What Do Y'all Do To Keep Your Guns From Rusting?

[Ghost Magnum]

Humidity can get real bad in summer. So after I handle my 586, I wipe off all sweat and whatever ells off my gun. Then I get an mild oily cloth and leave a thin layer of oil on it.
I haven't had any rust issue yet, so I must be doing something right. Thoughts?

 

[bmcgilvray]

I've used RIG since the late 1970s.

Rust is banished.

https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Cleaning-and-Maintenance/RIG/RIG®-Universal-Gun-Grease.aspx

 

[Targets Guy]

Keep them in a cool dry place, check them quarterly and rub them down with silicone cloths. i also try to shoot mine at least once a year and then give them a good inspection and cleaning.

I use an Excel worksheet to monitor them and record dates of shooting, number of rounds of ammo and location of range.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Don't forget to pull the grips and address the surfaces underneath.

 

[Laketime]

I have said it many times here before,and worth repeating.I have stored my entire gun collection for almost six years by using only Remington oil.Looked and operated as good as the day they went into storage.Any lubricant marketed today can protect a gun for a month or two.But what can really out perform Remington oil with Teflon.( maybe grease ) Also important is the fact that this product dries leaving behind a Teflon coating,so it will never gum up actions.Meaning action disassembly to remove old lubricant gunk is never necessary.

 

[Ghost Magnum]

Don't forget to pull the grips and address the surfaces underneath.

I do that. Every old gun I handled had some kind of rust under the grips.

I carry it regularly. I'm just wondering what everyone ells does to prevent rust.

 

[lhump1961]

All of the above plus 3 dehumidifiers in the safe!!

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Humidity can get real bad in summer. So after I handle my 586, I wipe off all sweat and whatever ells off my gun. Then I get an mild oily cloth and leave a thin layer of oil on it.
I haven't had any rust issue yet, so I must be doing something right. Thoughts?

Your logic seems bulletproof. Myself, I do like post #2. RIG. My experience, also, has worked.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

I like Eezox. It is a CLP. No oily film. Does not pick up lint on a pocket carried pistol. Good stuff. Only problem it is hard to find.

 

[justakyguy]

I use CLP for the bore and regularly wipe with silicone cloth.

 

[murphydog]

I prefer waxing guns for protection, which to me is like having a really heavy oily coating without the downsides of oil (doesn't rub off easily or wash away from covered areas, like under the stocks). The methods above surely work fine though.

 

[apollo99]

I live here in Arizona now, so humidity isn't much of an issue. When I lived on the easy coast where humidity was a big factor, I kept a dehumidifying rod in the gun safe, and I also stored my pistols, stainless and blued alike with the grips off. It was easier to just take them out and wipe them down and not have to worry about whats happening below the grips.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Today we're at 44% humidity. We do have some humid summer days, but generally we're not bad and I don't have a rust problem. Central air/heat pump system seems to suck any moisture out of the house anyway.
Only problem child I can remember was a Russian Saiga AK. Any exposed bare metal would rust overnight.

 

[mazer]

Same as Collo Rosso, here in SC I keep my guns where there is heat/air plus a quarterly wipe down with Rem Oil cloths and good for another 3 or 4 months. Zero issues so far!

 

[H Richard]

Maintain the environment with temp control and dehumidifier. I read where 70 degrees and 50% humidity was ideal for storage. Above all, keep clean and wiped down whenever handled. I use a silicone cloth and no rust for 30+ years in humid Mississippi valley in the Midwest.

 

[kraynky]

I keep one or two of those Hoppes #9 and/or Remington oil pop-up on my bench, and wipe off everything I touch when the safe has been opened. You don't have to throw them away after each use either. I used to keep a baggie handy to put used ones in, now I just put them in a small plastic bowl, they stay oily for a long time even like that.

I tried to draw a circle around them, but not real sure it worked, they are on the top shelf. I haven't found a rusty gun in either safe, ever! Both have Golden Rod dehumidifiers in them and a climate controlled basement.

 

[haywood]

Been in Florida for a Month. Two carry guns and Three extras in the car safe. I check them every few days and keep them wiped off with Ballistol. This is the Fourth Winter here and never a problem.

 

[hdwhit]

Ghost Magnum wrote:
I get an mild oily cloth and leave a thin layer of oil on it.

I agree.

Wipe water, sweat, skin secretions, etc. off with a dry cloth and then use a lightly oiled rag or patch to put a thin layer of oil on the exposed metal surfaces of the gun. This is what most manufacturers recommend and history has proven its simplicity, economy and effectiveness.

If the gun is going to be stored for a prolonged period of time (i.e. years) then a heavier oil (like a motor oil) and a heavier coating may be required as oil, like any fluid, does obey the law of gravity and will migrate over time which could leave some surfaces bare.

 

[mod29]

Humidity can get real bad in summer. So after I handle my 586, I wipe off all sweat and whatever ells off my gun. Then I get an mild oily cloth and leave a thin layer of oil on it.
I haven't had any rust issue yet, so I must be doing something right. Thoughts?

How does sweat get all over your gun? Are you carrying it in a holster?
If so, frequent cleaning and wiping down the exterior with a lightly oiled cloth is probably about the best you can do.

 

[MetalMan]

I do that. Every old gun I handled had some kind of rust under the grips.

I carry it regularly. I'm just wondering what everyone ells does to prevent rust.

There is much discussion on the forum concerning this issue.

I have gone the route of removing the grips and coating the covered portions of the frame with RenWax, allow some minutes to fully dry and then re-install the grips without wiping off the wax.

For wood grips, I apply a light coating to the inside of these as well.

 

[Breakaway500]

Ballistol often,and keep them out of the wet. If wet..dry and apply Ballistol.

 

[gwpercle]

Two products:
1.) Birchwood Casey's Barricade (formerly Sheath). It's a spray on wax based protectant, spray , wipe down and let dry.

2.) Paste Wax . On the high end is Renaissance Wax , a museum quality wax protectant. $16.00 for 2.2 ozs.
For everyday ( penny pinchers) use automotive paste wax. Mothers Pure Carnauba Calif. Gold $14.95 for 12 ozs.

Wax works , it stays on the metal , doesn't evaporate , is not greasy to the touch , doesn't rub off on other stuff and makes blued steel look pretty....like when you wax your car , you know how good it looks !
Gary

 

[StakeOut]

Most of my guns see regular trips to the range and a cleaning afterwards but the few that don't see range time like my 4" 25-5 and Pre 25 are well lubed with Rem Oil and placed in a ZCORR storage bag along with a silica gel packet.

Vapor Barrier Anti-Corrosion Firearm Storage & Preservation Bags - ZCORR Products

Inside my safe and in the small room where the safe is located I place canisters of DampRid purchased at Walmart.

.https://www.walmart.com/ip/DampRid-Refillable-Moisture-Absorber-10.5-oz./15033112

 

[JR2ATN]

ICYMI... Comprehensive Corrosion Test: 46 Products Compared Comprehensive Corrosion Test: 46 Products Compared : Day At The Range
I have used Boeshield T-9 and Hornady One Shot with good results. And I keep a Goldenrod and digital hygrometer in the safe....silicone cloths for quick wipe downs.

 

[EricR]

Depending on weapon, use, and finish either CLP, homemade silicone cloth, or Renaissance Wax. I'll confess that I've a few cherished Smith's that come out of the safe more for pictures then to be shot. Those get Ren wax. Firearms that see use by either shooting or carry usually get CLP. However, some of my EDC's will only get a wiping with a silicone cloth at the end of each day. Silicone cloth is a favorite for handguns "from the other side" aka pistols w/ plastic.

But I've had firearms stored / untouched for years that remained pristine with either a RIG type grease or even a heavy coat of CLP.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Frequent wipe down will Ballistol to the ones that are shot often. Ren Wax for the ones shot infrequently.
All stored in Silicone gun socks.
Safe is in controlled environment, golden rod, and dessicants in safe.
Seems like a lot, but needed for where I live.
Collo Rosso 44% humidity would be a dry day here.

 

[Gripgrabber]

I solved my rust on my edc buy carrying only stainless guns! Easy peasy.
SEMPER PARATUS

 

[hittman77]

Maintain the environment with temp control and dehumidifier. I read where 70 degrees and 50% humidity was ideal for storage. Above all, keep clean and wiped down whenever handled. I use a silicone cloth and no rust for 30+ years in humid Mississippi valley in the Midwest.

Yep!
Exactly what Richard said.

 

[Big E3]

I have kept mine rust free for 45 years in a really cool dry place, Colorado.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[OLDSTER]

Protection

I have said it many times here before,and worth repeating.I have stored my entire gun collection for almost six years by using only Remington oil.Looked and operated as good as the day they went into storage.Any lubricant marketed today can protect a gun for a month or two.But what can really out perform Remington oil with Teflon.( maybe grease ) Also important is the fact that this product dries leaving behind a Teflon coating,so it will never gum up actions.Meaning action disassembly to remove old lubricant gunk is never necessary.

+1 Rem-Oil bottle or aerosol. Also keep a handful of desiccant packets scattered around my gun cabinet( not a safe). Get plenty of packets from my wifes vitamin bottles. I've never had a surface rust issue.