Originally Posted By: AMC
LOL guys to set the record straight, the Mini 14 is a full (long) stroke piston operated gun, similar to the AK-47. It is not blow back or direct impingement.
You will want to use a little bit of grease on the the operating handle, the bolt roller, the bolt tracks on the receiver and the recoil spring guide rod. Every where else on the gun, use oil. Dust doesn't bother the Mini at all.
Yeah, it is a Garand based action, my understanding common practice is to use grease on anything that rotates and oil on anything that slides. I don't own one though, and I know AMC knows what he is talking about.