Every gun owner with even half a brain knows that firearms need regular maintenance. Without it, you’re likely to have issues with jamming, seizing, or even rusting. This is why most shooters regularly clean and oil their firearms.
Because you never know when your freedom, life, or dinner might be at stake?
Now, the AR-15 might not need to be cleaned after each use, but it does need some love and affection on occasion. This leaves the all-important question of what are the best lubes for AR 15 style firearms?
We’ve heard far too often never to use this or that. We also keep hearing wildly conflicting reports that such-and-such is the best you can get. So, we thought we’d do some research and answer the question once and for all.
So, let’s check out our reviews of the best AR-15 lubes. We’ll cover the Pros and Cons, as well as the primary selling points for our favorite five formulas. And there’s even a cleaning formula for those that want to give their baby some extra attention.
Intrigued? You will be… so let’s get straight to it…
Contents
- 1 Reviews Of Top 5 Best Lubes for AR 15
- 1.1 1 HOPPE’S No. 9 Synthetic Blend Lubricating Oil, 2.25 Oz. – Best Premium Lube for AR 15
- 1.2 2 Prom Hoppe’s M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil, 4 Oz. Bottle – Best Lube for AR 15 Storage
- 1.3 3 Grizzly Grease Non-Toxic CLP All-in-One Gun Cleaner – Best All In One Lube for AR 15
- 1.4 4 Ballistol Multi-Purpose Travel Size Lubricant Cleaner Protectant – Best Aerosol Lube for AR 15
- 1.5 5 FrogLube CLP Liquid, 4 Oz. Bottle
- 2 Best Lubes for AR 15 Buying Guide
- 3 So, what are the Best Lubes for AR 15?
Reviews Of Top 5 Best Lubes for AR 15
1
HOPPE’S No. 9 Synthetic Blend Lubricating Oil, 2.25 Oz. – Best Premium Lube for AR 15
Everything works better when it’s lubed up, especially your big gun. This is why our first option is an advanced formula that has been specifically designed for modern firearms. We’re talking about the No. 9 Synthetic Blend from Hoppe’s.
Does this only work on firearms?
No, of course not. This lubricating oil has been formulated for the toughest situations and environments. It’s tested under both stress and high-heat to ensure you’re well covered in any application.
Having said that, this is ideal for pistols, rifles, and your crazy AR-15 style machine guns. The formula offers both lubrication for your firearm, and protection against moisture and corrosion. This means you’ll have less wear and tear on your gun, thanks to a reduction in friction.
What makes it so good for firearms?
Hoppe’s No. 9 is formulated with a T3 additive. This contains liquid molybdenum and PTFE, which has the highest coefficient of friction in the industry. In fact, it was originally developed to lubricate dental drills that spin at speeds up to 1.5 million rotations per minute.
We like the thin-coat technology that this oil provides. It’s long-lasting, and will not break-down or separate. For keeping your AR-15 clean and operating at peak performance, we recommend you regularly clean your gun with this lubricant.
Long-lasting…
It’s available in a 2.25-ounce bottle, which will last you for longer than you’d expect. There is also an option to purchase it with a gun bore cleaner. We’d recommend this if you don’t already own a gun cleaning kit.
Pros
- Formulated with a T3 additive.
- Will not break-down or separate.
- Designed or the toughest situations and environments.
- Contains liquid molybdenum and PTFE.
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- It’s fairly expensive compared with other options.
2
Prom Hoppe’s M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil, 4 Oz. Bottle – Best Lube for AR 15 Storage
We all know that it’s a good idea to clean your gun before heading to the range, or to war. However, it’s equally important to lube things up before putting your firearm in storage. Luckily there’s a product specifically designed for just these types of scenarios.
Everything works better when all parts are slick, especially your gun…
This is why most shooters will take the time to clean and oil their firearms before heading into battle, or out on a hunt, or even to the local shooting range. What many of us fail to remember is how crucial it is to prepare your gun for storage. It’s for this that Prom has formulated the M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil.
This formula has been specifically developed for military-style firearms like the AR-15. It has also been designed for long-term storage scenarios. So, if you’re a prepper looking to keep your firearms locked away in a bunker for that ‘just in case’ scenario, this is the right option for you.
How does it work?
The M-Pro 7 LPX provides a film that will repel dust and dirt. This helps keep your firearm in tip-top condition while it sits in storage waiting to be needed. It also will not evaporate, which is why it’s excellent for long-term storage.
In fact, you can see just how good it is by noting our only real complaint. This is because the oil simply does not want to stay in the bottle. We would fault the 4-ounce bottle it is supplied in, but honestly, it’s really just because the oil is that slick.
Pros
- Less smelly than some other options.
- Excellent for long-term gun storage.
- Repels dust and dirt.
- Formulated for military firearms.
- Does not evaporate.
Cons
- The bottle is known to leak if not stored upright.
3
Grizzly Grease Non-Toxic CLP All-in-One Gun Cleaner – Best All In One Lube for AR 15
One of the best options for your gun cleaning kit is made by Grizzly Gun Care. Their all-in-one gun grease is one of our favorite non-toxic options. We recommend this for anyone looking for a single formula that will do it all.
Are you looking for the best gun CLP?
Just to clarify, CLP stands for cleaner, lubricant, and protectant. This one product from Grizzly will do it all. It’s also USDA Certified Bio-Based, which means it’s a great gun oil alternative.
After all, there’s no reason to use toxic oil formulas to keep your AR-15 clean and protected in this modern age. Plus, this formula exceeds 5 MIL-SPEC Technical Standards.
But can a bio-based alternative really function in harsh environments?
Oh yeah, this stuff is good enough to use no matter where you’re shooting. From the hottest, driest deserts to the freezing (-50˚F) conditions of the Arctic, this formula will protect your gun.
In addition to cleaning and lubricating your firearm, this formula will also prevent corrosion and rust issues. This is certainly one of the Best CLP Lubes for AR 15 style firearms, no matter your environment.
Pros
- All-in-one gun cleaner, lubricant, protectant.
- Non-Toxic formula.
- Meets/Exceeds MIL-SPEC Technical Standards.
- Prevents Corrosion and Rust.
- Leak-proof container.
Cons
- Has a unique smell some may not care for.
4
Ballistol Multi-Purpose Travel Size Lubricant Cleaner Protectant – Best Aerosol Lube for AR 15
If you’re looking for a small option that you can travel easily with, then you’ll love this next option. It’s made by Ballistol, and it’s one of the best multi-purpose gun lubricants available. We like this option for a number of reasons, but its aerosol nature is certainly one of the biggest advantages.
Do you have trouble applying lube to your gun?
You won’t with this non-CFC aerosol spray can. It makes application quick and easy, just like its small size makes it highly portable. But that’s really not the best part…
We really appreciate lubricants that are safe to use. This formula from Ballistol is skin safe. It’s slightly alkaline, which neutralizes the effect of sweat and skin oils. It’s also non-carcinogenic, so you won’t be worried about dying from cancer. After all, you have enough to worry about when handling an AR-15.
Friendly to the environment…
It’s also biodegradable, so you won’t have to worry about polluting the air or water. We appreciate the environmentally friendly nature of this formula, as things are bad enough as they are out there. After all, what’s the point of protecting your family if you’re poisoning their food and water in the process?
Is it effective?
Oh yeah, this stuff is damn good. It’s also multi-purpose and can be used to protect wood, leather, rubber, plastic, and of course, metal. It’s great for both cleaning and lubricating your firearms, knives, tools, and more.
In fact, this is the original CLP and has been tried and tested since 1904. The only real complaint we could come up with is the small size. Though they also do sell larger cans for when you’re not traveling.
Pros
- Perfect for lubricating and protecting firearms.
- Preserves and protects metal, wood, leather, etc.
- Neutralizes the effect of skin and sweat oils.
- Highly portable travel size.
Cons
- This small can won’t last long.
5
FrogLube CLP Liquid, 4 Oz. Bottle
The final option in our review of the best lubes for AR-15, and similar military-style firearms is produced by FrogLube. Here we have another CLP liquid that has been specially formulated to get the job done quickly and thoroughly.
Do you need to remove powder residue from your firearm?
You may not know it, but powder residue, carbon, grease, and a number of other contaminants can cause your firearm to corrode over time. This is why it is important to clean your AR-15 or other firearm regularly.
Luckily FrogLube is specially formulated to help you remove these contaminants. It also ‘seasons’ deep into the pores of metal to help create a slick, protective layer with repeated use. This makes it one of the best AR-15 cleaning solutions available.
What’s the advantage over the competition?
This formula will not attract dirt and grit the way petroleum-based lubricants will. At least it won’t once dry, but you do need to be careful during application. We like the 100% biodegradable formula. It’s made from food-grade materials, so you won’t need to worry about toxicity.
Pros
- Non-toxic cleaner, lubricant, and protectant.
- Removes powder residue, carbon, grease, etc.
- Does not attract dirt or grit.
- 100% biodegradable formula.
Cons
- Not the best formula for extreme environments.
Best Lubes for AR 15 Buying Guide
When searching for the best lubes for AR 15s, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. As you can see from our review, there are a few great options. Each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, here is what to consider before making your final selection…
First off, do you want an all-in-one or a product formulated to lubricate only? Many shooters will prefer to save time with a CLP formula. We like these for getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
If you’re talking about regular maintenance, then an all-in-one clean, protect, and lubricate formula is generally adequate. However, if you are lubing up a gun that hasn’t been used in some time, then you may want a dedicated lube.
Similarly, if you are putting your firearm in storage for an extended period, it may be wise to use something like the M-Pro 7 LPX Gun Oil we reviewed.
Application can be a pain sometimes…
We think that most shooters will agree that it’s far more fun to shoot your firearm than to clean it. This is especially true with some formulas that offer a less than ideal application process. We advise that you consider the thickness of various formulas, as well as the bottles they are supplied in.
Spray bottles offer a much easier application. However, some of the best AR 15 lubes cannot be sprayed-on. Just remember, the more you hate to clean your gun, the less often you will do so.
Another important aspect of any product is its price…
We know that no one wants to throw away money on maintenance products. It’s much more fun to buy laser sights, tactical flashlights, and the like. However, cleaning and preventative care for your firearms is one of the most important aspects of being a smart and safe gun owner.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good product for lubing up your firearm. For this reason, it seems silly to shy away from the best lube just because it’s a couple of dollars more than the competition.
Looking for more superb products for your AR?
If so, check out our reviews of the Best Aimpoint for AR15, the Best 9mm AR15 Uppers, the Best AR 15 Barrels, and the Best AR 15 Laser Lights you can buy.
You may also be interested in our comprehensive reviews of the Best AR 15 ACOG Scopes, the Best Scope Mounts for AR15 Rifle, the Best AR 15 Lower Reciever, and the Best AR 15 Charging Handles currently available in 2024.
Or, if you’re looking for you’re first or another AR, check out our in-depth Palmetto State Armory AR 15 review.
So, what are the Best Lubes for AR 15?
Hopefully, you have now narrowed down the key points to consider when purchasing lube for your AR 15 firearm. And, it’s likely that one of the above options has already jumped out at you. If this is the case, you’re good to order one and start lubing up your gun.
However, if they all look too perfect for you to choose one, don’t fret, we will make one final recommendation by naming our favorite of the lot. And that’s the…
Grizzly Gun Care Non-Toxic CLP
This gets the whole job done without making a huge mess. Plus, it’s safe to use and goes a lot further than you’d expect. For these reasons, we’d highly recommend you keep a bottle with your gun cleaning kit.
Happy AR cleaning.