What are the critical points to apply oil in an AK?  It sounds like they can almost shoot dry, like a Glock.  Is this true?

I spray a little oil on the upper rails before I test fire them
Just to smooth it out once it gets some trigger time it breaks itself in but I usually spray some on after each cleaning.

Probably doesn't need it

Look where the finish is wearing off.  Them be the spots.

Thanks.  This is a new Arsenal SAM7, and I am curious about how best to break it in.  Do you think it's good to go straight out of the box?

It's an AK, it will run with sand in it, if anything a light lithium grease on the rails is about all you need. C

I like to dip my bolt carrier in 10W-30

AK-47 don't need any oil.  Thousands of rounds and not a single failure shooting wolf. All I do is swab the barrel out once and a while to keep the rifleing clean. I don't even take the top cover off!!  Ak-47 is like your 30 round Magazine, it does not need oil.

It needs oil?  

I only use PAM cooking spray on my Yugo AK. The olive oil type gives a nice clean scent when shooting. Use it liberally (Hopefully the only liberal thing regarding AKs!)

Look where the finish is wearing off. Them be the spots.

Makes a heck of a lot of sense to me, and is pretty much what I do. I lube the rails, wipe the bolt shank, locking lugs, and bolt cam down with a light coat, and occasionally apply some to the wearing points and rotating points on the FCG.

Of course I lightly lube my Glock as well...

I lube normally with a light grease. Normally Tetra. .It's good stuff and stays in place. But Ive also used breakfree . LSA( military stuff )  is a good lube that can be found for cheap. Alot of folks use motor oil but I hate the smell. To each there own. Just put some lube on it and it should help the rifle last longer.  Cheers WarDawg

PS. Lube the rails and boltcarrier where it slides on the rails. Also lube the bolt shaft with light oil where it slides through the carrier and also where it does its rotation. Oil or grease. I normally use light grease. I also very lighty lube the entrance to the return spring.And wipe the return spring down with a rag with breakfree . I put a smear of oil or grease on the top of the hammer where it makes contact with the carrier as its beinf driven backwards. Hey we pay good money for these tough rifles. Take care of them and hopefully they will take care of you. WarDawg

Thank you for all the replies.  I like to baby my firearms, whether or not they need it.  

clp or grease on the rails. clp on the exterior of the bolt and lugs

oil what is this oil you speak of?


i apply oil to all of my fcg only to prevent rust other than that i run it dry

I simply dump a quart into it whenever the 'check oil' light comes on. Rarely, if ever.

Things you can grease an AK with

Crisco
mtec
clp
militec
motor oil
cooking oil
pam
teflon stuff
lithium grease
automotive grease
pom-aid (Only in the hood)

The problem with motor oil with time it become gummy and I know this from experince.

Do hear of guys having good luck with synthic motor oil but haven't heard any long term reports.  

Lube it with blood...

Clean it with Urine...

Bwahaaaa!!!

KyAKGuy

I lightly wipe down the rails, FCG and other exposed metal with Corrosion X. It is great for preventing rust and lubes well too. I have sweated on Makarovs treated with Corrosion X and they will not rust. Just wiped the sweat off on a pants leg. Give it a try.......I use it on my Glocks too............