Gun rust isn’t the same problem it was for 19th Century firearms exposed to rust-causing mercuric primers and potassium salt residue from black powder residue. With a smokeless powder, forged barrels, and non-corrosive primers, gun rust isn’t the same problem it was. It doesn’t mean gun owners shouldn’t be concerned about rust, especially if they don’t have an airtight storage strategy. All metals can be affected by time and the elements. Stainless steel and aluminum are no exception. It is surprising how little time and elemental exposure it takes to do real damage to a firearm. Problems require solutions, and that’s why today, we’ll be looking at how you can prevent rust damage from affecting your firearms.
1. Understanding the Differences Between Solvent and Gun Oil
WD 40, as its name implies, is a water-displacing product, and it should therefore be used to rid metallic surfaces of water. It’s not used as a protective coating or lubricant. In the same way, solvent-based cleaners do a great job of dissolving carbon and other built-up debris and dust from your gun. Solvent-based cleaners do not help protect it. Proper gun oil is often synthetic without petroleum distillates. It is used to coat the metal and to keep out oxygen and water. Gun oils can perform more than one function, such as CLP formulas that function as cleaners, lubricants, and protectants.
Whatever lubricant you choose, be sure not to overdo it. An excess of oil can attract dirt and hinder mechanical movement in some cases, especially during the winter. If you’re venturing out in the cold, opt for synthetic oil. Also don’t forget to keep a few rags with you, to wipe down your gun before it goes back in the case, which also happens to be an important part of rust prevention.
2. Transport Your Gun in a Case
During travel, your gun will be exposed to a lot more variables and debris than when it’s simply sitting at home in a safe. To avoid and protect from as much unnecessary exposure as possible, it is wise to invest in a gun case to transport your firearm in. This prevents any excess exposure for your gun, protecting it from moisture, dust, and other elements. In addition to offering protection, it can also be safer to handle your firearm in this way.
3. Coat a Gun with Wax for Added Protection
Several coats of wax can be applied to a gun to protect the finish and prevent future issues. It will still look the same as when it was first applied, several years later. The way wax fills pores makes it ideal for older Damascus or twist-steel barrels, and it protects wooden gun stocks well. Make sure not to add too much and fill up the checkering.
4. Keep Your Gun Out of Its Case to Prevent Rust
As mentioned earlier, gun cases are great at protecting your gun from bumps and dirt on the road, but they aren’t the ideal long-term storage solution. The interior of gun cases is soft making them prone to humidity and moisture. After usage, when you place a gun in the case, you are trapping any moisture currently on the surface of the gun inside the case. While this won’t be the end of the world in transportation, it can spell disaster if the gun is left in that environment for too long.
So that being said, the case is a great and necessary tool, but it is not for long-term storage! After using your gun, and after transport, be sure to remove it from its case so it can once again breathe! To further protect your gun from moisture, consider throwing a small packet of silica desiccant in the case.
So there are 4 of the best rust prevention for gun methods to protect and prevent rust as you move and store your firearms. There is a litany of great vendors, just be sure to find one with high marks that will work for you.
As mentioned earlier, gun cases are great at protecting your gun from bumps and dirt on the road, but they aren’t the ideal long-term storage solution. The interior of gun cases is soft making them prone to humidity and moisture. After usage, when you place a gun in the case, you are trapping any moisture currently on the surface of the gun inside the case. While this won’t be the end of the world in transportation, it can spell disaster if the gun is left in that environment for too long.