out more by cleaning than shooting.
Awesome instruction Reid. Have a boat load of this grease, it just makes sense. Thanks
Fantastic tip on keeping the pin inside the channel of the charging handle!!! Great way to keep those things rolling away from you.
You changed my life with this grease
Ar newbe never thought about using grease to lubricate it! Thanks Reid!
wheel bearing grease is a great idea I always used clp and got really annoyed as it would all run off the areas I put it. I will deffinatly try this
Thanks Reid, This was a great no nonsense video, straight to the point with no B.S. just very good common sense info on how to keep your AR running well.....Thanks
I'm a new Ar15 owner. This video was very helpful. Many people use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I didn't want to deal with a large can of bearing grease. I purchased Mobil 1synthetic motorcycle oil 20/50 weight. I'll se how that goes.Maybe I'll switch to grease some day.
No need to switch. Keep your gun clean and well lubed with your favorite flavor. Grease is OK but not really necessary. That said if I were in the jungles of Vietnam unable to clean my weapon every 3000 rounds, I would definitely prefer grease.
High temp wheel bearing grease got it! Thank you!
Watched it when released. Sharing with a friend in 2020! Thanks Reid!!!
Great video! It reassuring to see you're using grease. I am starting my first AR build soon & so many guys are hung up on expensive, X brand "gun" oils. In my experience gun oil tends to run off & burn up very quickly, & the AR's like to be run wet anyhow.
I've found that motor oil works perfect as lubrication. $3 bottle I dedicated half of since I put the other half in the truck and topped it off and I've barely used anything despite keeping my AR very well lubricated. motor oil is designed to able to take high amounts of heat for an extended period of time. it'll keep your AR running in the worst of it
grease or motor oil work great, but eventually the oil will run off grease stays where you want it to be for a very long time.
Reid, thank you so much for this video. It's so easy to understand and follow. My buddy loved it. Your awesome!
Interesting. I think the grease is a great idea, especially on the bolt. I'm still using oil for all moving parts on my AR, but I'm not running it in a class. I'm running it no more than 50 rounds off a bench shooting bug hole groups. I will try your method next time I tear it down.
Another EXCELLENT way to really clean your parts is to clean them with Simple Green which doesn't affect your skin and gives the metal a clean/smooth feel. ALL the fouling comes right off. You may need your brush to get inside the parts, but it's worth the time. You WILL need an air compressor to blow everything out since you'll clean it off with water. WORKS GREAT !! Then just lube all your parts with Break Free CLP or whatever you prefer and you're good to go. Been doing this for YEARS and it works GREAT.
New AR owner... this was VERY helpful. Thank you.
I use carb or brake cleaner to rinse down my rifle, then motor oil and high temp grease to lubricate. All my rifles are piston driven and I usually shoot 500-1000 rounds without another cleaning, and have had zero issues. I guess that's the merit of a piston system that many never really see because they don't really get to shoot a high volume of ammo. I hate cleaning my rifles and don't treat them that well, I even think a 1000 round interval is being generous but it goes to show that these things are generally great tools and can take the abuse!
the grease is good for summertime where i live(thanks for the tip), but during winter the grease gets too cold and thickens to the point my bolt wasnt fully closing. so i cleaned of the grease and used some ballistol and have no issues now(winter here). for me: summer=grease. winter=ballistol
W CIII where do you live and how cold does it get if you don't mind me asking?
I just came across the video. I know it's old, but that advice is great! I'm one of those former Marines who still field strips and cleans the hell out of their rifles.
Great video as usual. Glad to see you use grease as well. I never understood people putting oil on guns especially expensive boutique gun oils. Some people have more money than sense.
Tip with the bolt cam is the extractor should be on the right side.
Reid, great video, thanks. I just bought my first AR and want to do it right. I was at Piston 1 with kid 1, coming back June with kid 2.
Great video! However, many viewers have brand new ARs or similar weapons; these new weapons, especially the bolt carrier groups might have preservative on them that needs to be cleaned off.
A good bore cleaner solvent should be used to strip any tacky film off internal parts of your weapon. Also, for long term cleaning and maintenance, I would definitely invest in and utilize a bore brush and a rod for your barrel and/or compatible bore snake.
A good bog standard military cleaning kit is a great investment. I run a brake that doesn't play well with bore snakes which makes the solid cleaning rod a must.
6:20 - the lubing begins. Thank you bud! Working on this now.
Reid, Thanks for all your knowledge and Tips these are priceless tid-bits of knowledge. Just bought some of the same grease and used it for the first time on my shield about 10 min ago. For 3.99 I think I have enough lube for all of my fire arms for the rest of my life lol. I hope one day I can get the chance to make it to Valor Ridge!!
I'm glad you have your own channel.. You make things look easy, thank you !!
I didnt realize I was being OCD about cleaning my rifle this will be a time saver
Kind of rushed thorugh the function check, not sure I heard you say it was function check. Awesome simple and easy.. Thank you.
Reid, great video man. I'm a new AR owner and trying to retain as much knowledge as I can. This video and the one about how to zero were excellent.
I'm noticing that a lot of people are starting to use gear grease. Will for sure give a try next time I clean my AR. Thanks for the tips.
I have often wondered about using grease versus oil. It makes sense. I know oil breaks down quicker. Thanks Reid.
Great video that grease got my Del Ton running like a champ. Arizona the oils burn off very fast. That shit works great on AKs as well.
Thanks for another great video. Great tip with the hi temp bearing grease. Never thought of it, makes sense.
Hey thanks for the great video, I appreciate the laid back approach to cleaning, you make it sound simple enough for anyone. I've actually felt like taking notes on other cleaning how to's!
Thanks for the video. I'll have to watch again after visiting the range for the 1st time.
Actually I would recommend following Reid's lubricating instructions before heading to the range.
since I always shoot steel cased, I use a chamber brush and make sure the chamber is clean. Even though I have the red enhanced buffer spring, h2 buffer and 5 coil extractor spring, I want to keep it clean in there.
I used permatex hitemo grease on AK worked in but the Lucas extreme duty gun grease is perfect. A 1oz tube has lasted 24mo so far on all my guns and a couple friends
Good information for new and seasoned shooters.
I watch your videos while I clean my firearms! Awesome videos! Great information! Always learning something new watching your channel
Reid, auto zone should sponsor you!!
TacRatt60 true because I just stopped by there and bought some grease because of this vid!
If it's lubed, it will pretty much keep running. I generally keep my guns clean but they do get dirty on occasion. The only malfunction I have ever had on an AR, due to carbon buildup, was because it was building up on the tail of the bolt & not allowing the firing pin to properly strike the primer. Carbon was building up on the tail & the flared part of the firing pin was hitting it & preventing the firing pin from moving fully forward. That was causing some light primer strikes. Once I got it home & saw the problem, I put it back together without cleaning & dry fired it a few times. I couldn't fire it at home but that appeared to knock that build up off & I believe it would have worked at that point without additional cleaning. I only had that issue that one time. Usually, as long as there is lube it can get pretty nasty & continue to function. Generally, my desire to clean kicks in long before I have any malfunctions.
Interesting that you keep loaded guns around while doing your cleaning (so do I). Probably most people don't know this, but, recalling the famous FBI Miami shootout in 1986 with two real desperadoes. Those guys stole TWO guns, on two separate occasions, by finding people shooting by themselves in rural locations, KILLING them (surely, when they had just emptied their firearms in practice), and then taking the guns (and cars) of the people. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but I like to avoid actually being without a loaded weapon on those "obvious" occasions when I would be expected to not have a loaded gun.
@Semper Fi Why? Criminal predators are very good at seeking weakness in their victims. Why point a gun at someone with a loaded gun in their hands -- who might unexpectedly turn around and shoot back at you -- when you can just wait ten seconds until they've emptied their gun (as they would predictably do)? Another question would be: why would you bother to nitpick over such a pointless issue?
@Semper Fi I'm sorry. I mean no disrespect. But your points and questions don't make any sense to me. I'll have to leave it at that.
I always buddy up to shoot anywhere. But we always keep loaded ones just in case as well. Just like sitting down at your camp hunting deer, bear... know where your weapon is and it better be loaded and close, and always have a side arm on you. Try not to take any thing for granted.
I did not know that about the Miami shootout.
Brent Saylor it was played out in the show
Thank you for all the easy to follow videos
So that OCD level of cleaning they drilled into me at Basic is not necessary?
GasPuch62 theres no DI to scream at you if the glove comes up with carbon anymore man, you are safe. haha
Gren Moyo he will bust into the wall like the koolaid guy cept he’s not there to give you diabeetus but a yelling
All about discipline.
Looks like i have new grease to use! Thank you for the info
Love it. Still have the Marine in me where I gotta get inspection clean
Good video, the only thing I would add is to clean the barrel and lubricate it every so often.
Great video!!! Thanks for all the information you freely share and your time doing it.
Cool easier if you remember that the cam pin goes into the hole opposite the extractor rather than guess you already know where the extractor should be.
One question how often do you address the gas system? That gets boggy and if that shuts down extracting that expanded case is a bigger each shot.
When the rifle is disassembled I would also run a piece of cloth once or twice through the barrel. Live rounds does not leave much filth - but anyways - a 'clean gun, is a happy gun'. Great vid!
Two passes with a boresnake, just to feel like I've done some work.
Thank you Reid, finally a real ar cleaning and lube that I can't cook a turkey while doing.
Im glad im following Reid. What a nice guy. Great teacher. you are doing good informative vidoes.
Very helpful Reid, thanks for sharing this video.
+Reid Henrichs
Should the gas rings be oiled or greased? I noticed that you didn't in this video. Thank you for all the info.