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For many AR-15 enthusiasts, lubrication comes down to personal preference. Some shooters like to use gun grease. Other shooters operating in dry battle spaces prefer a dry lube, while other users prefer a light oil lubricant.
Read on to gain new insight into the best lube for your AR-15 and the best way to keep your AR-15 at peak readiness.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Lube For AR-15
- OUR TOP PICK: Hoppe's Oil
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Boeshield - T-9 Waterproof Lube
- HONORABLE MENTION: Hornady - One Shot Spray Case Lube W/Dyna Glide Plus
Comparison of the Best Lubes For AR-15
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What Purpose Does AR-15 Lube Serve?
While any self-respecting AR-15 owner knows how to lube up their firearm, it’s still important to understand the role lubrication plays in keeping your firearm healthy and operable over the long term.
Proper Lubrication Prevents Carbon Fouling
The most important purpose of any lubricant used to maintain an AR-15 is to prevent carbon fouling. For firearm maintenance, “carbon fouling” refers to the buildup of carbon deposits on the inside of a barrel over time. It’s basic science--when you fire a round, it generates heat as it travels through the barrel.
The heat generated in the barrel creates soot, and the soot turns into carbon deposits. If an AR-15 isn’t properly lubricated, and the carbon buildup becomes severe, it can affect the accuracy of the AR-15 over time. For some reason, you still find misguided AR-15 enthusiasts who say that carbon fouling isn’t a big deal.
Don’t be fooled. Carbon fouling is a serious problem that comes with lax maintenance. Proper lubrication prevents carbon fouling by breaking down the carbon deposits that form over time in any AR-15 barrel.
Protects Your AR-15 From the Elements
If you’re a bit more adventurous and in a position where you’re able to take your AR-15 into the field, proper lubrication goes a long way in protecting your firearm from the elements.
Manufacturers designed the AR-15 to be light and durable, and it is capable of standing up to the elements over the long term. Your AR-15 can get dirty and can get wet, but if you want to keep your AR-15 operating at its best for years to come, you need to understand that it’s a complex piece of weaponry.
The simple act of lubricating your AR-15 protects it from the elements because it requires the shooter to disassemble their weapon and get all the soot, dirt, sand, dust, and crud out of the AR-15’s intricate machinery.
Prevents Jamming and Misfires
This is where the dangers of inadequate lubrication become almost too numerous to mention. A poorly maintained or lubricated gun can have problems like a “stovepipe” jam, where a spent shell casing gets stuck in the ejection port. Another common problem frequently caused by inadequate lubrication is the “double-feed” jam, where two or more rounds feed into the chamber.
Are All AR-15 Lubes The Same?
In a word, no. Some of the lubes that made our review are all-purpose lubricants, like Hoppe’s and Brownells, which lubricate and maintain the entirety of the AR-15’s composition. Others, such as Lyman’s and Hornady, are marketed as case lubes best used in conjunction with a general gun-cleaning kit.
Another product that made our list, Boeshield, is an all-purpose machine lubricant that found some limited use as a firearm lubricant.
Review of the Best Lubes For AR-15
We’ve done our best to gather all of the information we could on the most popular lubes for the AR-15. Some of the names on this list probably won’t be a surprise to most of you, but we also found some lesser-known brands that are worth investigating.
Each of these lubes its particular strengths and weaknesses, but they will all help you keep your AR-15 lubed and ready to go for years to come.
Best Overall:
Hoppe’s Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The vast majority of the reviews we found were positive. AR-15 enthusiasts regard Hoppe’s as one of the most trusted brands in the industry, with many reviews and testimonials saying that they had been using Hoppe’s to clean and maintain their weapons for years. Reviewers also noted that Hoppe’s could lubricate knives and other mechanical components.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There’s no doubt that Hoppe’s makes a reliable product. We were struck by how many users said that Hoppe’s was the only lubricant they used to maintain their firearms.
The “slow squirt” technology makes lubing your AR-15 enjoyable and straightforward, and you won’t constantly scramble to clean up excess lubricant as you’re maintaining your weapon. This is an environmentally safe product that’s only a step or two removed from mineral water.
It’s also unscented, which makes field-stripping and cleaning your AR-15 a much more pleasant experience.
The Bottom Line
While we did find the occasional complaint, customer reviews of Hoppe’s oil were positive across the board, with many reviewers saying that Hoppe’s was their preferred gun lube. Hoppe’s is one of the most respected names in firearm maintenance.
Best for the Money:
Boeshield T-9 Waterproof Lube
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Among AR-15 enthusiasts, the verdict was consistent. Boeshield works best when used to prevent rust and corrosion, but it’s not a gun lube. While a few users reported that Boeshield worked well on specific parts, the consensus is that Boeshield is not a gun oil, and you should not use it as such.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While Boeshield doesn’t exactly stand out as an all-purpose gun lube, we’re still impressed by the number of shooters who swear by it for protection against rust and corrosion. If you live or train in an area with high humidity, you should probably consider adding a can of Boeshield to your field kit.
The other trait we liked was Boeshield’s versatility. Like it says on the can, you can use it to lubricate power tools, your car, machinery, knives, and fishing poles. Boeshield is handy to have in your home and in the field.
The Bottom Line
If you’re only looking to prevent rust, then Boeshield works great. If you’re looking for an all-purpose gun lube to keep your AR-15 in tip-top shape, look elsewhere. Boeshield is an all-purpose lubricant and not a gun oil.
While it might have a very limited application for maintaining your AR-15, you would be better off using something more traditional, such as Brownells or Hoppe’s Oil.
Honorable Mention:
Hornady One Shot Spray Case Lube With DynaGlide Plus
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers say they use Hornady only when they have no other options. Several of the reviews we found indicate that while Hornady works well as a case lube, many users stated that they could make a similar product at home for much less money. Many users claim to have never experienced a stuck casing after using Hornady.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We are a little confused by some of the user reviews we’ve come across for Hornady. Hornady claims their product is eco-friendly, even though a quick look at the warning labels on the can indicate that it’s flammable and highly toxic.
However, a number of users looked past this. We’re still impressed by the fact that Hornady won’t dilute other powders or primers, and we’re also impressed by the high number of reviews that say Hornady has made stovepipe jams and other misfires a thing of the past.
Hornady goes on clean with no stickiness. If you’re looking for a good case lube, you could do a lot worse.
The Bottom Line
Hornady is a respected case lubricant that is still somewhat overpriced compared to similar products on the market. The same logic applies here; while some AR-15 enthusiasts like Hornady for case lubrication, this is not an all-purpose gun lubricant, and you should not use it as such.
4. Lyman Case Lube Kit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The consensus is that Lyman has produced a good, no-frills case lube kit. However, the components and brushes are cheap, flimsy, and at times difficult to use. Several users complained that this product is not water-soluble and has left certain case components with a dull, waxy finish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Lyman Case Lube Kit stands out to us because it’s affordable, making it a hit with the budget-conscious crowd. While some of the kit elements might be a little flimsy, we were struck by how many AR-15 enthusiasts recommended this case lube kit as a good start for children and gun-maintenance novices.
We also liked how the brush heads and handles were interchangeable, which makes the kit easy to stock and maintain over the long term. If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills case lube kit, Lyman has you covered.
The Bottom Line
The Lyman Case Lube Kit is not perfect, but if you’re a novice when it comes to maintaining the AR-15, or if you’re on a budget, it’s a decent low-cost option. Again, this is only a case lube, not an all-purpose lube like Hoppe’s or Brownells. If you’re looking for an all-purpose gun lubricant, look elsewhere.
5. Brownells - Action Lube Plus
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was another product where we found most of the reviews to be positive. Brownells earned especially high marks when maintaining a weapon in extreme climates such as desert or tundra. Many reviews remarked on Brownells super concentrated formula and stressed that you only need a very small amount, applied to a q-tip or a toothpick, to lube up your weapon.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like Brownells because it was the one product we tested that seemed tailor-made for complex, high-performance weaponry like the AR-15. The fact that it’s the preferred gun lube of the U.S. military and special forces also carried a lot of weight.
Brownells also stands out to us because, unlike a lot of other gun lubes that can only handle your weapon for generalized use on weekends at the shooting range, Brownells has been formulated to repel dust, dirt, grime, sweat, and just about anything else you can throw at it.
If you’re planning on taking your AR-15 into the field, Brownells is for you.
The Bottom Line
Brownells is another established and respected name in firearm maintenance. However, if you’re only taking your AR-15 to the range on weekends, you’re probably better off with cheaper gun oil. Brownells’ super-concentrated formula might also pose a problem to novices who are new to AR-15 maintenance.
Cautious Considerations to Keep In Mind
While choosing a lubrication product for your AR15 is smart for its longevity and performance, there are some considerations to keep in mind. These three points are where you should take caution:
- Too much lubrication can cause jamming
- There is such a thing as ‘over cleaning’
- Some AR-15 lubes have noxious fumes
While firearm lubricants are an excellent way to keep your AR-15 cleaned up and ready to go, too much of a good thing isn’t good. Excess lubrication -- just like too little lube -- can cause jams and gunk up the mechanisms of your weapon. Regardless of what the product instructions state, start out with less than you think you’ll need. It’s easier to add more than to remove the extra.
It’s also worth noting that many cleaning solutions for AR-15s and other firearms can contain potentially harmful chemicals.; inhaling the fumes could be dangerous. In other cases, depending on your level of sensitivity, you might find that the odor of some products is unbearable.
Cleaning your weapon in a well-ventilated space is a must, regardless, and a bit of a breeze can help cut down on the odor and danger of too much product. Overall, being aware of the potential risks, like with anything else in gun ownership, is essential.
Types of AR-15 Lubricants
If you’re a newcomer to the AR-15 and you’re still struggling to make sense of the different types of lubes on the market, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Read on for a quick breakdown of the different types of lubricants that are available for your AR-15.
Synthetic Lubricants
Lubricants like Hoppe’s contain some blend of chemicals like molybdenum and PTFE. These lubricants come from a lab for both day-to-day maintenance and deep cleaning to keep a firearm in peak condition over the long term.
Synthetic lubricants usually contain some amount of petroleum byproducts.
Non-Petroleum Based Lubricants
These kinds of lubricants are odorless and non-toxic. They ensure that an AR-15 or other firearm repels dust and grime in extreme environments such as deserts or tundra. Notable, non-petroleum-based lubricants include Original Gun Oil AND Slip 2000 EWL 30.
All-Natural Lubricants
This is the broadest category of the three but includes cleaners and lubricants that are newer to the market and are easy on the environment. These cleaners are non-toxic and biodegradable and contain few if any, chemical additives.
These lubricants have a pleasant smell or no smell at all. If you’re an eco-friendly AR-15 enthusiast, check out this handy list of eco-friendly lubes and cleaners from our friends over at Tactical Life.
Oil vs Lube For AR-15 - Comparison Overview
If you’re an AR-15 novice, it’s important to understand that gun oil and lube are two different things. The differences between gun oil and gun lube are not as straightforward as you might think, and it’s not uncommon to find even seasoned professionals arguing about what qualifies as oil versus what qualifies as lube.
According to our friends over at Gunivore, you can distinguish between gun oil and gun lube by looking at the two substances’ viscosity.
Oils and lubricants are both less dense, as opposed to gun grease, which is gooier. Oils keep the exterior of your AR-15 clean, shiny, and dust-repellent. Lubes maintain all of the crucial moving parts of your AR-15, such as the charging handle or the bolt carrier group.
How to Lube an AR-15
In this section of our review, we’re going to give a brief, step-by-step guide to the most effective way to lubricate an AR-15. This is not a substitute for professional guidance. If you find yourself getting confused, please refer to this handy Youtube video.
- Make sure your work area is free of any debris, loose rounds, or magazines.
- Make sure your AR-15 is empty and unloaded.
- Now, properly field-strip your AR-15. Check out this video if you need a little help.
Now, using your field-stripped AR-15, we’re going to go part-by-part and identify what needs to be lubricated.
Lower Receiver Group
Perform this part of the lubrication process with the unloaded AR-15 set to “fire,” taking care to pull back the hammer and press the trigger.
- Apply a drop of lubricant to the outside of the coil springs and the sear engagement surface.
Upper Receiver Group
- If applicable, remove piston components, lightly smearing lubricant over the gas plug and drive rod.
Bolt Carrier Group
- Smear lube lightly overall bearing surfaces, as well as the bolt shaft, cam pin, and bolt lugs. Smear lubricant lightly over the charging handle, and apply a drop of lube to gas rings and exhaust ports.
Conclusion
Knowing how to lubricate your AR-15 properly is essential for keeping it operating at maximum efficiency for years to come. Hopefully, this article has given you some clarity when it comes to lubricating your AR-15. There are many different kinds of lubricants and gun oils available in both synthetic and eco-friendly options.
Whether you’re a special operator embedded in an extreme environment, or a casual shooter looking to hit the shooting range on weekends, we hope the information we’ve provided here gives you the knowledge you need to keep your AR-15 clean and well-oiled.
People Also Ask
These are some of the most common questions from customers about AR-15 lubrication:
Should I Use Grease on My AR-15?
It would be best if you did not use grease to lubricate an AR-15; it will get stuck in the springs and coils and mix with fouled carbon to form a sticky paste that is almost impossible to get rid of.
Should You Lube Your Gun Barrel?
Yes, any moving part on your AR-15 is going to need lubrication at some point.
What Happens if I Use Too Much Lube on an AR-15?
Using too much lube can cause problems in cold weather. It can also trap dirt and grime and interfere with moving parts.
Lyman Case Lube Kit
How Much Lube Does an AR-15 Need?
There’s not a single answer to this question. Some points will require just a drop of lube, while other surfaces might need a thin layer of lubricant smeared over them.
Do I Lube a Slide Fire Stock on an AR-15?
If you want to lubricate a slide fire stock, a small amount of lube on the outside of the buffer tube is adequate.
Do You Lube the Bolt on an AR-15?
Yes, you should smear a thin layer of lube over the bolt for your AR-15.
Should I Lube the AR-15 Trigger Assembly?
Some shooters swear by this, claiming a smoother trigger pull.
Do You Need Lube in AR-15 Trigger Group?
This comes down to personal preference, and some shooters do this.
Can I Use Moly Grease to Lube an AR-15?
Moly grease causes corrosion on some metal surfaces, especially aluminum. Use extreme caution if lubricating an AR-15 with moly grease.
Can No Lube Affect AR-15 Cycle?
Over time, yes, it can. But again, keep in mind that the AR-15 is durable and will stand up to the elements. You’ll still find shooters out there who believe the AR-15 doesn’t need any lubrication at all, under any circumstances.