Harming Finish on rifles

[Camshooter92]

Hey guys,
New gun owner here, I have some older rifles that have rougher finish on them, surface rust appears overnight. My question is if I apply coats of CLP to protect them on a regular basis, can this ruin the finish overtime? Wear it out or anything?

[Redemption]

if you are getting surface rust one or both of two things are happening.

1. too much moisture in the air
2. bone dry metal surfaces.

You dont want to leave them slathered in oil, wipe a little on, wipe "most" of it off, leaving just a bit to keep them from rusting.

dont store in foam cases, they hold moisture, use desiccant packets to drive away moisture.

Rust is what is going to damage the finish. Also you need to know that not all finishes are created equal.

Hot bluing - one looks brownish, the other looks blackish blue
cold bluing - one looks brownish, the other looks blackish blue
stainless - self explanatory
Nickel - also self explanatory
powder coating
Parkerizing (dull black)
Ceracoating also a dull black

some are more or less resistant to the elements and require different care. I would suggest familiarizing yourself with what you have.

[Sir Toast]

How are you storing them?

CLP is good. If you're not shooting them often, use CLP "Collectors." It is designed to keep stored guns from rusting.

I'd take them apart, wipe them down and put a good coat of Kroil all over the metal parts. The Kroil is a penetrating oil that will get into the small spaces and pits. Then, wipe most of it off. Then cover in CLP Collectors and wipe most of it off. You want a nice coat of oil all over the metal. You have to do it annually to the guns.

Most of all, store in a dry place, not in a foam case or bag.

[mosinnagantm9130]

How are you storing them?

Most of all, store in a dry place, not in a foam case or bag.

This^^

I store mine in an area with a dehumidifer, and they've got generous coats of gun oil on them. It's pretty rare I have rust on any of them.

[Dark Hunt]

"CLP" stands for Clean, Lubricate and Protect. It will not harm your metal finish. Do not leave it dripping wet as it will soak into wooden stocks.

[Camshooter92]

"CLP" stands for Clean, Lubricate and Protect. It will not harm your metal finish. Do not leave it dripping wet as it will soak into wooden stocks.

Oh so it can damage wood huh?

Thanks for the replies. I guess I love how the CLP makes the rifle shine in contrast to the wood, I'd like to have CLP on it at all times for cosmetics alone!

[bergmen]

Also, finger oils are one of the worst rust generators. If you touch any blued part of any gun, wipe it down with an oily rag before storing.

Dan

[Dutch Henry]

Over time, oil tends to move on metal surfaces; one reason why wood stocks get soaked with it when the rifle is stored in a standing position.

A better way to store rifles and handguns is through the use of calcium sulfonate complex greases. One very good product that has been around for many years is RIG (Rust Inhibiting Grease), now made by Birchwood Casey.

I've used RIG for 50 years and I've never had any stored long gun or handgun show any sign of rust. I coat inside the barrels and chambers with RIG and use a rag impregnated with it to wipe of the firearm's exterior before storage. Be sure to wipe any excess from wood finishes. Give it a try.

Note: Be sure to degrease the barrel and chambers of all fireams before use.