Waxing Guns

[octagon]

I am wondering specifically about using wax to protect gun metal and not wood. Anyone used wax long term on their stuff and have any reports as to effectiveness or brand recommendations? I have heard of museums using this method, but would like to hear from our own levergunners .

[mack]

I have used a product called Fluid Film for storage on firearms and machine tools. It is a great corrosion preventative and somewhat of a lubricant. It is the same stuff we use for undercoating on the trucks and farm equipment. The stuff has the ability to really "creep", it seems to find its way into all the corners. Never had a rust or finger print problem after using it. I don't think I would rely on it as an in service lubricant.

[Hawkeye2]

My wife and I shoot armory bright Springfields (61 & 63) in N-SSA events and I often use wax on the metal as we sometimes shoot in the rain. Johnsons Paste Wax is my favorite but I've used inexpensive auto polish too. Both protect the finish though I would be reluctant to use auto polishes on a finished gun as they often contain abrasives.

[Sixgun]

I could see using wax on blueless guns like Hawkeye but consider it a hassle as it's time consuming. The oils made today...mine and Doug Turnbulls favorite...Remoil and others.....has worked for me for over 40 years.---6

[GunnyMack]

So that's what the kids are calling it these days
If it's got blue then just use oil, save the wax for wood.
Some of the newer oils on the market can actually penetrate the pores of steel.

[marlinman93]

I've waxed both wood and metal for decades and no problems. I know there are specialty waxes like Renaissance Wax that museums use, but I simply use Minn Wax Paste Wax. I use a rag to apply a thin coat to metal and wood, and then a dry cloth to buff off all excess.
I always do an extra treatment prior to taking guns out for fall hunting season, so the rain will bead up and run off. Even in horrible monsoon conditions my guns never have any signs of rust. And for my collectable guns the wax leaves the metal and wood looking as good as possible.

[piller]

Does Johnson's Paste Wax work as well?

[Shasta]

I use either Johnson's Paste Wax or Mequire's Pure Carnuba Paste Wax if I will be hunting in rainy conditions. It is a lesson I learned back in 1982 when I was hunting in the rain with my custom made full stock .54 caliber Hawken. A nice 4-point buck was 40 yards in front of me and my rifle would not fire because the stock had swelled and interfered with the hammer fall. Waxing cured that problem.

Shasta

[flatnose]

I use wax on everything. Living near the ocean and humidity, has had no effect on barrels and gunparts that are in the white. They are as good as new. You can also try spray on silicone.

[octagon]

Thanks men for these replies. High humidity in hill country prompts this question. As a kid, my Dad and I would take all guns in the house once or twice a year and clean and oil them, and good company made this an enjoyable chore. I have continued this practice with my son, and realized some of our guns rarely if ever get used anymore. I thought waxing might mean a few of these could be worked over every two years, shortening this all day chore.

I have used rem oil for years and have no comp!aints. It is a fact that the all day chore has, after 40 years, become tiresome, as the collection seems to multiply.

[walks with gun]

I've been using Johnsons paste wax for many years.

[marlinman93]

No difference between Johnson's and Minn Wax paste. Use whichever is cheaper, or easier to find.

[6pt-sika]

I’ve used Johnson’s , Minn and Bowling Alley brands .

[RandyC]

I've used Johnson's Paste Wax for long term storage as well as a couple of SAAs that get get handled more than shot. Works great. No fingerprints and it shines bright. Eezox on the inside, Johnson's on the outside. No hint of rust. Five or six bucks for a thirty years supply.

[m.wun]

I have used T/C Bore Butter bullet lube on gun steel. I just apply with a cloth, let it sit for a bit then wipe off thoughly. Smells nice and Pitney also.

[octagon]

Six and Gunny, why do you feel wax is contraindicated on blue guns? Is scratching a consideration here? Please be so kind as to elaborate.

[marlinman93]

contraindicated

What does this word mean?

[octagon]

Contraindicated: a technique that should not be used

[marlinman93]

My reply was in jest. Notice the wink?

[piller]

I thought it was a word that meant Col. North should be sending it to freedom fighters in South America.

[Nicknack]

I make my my own rust preventative coating, I buy Microcrystalline Wax, grate through a cheese grater( the grater that gives you thin flakes) then mix it with White Spirit stir together until it dissolves make it thick or thin, it is the best for repelling moisture and seems to stay on bare metal even when handled. An old bloke who collected edged weapons told me the recipe,the White Spirit evaporates away and leaves a film of wax. When I buy a firearm I remove the wood work and give the steel that is hidden a treatment with the wax, let dry and assemble, then treat the entire metal of the firearm it does not seem to harm wood or lacquer finishes. I give the rifle bore a thin coat but remember to remove it before firing with White Spirit or any type of petroleum based liquid that would remove oil. It is not a lubricant just a protective coating and is great for long term storage.
Regards

[octagon]

Marlinman did not notice winky , should wear my readers I guess

[3leggedturtle]

Marlinman did not notice winky , should wear my readers I guess

I sometimes forget to take off my “selective reading glasses” off and end up not reading the right way or don’t notice key points in a topic! I did my guns with Johnson’s last fall. Was happy to see no rust on them when I got back after winter. Todd/3leg

[Grizz]

in SE Alaska, where we annually got over 100 feet of rain, plus snow, plus salt spray from hunting in the skiff, I used vaseline everywhere under the wood to metal areas, inside the action, except parts that could freeze, and on all exterior metal when stowed. wiped all off the outside metal so I could hold on to the gun in the woods. at night we sprayed wd-40 down the barrel until it ran out the action and left the gun next to the stove to keep moisture from condensing. this led to favoring stainless steel arms. I have also used waterproof wheel bearing grease in some guns. of course both vaseline and bearing grease will freeze, so get removed in sub-freezing temperatures.

problem with some gun oils is that you can smell them a mile away, nearly, almost, and are more highly contraindicated than our own BO as witnessed by the number of deer we have walked up on. if the witnesses could speak.