AR-15 and extreme cold? (below zero)

**MWAG19919** · 01-29-19, 13:42

I’ve seen a number of posts on IG, FB, and other forums asking folks what their “ultimate cold weather SHTF rifle would be” and I’ve noticed a bunch of people saying something like Mosin, M1903, AK-47, etc. but very few (and in some instances zero) mention of an AR, and if an AR was mentioned at all, there was usually something about using graphite lubricant instead of oil. If I had to grab a rifle in sub zero temperatures it would be the same rifle I’d grab any other time: my 16” middy lubricated with SLIP 2000. Am I missing something here?

Yes, I’m aware of the average IQ on these other platforms, which is why I’m asking here.

**1168** · 01-29-19, 13:47

https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/...reme-cold.html

**markm** · 01-29-19, 13:56

Originally Posted by MWAG19919

Am I missing something here?

Nope. Lubricant might be a consideration. Us hot weather guys are lucky enough to be able to run frog lube year rounds. I've read that it's not the best in really cold weather.

The only other consideration is bringing a weapon in from the cold.. condensation can lead to rusting.

**VIP3R 237** · 01-29-19, 14:02

Slip 2000 EWL is good for -100 F according to their website. Main thing is if your rifle is set up to be soft and smooth in the summer it may be underpowered in the extreme cold.

I moved from a desert climate where it might snow once a year to place that has snow from oct-April. The cold has really made me change how I look at firearms. There’s something to be said about big oversized controls, and fogging and then freezing from condensation was something I’ve never had to think about before. I’ve noticed I’m preferring my AKs over my AR’s when it’s sub-freezing. Also buffer-gas-ammo setups that work in the summer barely function when everything is frozen. As far as lube goes I’ve has good luck with ALG go juice, but -17 is the coldest I’ve been.

**titsonritz** · 01-29-19, 15:06

IMO, work the action regularly on any weapon in subzero temps.

**sva01** · 01-29-19, 15:24

Originally Posted by markm

Nope. Lubricant might be a consideration. Us hot weather guys are lucky enough to be able to run frog lube year rounds. I've read that it's not the best in really cold weather.

The only other consideration is bringing a weapon in from the cold.. condensation can lead to rusting.

Mark, you remember this thread from a few years back?
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...e-Polar-Vortex
Unfortuntely, the pics have been lost to photobucket but it's still a good read about different lubes and cold air temps.

**SWIGIN** · 01-29-19, 15:27

I have used mine out hunting all day when it was -14 in the morning with a high of 6 degrees. I use red oil (ATF and Mobil1) and have had no problems.

**Badger52** · 01-29-19, 16:17

Originally Posted by VIP3R 237

Main thing is if your rifle is set up to be soft and smooth in the summer it may be underpowered in the extreme cold.

Also buffer-gas-ammo setups that work in the summer barely function when everything is frozen. As far as lube goes I’ve has good luck with ALG go juice, but -17 is the coldest I’ve been.

A very good & oft-overlooked point. People swap weights & springs all year during good weather looking for some unicorn 4:00 ejection pattern and there's no leeway for when things get gunked up or your weapon would rather be getting fondled in front of the fireplace instead of trying to move that BCG around.

**ramairthree** · 01-29-19, 17:08

And those same people will mock you for a mass market or mass issue “overgassed” gun.

That runs with anything.
In any weather.

The perfect lightest recoil impulse with the fastest splits Carbine are the fanciest highest capacity mag base with the lightest in the world trigger and most accurate barrel set up pistol are not necessarily the best to have outside of the games world.