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Thread: What happens with lack of lube?

  1. #1
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    What happens with lack of lube?

    With all of the lube threads we have had lately on this forum, I started asking myself some questions. Now, I've shot AR's tens of thousands of rounds, but I rarely shoot more than 300 rounds a session and run my rifles wet with ballistol. But I don't think I have ever had a lube related failure.

    So....

    What part is it that tends to run dry and have problems? The bolt I would imagine, but what part of the bolt? The tail behind the gas rings? That's the only part that I have ever seen dry after shooting. How many rounds does it normally take to start having problems? And finally, just what type of problems do you start experiencing when you run out of lube?

    I know this seems like a noob question, and maybe it is, maybe I have never run my guns hard enough to experience these problems, but I would like to know from those that have.

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    I will guess the carrier gets sluggish in the upper receiver.
    'Evil Minds That Plot Destruction'

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    Depends on the gun, ammo, temps, etc. I have always seen failure to fully chamber a round first. I believe this is due to the cam pin and bolt lugs binding as they try to seat.

  4. #4
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    The first part I've seen go south due to lack of lube is the gas rings.
    Last edited by T2C; 01-17-16 at 19:50.
    Train 2 Win

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    All of the moving parts will wear faster and have a shorter life, although you will have serious reliability problems before then. There is a reason all reputable firearm manufactures show lube points and schedules.

    When I was kid my older brother changed the oil in his car. I don't know if he left the drain plug out or the oil filter, but the result was once he started driving he did not make a quarter mile before the engine was scrap.

    The only reasons I can think to run unglued is stupidity or negligence. Even at extreme cold temperatures there are lubes than can be used.
    Last edited by stahljaeger; 01-17-16 at 20:26.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Airhasz View Post
    I will guess the carrier gets sluggish in the upper receiver.

    Due to no lube on the carrier rails?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Auto-X Fil View Post
    Depends on the gun, ammo, temps, etc. I have always seen failure to fully chamber a round first. I believe this is due to the cam pin and bolt lugs binding as they try to seat.
    Interesting, I hadn't thought of that. When lubing my rifle, I never lube the extension, I do lube the bolt lugs. Should one lube the barrel extension?

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    Quote Originally Posted by T2C View Post
    The first part I've seen go south due to lack of lube is the gas rings.
    So the gas rings blow out and the gun is mechanically down? Round about round count this might happen?

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    Quote Originally Posted by stahljaeger View Post
    All of the moving parts will wear faster and have a shorter life, although you will have serious reliability problems before then. There is a reason all reputable firearm manufactures show lube points and schedules.
    I fully understand the wear factor, it's the second part of your first sentence I would like to know more about.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Auto-X Fil View Post
    Depends on the gun, ammo, temps, etc. I have always seen failure to fully chamber a round first.
    This.
    IMO it's the bolt and/or carrier losing energy to drag. A few drops of oil on the carrier and gas vents through the ejection port has always remedied it for another few hundred rounds for me.
    Last edited by Beef15; 01-17-16 at 20:51.

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