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The best oil for guns is a high‑quality synthetic firearm oil, like AMSOIL, or CLP that combines low‑viscosity lubrication with corrosion inhibitors and good thermal stability. For pistols and tight‑tolerance actions choose a light synthetic oil that forms a thin, stable film so parts cycle cleanly without attracting fouling; for rifles and high‑round or suppressed use select a heat‑stable synthetic or CLP that resists breakdown under repeated firing. Use a thicker grease or sticky lubricant only on heavy wear surfaces (rails, bolt tails, locking lugs) where you need a staying‑put film. Always clean carbon and old residues first, apply sparingly, cycle parts, and wipe excess to avoid buildup. 

When selecting a lube for your firearm, it’s important to understand that gun‑lubricating oils are formulated primarily to reduce friction and facilitate smooth metal‑on‑metal movement inside the action. 

CLPs (Clean‑Lubricate‑Protect) combine cleaning agents, lubricants and corrosive‑inhibitors into one product. Greases are thicker still and designed to stay put on high‑wear surfaces (rails, bolt tails, locking lugs) where fluid oils may migrate or be washed away. 

According to a detailed guide on gun cleaning oils, each type has its place: lubricating oils to reduce friction, penetrating oils for freeing stuck parts, protective oils to guard against moisture and rust, and all‑in‑one products for convenience. 

If you choose only one product, a CLP gives broad utility. But if you want optimal performance in specific roles (like a high‑round‑count rifle or outdoor suppressed use) then using the right type for the right location will perform better. 

Frequency and quantity of lubrication vary by type of firearm and use conditions. One shooter advises that you should oil the firearm each time you clean it and take into account that modern semi‑autos and polymer pistols often need only a tiny drop on only a few key points because excess oil will attract fouling and impair function. 

Maintenance articles reinforce this: you should clean the firearm first, remove old residue and debris, then apply the lube lightly and wipe off excess to avoid build‑up. 

In practice that means for a defensive pistol you might apply a drop of oil at the slide‑frame interface, the barrel hood area, maybe the rail if present, then wipe. For a long‑gun used heavily you might apply more frequently or include grease on wear surfaces. Too much oil yields a mess, collects grit, and defeats reliability. 

Yes — but it comes with caveats. Many shooters have experimented with using synthetic automotive motor oil (e.g., 15W‑40 or 0W‑20) on firearms and report that it works well for lubrication, staying put, and reducing wear. Some people have used automotive motor oil and said it was the best lubricant for guns that they ever used and that the synthetic motor oil stayed where put and kept action smooth.

However, specialist firearm‑lubricants are engineered with corrosion inhibitors, non‑stick additives, and formulated for firearm tolerances under high heat, fouling, and long storage. Not all gun oils are the same and that tighter tolerance modern platforms benefit from higher‑grade oil.

So while you can use motor oil in a pinch, for optimal function, longevity and corrosion protection it’s wise to use a product designed for firearms. Look to AMSOIL Firearm Lubricant and Protectant to help maintain your firearm long term.

Choose a high‑quality synthetic firearm oil, like AMSOIL, or CLP that forms a thin, stable film on slide/frame rails and the barrel hood while resisting gummy residue. The 1911’s tight tolerances and single‑action sear/hammer geometry benefit from light, targeted grease on high‑load contact points (sear, hammer hook, thumb safety engagement surfaces) to reduce wear without ruining trigger feel; use only a tiny dab, then cycle and remove excess. Clean carbon and old oil first, apply sparingly to rails, feed ramp and barrel bushing, and wipe off surplus so fouling won’t build. In cold weather prefer lower‑viscosity synthetics; in dusty or maritime conditions favor staying‑put, corrosion‑inhibiting formulas. 

Pick a robust synthetic CLP or dedicated AR lubricant formulated to tolerate high heat and carbon fouling and to cling to bolt carrier group surfaces. Thoroughly remove carbon, then apply light oil to the bolt, cam pin and gas rings and a more tenacious grease or sticky lubricant to the carrier rails, bolt carrier key and locking lugs where metal‑on‑metal wear is greatest. Regularly clean the gas port/bolt face—lubricant can’t compensate for heavy carbon—or reliability will suffer. For high‑round or suppressed use choose a heat‑stable synthetic; for cold climates use a lower‑viscosity variant so the rifle cycles reliably. AMSOIL Firearm Cleaner and Protectant fits the bill for caring for your AR-15.