Clean/Oil Exterior of Barrel?

[fender4string]

Just curious if it is necessary to regularly clean and lube the exterior of the barrel. Is there any concern of rust if this isn't done on a regular basis?

Also, if this is required maintenance, do you remove the hand guard to do so or just work through the holes in the hand guard?

 

[ronnie gore]

barrel

unless you get some water or a lot of trash under the handguard, there is no reason to worry with it. I assume you are talking about an ar15 platform.
the handguards are not hard to remove most of the time if needed.
I carried an ar in the trunk of my police car for years and never had any problem.

 

[rws]

Just curious if it is necessary to regularly clean and lube the exterior of the barrel. Is there any concern of rust if this isn't done on a regular basis?

Also, if this is required maintenance, do you remove the hand guard to do so or just work through the holes in the hand guard?

Handguard comes off with the barrel nut...so you would need to purchase the tool for that plus you need a set of barrel vise blocks. You must hold the barrel not the receiver when removing the barrel nut/handguard assembly.

nut tool
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...on-m-p-15-22-barrel-nut-wrench-prod42088.aspx

barrel vice
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...ols/ar-15-m16-barrel-vise-jaws-prod12470.aspx

OR

just remove the handguard end cap and use a dowel and oil rag...pushing the rag up the handguard to clean and oil.




.

 

[Decipher]

I always clean and lube my barrel on my AR, but mostly because I'm anal about my weapons. I don't think it's necessary and is mostly for aesthetics. So, being that for most people it's completely unnecessary, I'd say just clean and lube the parts you can conveniently reach to keep her looking good. If you don't do this, I really don't think you'll have a problem unless she is constantly exposed to moisture or is stored in a very humid environment for a prolonged period of time.