Protecting collectable guns finish

[45flint]

What is the best practice when trying to protect antique guns. I have used "Renaissance Wax Polish" which I guess is used in museums for preservation? I'm thinking of the ones that are probably only occasional shooters.

[inproved]

Hi ...I use Birchwood Casey Barricade...That leaves a nice thin film on gun's ..I have heard that Ballistol works well but I have never seen it to buy..


Regard's

Inproved ..Steve..

[gingernut]

Depends on what they are made of.
If its not steel then just keep it clean.

If they are steel a gun oil such as Express or Napier on a rag works ok if you do it every few weeks.

Renaissance doesn't work on my knives unless you don't polish it.
Ballistol stinks.

Where and how you store is important.
Avoid foam cases and damp garages.

Most important IMO is to play with them all regularly!

[Garvin]

I use this, 1 large tin lasts forever and no horrible smell:

NAPIER GUN CLEANER 750ML - CLEANS AND OILS ANY TYPE OF GUN - REMOVES FOULING - USES SAFE SOLVENTS - LEAVES A MICRO FILM LAYER OF NAPIER GUN OIL - ENSURES LONG LASTING PROTECTION FROM CORROSION - INFUSED WITH NAPIER'S VP90

[SRV1]

On metal work I just wipe on ACF50, don't spray it on, just a bit on a cloth (I use the same cloth time and time again as it makes a great "oily rag"). ACF50 was designed to protect metal for military equipment, especially naval aircraft in salt conditions such as that encountered by aircraft carriers. It is not cheap, I get mine from the dock of the bay, but, the can lasts a very long time. Used it for several years now and no ill effects. It is well recommended to protect motorcycles used during winter with salted roads. Otherwise, I have wiped over with 3in1..

[slow_runner]

I use Bee Kind beeswax. Because it is a bloody good natural protection, locally owned and made here in NZ, it is very affordable, goes a long way and I can get the fragrant stuff if I want
Unlike oils, it resists acids from handling. None of this constantly wiping over lark every time I use an air rifle or pistol; unless I want to or see the need.
I use it on the metalwork and the stock. In my experience, oils migrate and contaminate the wood. I have seen plenty of that and no doubt the rest of us have also.

[Airsporter1st]

Depends on what they are made of.
If its not steel then just keep it clean.

If they are steel a gun oil such as Express or Napier on a rag works ok if you do it every few weeks.

Renaissance doesn't work on my knives unless you don't polish it.
Ballistol stinks.

Where and how you store is important.
Avoid foam cases and damp garages.

Most important IMO is to play with them all regularly!

Ballistol stinks lovely.

[duomatic410]

I use American military grease, lanolin basedi think
Green tin stamped november1972.
Made for jungle type conditions. And it works great.

[johnbaz]

I use American military grease, lanolin basedi think
Green tin stamped november1972.
Made for jungle type conditions. And it works great.

Hi

I have this Gunoil that I bought from a bootsale years ago, The fella had a box full of it (Surplus I think), It was two or three quid a bottle, Wish i'd bought more than just the one bottle now

I looked it up on fleabay, It was only available inb the U.S. and was flippin' expensive!! Although it's only £12 a bottle online now!!


John

[flogger]

I love the smell of ballistol, i have just found a bottle of oil i bought years ago it is called BALLISTOL KLEVER. Its a alkaline based oil invented in 1905 as a anti rust oil, lubricant and preservative.the leaflet says it is ideal for guns and other items and is ideal in damp and tropical conditions but should not be mixed with other oils etc.When i visit the ciney collectors fair in Belgium there is a chap that sells ballistol products which includes oils and cleaners and polishes etc. Roly.

[GRAZY]

What's the issue with the foam cases? I keep my co2 guns in their original cases with the foam inserts and the rest in plastic cases also foam lined, mostly flambeau. Also they all get then stored inside flight cases. This looks very cool but also I think stops the fluctuations in temprature that may cause moisture. from time to time spray some gun oil over them and give them a wipe. I'm using garlands. I do seem to remember hearing before the foam may be an problem. Any advice?

[johnbaz]

I once read on an antique sword forum that spray polish was mostly used as it leaves a microscopic polymer layer that acts as a barrier, once it's buffed, It dries, oil gets all over you and dust sticks to the oil so allows the gun to get dirty..

I've done all my guns using either Pledge or Mr Sheen and not a single one has rusted at all!!



John

[flogger]

I once read on an antique sword forum that spray polish was mostly used as it leaves a microscopic polymer layer that acts as a barrier, once it's buffed, It dries, oil gets all over you and dust sticks to the oil so allows the gun to get d



John

I can certainly vouch for your comments on polish, along with Ballistol oil,Double TT spray etc for lubrication and cleaning and waterproofing against corrosion. Ihave used Mr Sheen and Pledge spray polish on most off my shotgun barrels and woodwork for years, one in particular a
winchester O/UNDER from 1975 has had nothing but spray polish on the outer surfaces and there is no sight of any rust spots, the gun has been out in many a rain storm over the years,i mop out the internals with the above spray etc.
Roly.

[SRV1]

Mmmm...@flogger; Certainly the Harley-Davidson US Forum has recommended Pledge to shine and protect paintwork and chrome - I thought it was a hoax at first, but, I have used it for 10 years on a Sportster since it was new and is still immaculate now. It was suggested not to spray directly, but, spray on to a cloth and buff in.

Best regards to all......

[45flint]

Interesting I have looked on US gun forums and the British made Renaissance wax has a excellent reputation with guys preserving their high value guns. Is it that the imported product has to be better? Is it indeed used by museums as it says? It certainly adds beauty to the surface.