First of all welcome to the forum. As others have suggested, first remove the stocks and then give the gun a good cleaning. Lots of oil and brass wool is the best. Don't over do it as you only want to take the high rust and crud off not remove the finish. Once you have removed the crud and rust, dry the metal thoroughly to remove any oil residue. Once that is completed, you should wax the gun with Renaissance Wax. You can purchase a small can online from a variety of sources and I believe some stores actually carry it on the shelf. You wax a gun just like you wax your car. Many folks use oil, but the problem with oil is that it attracts dust and dust holds moisture. Moisture is not good for metal and causes rust flecks. Wax will protect the metal and not allow moisture to get through.
Once you have cleaned the stocks, you can apply a light coat of Renaissance Wax to them as well. Buff with a clean cloth and they will shine like a new pair of shoes and also be protected.
This method is recommended by the conservator of the Springfield museum and the collection in his care is much larger and much more precious than most of ours.
Good luck and I would keep the ammunition in the standard velocity range.
Once you have cleaned the stocks, you can apply a light coat of Renaissance Wax to them as well. Buff with a clean cloth and they will shine like a new pair of shoes and also be protected.
This method is recommended by the conservator of the Springfield museum and the collection in his care is much larger and much more precious than most of ours.
Good luck and I would keep the ammunition in the standard velocity range.
