Greasing the Mini 14?

[I'vebeenduped]

I saw this link posted on another thread;
http://www.garandgear.com/cleaning-your-m1-garand/96-how-to-grease-your-m1

At the risk of sounding completely idiotic, do I need to greasy my Mini14 as well? The set up is closely mirrored. To date, all I have been doing is applying oil. Have I been damaging my rifle?

 

[JD0x0]

you should grease or lubricate the action on any gun, IMO. The lubrication is there to reduce friction as well as catch contaminants, so expect to clean and re-lubricate fairly often.

 

[I'vebeenduped]

All I have been using to date is CLP. Have I been damaging my firearm or is this sufficient?

 

[kraigwy]

Steel type guns should be greased (weather permitting). Like the Mini, M1A, Garand, M1 Carbine.

Alloy type like ARs should be oiled.

As to where to grease, look it over, you'll see shiny parts where the bluing or other coloring has been rubbed off. That's where the grease goes.

If its cold then use a light weight oil. If its super cold, run dry.

 

[oldgunsmith]

A touch of lube everywhere it looks like metal has been rubbing against metal will make it work better and last longer. If you're not planning on taking it into battle or power spraying it, a good light grease works fine.

 

[hornet41]

I don't treat my mini any different than my M1 and M1A's!! These rifles NEED grease!! Not slopped on but judiciously applied in the correct places!!
'Mo

 

[Unclenick]

Agree with what's already been said, but will add that you can warm the parts (hair dryer) and burnish in Mil-comm 25B or one of the other PTFE dry lubes. That way, if you do let the lube run dry by mistake you've still got some protection.

 

[wyop]

The mil-spec grease for Garands, M14's and such

The original mil-spec grease was Lubriplate 130-A grease:

http://www.lubriplate.com/PDFs/PDS/3_14-130-Series.aspx


The 130-A would be used in normal environments, the 130-AA would be used in arctic conditions. As NLGI numbers go up, the grease base becomes thicker. NLGI 00 grease can be poured at room temperatures - it's about like tar in consistency.

NLGI 2 grease is the most common consistency you'd see on cars, trucks and heavy equipment lube specs. The most common base for NLGI 2 greases is lithium, which you could also use for greasing the Garand-type rifles if your rifle sees light use in favorable conditions. The 130-A/AA grease is a calcium based grease, and calcium-based greases are very good at repelling water.

 

[I'vebeenduped]

Thanks, all. I received my maintenance experience from Uncle Sam in the 90's. All I knew was CLP. I love this forum more and more, every day! You people are the best!!!!!

David

 

[tobnpr]

Grease goes on the "wear" areas- on the Mini, where your rotating bolt slides...