How to protect Guns from rusting in the monsoons ?

[fantumfan2003]

Hello Guru's

The rains are here in Mumbai and to prevent rusting on my guns I separated the stock and coated all the exposed metal parts with a thin coat of oil. The guns are stored in long plastic bags. I am wondering what about the barrel. How do you protect the bore and rifling from rusting ?

Please let me know.

Thanks

Manish

[Mack The Knife]

Wipe down the metal parts with an oily rag everytime they are touched.

For the bore, pull an oiled patch through the bore.

Different gun oils / rust preventives protect metal against rust for different periods, so be sure to oil the metal bits as and when required.

Rather than seal the guns in plastic bags, it would be better if they were allowed to 'breathe'.

[fantumfan2003]

Hi Mack The Knife,

Thanks for the tips. Regarding the oil patch. What is this ? can you upload a pic, any particular place where I can buy it ? how about a small piece of rag tied around an umbrella wire (its stiff, thin and long) to do the job ? Please let me know.

Rgds

Manish

Wipe down the metal parts with an oily rag everytime they are touched.

For the bore, pull an oiled patch through the bore.

Different gun oils / rust preventives protect metal against rust for different periods, so be sure to oil the metal bits as and when required.

Rather than seal the guns in plastic bags, it would be better if they were allowed to 'breathe'.

[Mark]

For high humidity protection use wax. I like to use a paste wax.

For even tougher protection use spray paint, either clear or black.

[Mack The Knife]

You could buy ready made patches but I merely use old cotton t-shirts and the like cut to the appropriate size.

I have never used umbrella wire but I am not sure if it's long enough for rifle barrels. I was refering to a pull through rather than a cleaning rod. If you do use umbrella wire make sure it does not scratch the bore and muzzle crown.

If you do not have a branded pull through, you could use fishing line - 40 lbs. monofilament works just fine.

[Mack The Knife]

For high humidity protection use wax. I like to use a paste wax.

For even tougher protection use spray paint, either clear or black.

There is Vaseline as well. Due to the lack of any gun oils, I had used this to protect my father-in-laws Auto-5. When I opened it after three years, the gun was fine. However, if Vaseline becomes too soft or 'runny', due to heat, it could damage a wood stock.

[b.baracho]

guies try out G.smith Waffen-Spezialfett or Arm-o-lub they are perfect corrosion protection due to deep penetrating & water proofing properties at tropical climate. i also keep a 0 watt bulb always burning in my gun cupboard it helps in reduction of moisture .

[marksman]

Listen to what Mark says. Wax has never failed me. It's better then any oils especially in the places with heavy humidity like Mumbai.
Marksman.

[b.baracho]

wax buddy how do you get rid of it later ?

[marksman]

I let it sit on the fire Arm till it starts weakening and then re coat it. It's a good protection all year round for me like on a car. One should buff it after a heavy coat and it adds sheen to the metal along with protection. Or else remove it with CTC or WD-40 or something like that. Simple.
Marksman

[b.baracho]

cool i know something new today thanks,
Reg,
b.baracho

[dev]

I also store it in cases which have silica gel packs. Kept my .22 well for years.

Dev

[fantumfan2003]

Friends,

I use the zero watt bulb in cupboard and silica gel packets to protect my photography equipment from fungus. I was not sure if these methods would work for protection against rust for guns. But yes both are good methods to keep out moisture which is one of the main causes for formation of fungus and rust.

Manish

I also store it in cases which have silica gel packs. Kept my .22 well for years.

Dev

[marksman]

A wax coated gun can withstand rains as well if one decides to do a bit of shooting in such weather. Take care of the innards though by wiping it dry and lightly oiling it after the session. For example, Water table and breach in case of break open shotguns and magazine well in case of a bolt rifle and so on. And of course the barrel.
Marksman

[Mack The Knife]

Marksman,

I believe the term 'water table' is wrong. The correct term, if I recall correctly, is 'table of the action'.