Please don't do this: the myth of dry running

There is an incredibly stubborn myth in the firearms community that refuses to die. It usually gets passed down from an older relative or heard from a guy behind a gun counter, and it goes something like this: "You need to run your AR-15 dry, otherwise the oil will attract carbon and dust and jam up the gun."

Let’s put that to rest right now. The AR-15 is a machine. Like a car engine or a power tool, it relies on metal parts sliding violently against other metal parts at incredibly high speeds. When you run a machine like that bone dry, you drastically increase friction, accelerate wear and tear, and practically guarantee a malfunction. Yes, oil will attract some carbon and grit as you shoot. But a wet, dirty gun will run thousands of rounds longer than a dry, clean gun.

The heart of the AR-15 is the bolt carrier group (BCG). It handles the brunt of the heat and friction during the firing cycle. You don't need to soak the entire rifle in oil, but there are specific points that absolutely require lubrication to function correctly. The four rails on the outside of the carrier that make contact with the upper receiver need to be wet. The gas rings on the bolt tail need a drop, and most importantly, the cam pin needs a generous coating of lube so it can smoothly rotate the bolt in and out of battery.

I’ve experimented with dozens of different cleaning solvents and lubricants over the years, but I’ve largely settled on Slip 2000 EWL (Extreme Weapons Lubricant). Unlike a lot of old-school oils that burn off quickly under high heat, EWL actually sticks to the metal parts and stays slick even after a few hundred rounds of rapid fire. It makes wiping the carbon off the BCG infinitely easier when you finally sit down to clean the rifle.

Speaking of cleaning, performing maintenance on your firearms requires the exact same mindset as shooting them. You have to start by verifying the weapon is completely unloaded and removing all live ammunition from your workspace. Treating every firearm as if it’s loaded isn't just a rule for the range; it applies to the workbench, too. When you get the rifle back together and head out to test-fire it, muzzle discipline and trigger discipline remain the absolute baseline of everything you do. Because maintaining a safe environment is the ultimate goal, we also strictly enforce a policy of keeping our range sessions closed to minors, ensuring that every person handling a firearm is fully focused on the task at hand.

Keeping your gear running doesn't require a masterclass in gunsmithing, just a basic understanding of mechanics and the right supplies. I usually restock my cleaning kits and lubricants through Brownells alongside my ammo orders. They carry the professional-grade solvents that actually work, rather than the gimmicky stuff you find at big-box sporting goods stores. Don't be afraid to get your BCG a little messy. Oil your rifle, put it back together, and go train.