El Rojo - Not just the M1A - the M14 and M1 Garand as well. The receivers on these rifles have grooves and contact surfaces that would rapidly dissipate even freshly applied oil.
Grease is recommended because it maintains its viscosity under conditions of normal or even harsh usage.
The original M1 grease is Lubriplate 130-A, later supplanted by Plastilube. Tetra grease is a perfectly acceptable modern substitute.
Cliff
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