Part 11. Understanding Firearm Cleaning and Preservation.

Ron Owen Understanding Firearm Cleaning & Preservation November 7, 2015

Understanding Firearm Cleaning and Preservation.

A Good Brand of Gun Grease

Part Eleven

External Storage of a Firearm.

48. Rusting cannot occur without oxygen, water has no shortage of it , dryness and coldness reduce the rusting process. Warmth melts your rust inhibitors and moisture speeds up the process. Try not to leave guns in any type of gun bag or case, whatever it is made of, all linings hold moisture which cannot escape. Most gun bags and cases are nearly air tight, when firearms are stored in them, it is almost always a death sentence, as the moisture which is always present in woodwork or the lining of the bag has no escape. When it evaporates with temperature changes it re-condenses itself on the cold steel surfaces, then it oxidises, it looks like rust it tastes like rust, believe it, it is rust.

Great for a Carry Bag, But All Gun Bags Destroy Guns If They Are Stored In Them.

49. For the best protective results use a lanolin based gun grease for long term storage, it may be wise to apply the grease in a warmed liquid state, (do not cook it and let it catch fire they are all flammable) but just left in a warm place. If the warmed lanolin had a small percentage of cleaned beeswax in its melted state mixed with it when it solidified in the barrel the wax may help to keep it in place and increase its melting temperature so that it all did not run out on a hot day. The mixture of beeswax is only a suggestion, I have not experimented in the process yet, its just one of the things I would try if I had to put a firearm away for a very long time. Keep in mind that wax products should not be applied to internal area’s, as the wax may solidify’s too hard and makes it too difficult to remove.

Keep Oil Off

50. Remember keep oil and grease off wood work as petroleum oils turn wood black and rots it, keep oil away from white ivory sight beads, it turns them yellow, or stock inserts as it seems to turn them brown and shrink and crack them. Keep oil away from soft rubber butt pads as it breaks down rubber as well.

Before & After. Two Long Toms, Lee Efield No 1s. Oil Oozing from the Top One, Stock Blackened by Gun Oil.

Remove Oil Before Shooting (Repeated warning due to importance)

51. Remove all oil and grease from barrels before shooting, as it acts as a hydraulic obstruction, the worst that could happen is that the barrel could explode and send bits of flying steel in the direction of the operator, best thing would be that it leave a series of rings,”called oil compression rings” in your barrel, of course it would be ruined but you would have survived the experience. A dry patch on the jag and a rod will remove most of it kerosene or solvent may be needed for the thicker grease.