Do most of you just use CLP (e.g., FP-10) on the outside of the rifle to remove dirt or fingerprints?  Would I be better suited using a black silicon cloth when out in the field (camping) to keep it clean?  

I just got my AR and haven't had a chance to do much but look at it, so I'm a newbie

TIA,
Chris

My bushmaster manual suggested using non-detergent motor-oil.

I bought a quart, and use a slightly oily black rag to wipe down the outside of my shorty.

After over 5000 rounds she looks brand new, and shoots like a dream. I also use the oily rag on the stock, and it too looks brand new.

I do use CLP on the sights and a GI brush.

Regards,
Francis

I use a teflon gun spray(winchester i think), it was about $4 a can i think, its not as oily as motor oil, or gun oil, its made specificly for firearms. The pump shotgun crowd uses it on actions. Thats actually the reason i first bought it, but now i use it on the exterior of all my guns, protects, and dosent leave a greasy feel. Just spray on/wipe most of it off and bamo, clean, handprint-free gun.

Thanks for the replies, that gives me some suggestions.

CLP on a rag and then buff it into the finish.
Buff it again with a clean rag and presto, it looks great!

I use CLP followed by a silicone cloth to get rid of finger prints and it give it a nice matte semi gloss finish.  CLP and a rag leaves bits of fiber and collects dust/finger prints.  The silicone works best on a clean rifle and the CLP does the cleaning since silicone alone wont.

After crawling all day in the mud with my M16, I use to take a shower with it, then oil her down. LOL

I saw a website that suggested using rubbing alcohol to clean off the exterior metal parts, and then shining it up w/ WD40.  It claimed that RRA used that technique to refurbish older beat up parts.  Not sure if I'll try it w/ mine, as I hate the smell of WD40, but it sounds like it would shimmer a little bit closer to new.

 I do exactly what ThomasJefferson does if my guns get super filthy...I hose it down with HOT water, Dawn dishsoap and nice soft brush then a HOT rinse.  Canned air from WalMart or office max is great for blasting out the excess water then use WD_40 to chase out the rest....let soak in the WD for a while, blast again, oil properly and store.

BUT:
 For normal cleaning in AZ just do the bore clean all surfaces with MP-7, or Break Free...., wipe with break free (VERY LIGHTLY as to not attract too much dust and such) and you're done.