Seeing a little rust on your pistol, rifle or shotgun? Many gun parts are made from metal, and metal rusts when exposed to things like moisture, oxygen, dust and human contact — even with anodizing and other protective coatings. You’ll need to take proactive measures in check so your gun looks great and works when you need it.
Tips to Prevent Gun Rust
Guns are investments that will last for generations with correct care. If you want to keep rust from developing on your firearms, it’s worth dedicating a little time and money to the effort.
Avoid Needless Risks
Storing your guns in high-humidity climates and places with salty air will cause rust to form fast, as will constantly handling. Scratches and other surface damage will also make your guns more vulnerable to rusting. Make sure you clean your guns before storing them, especially if you use them for hunting — blood is famous for stripping bluing and causing firearm corrosion.
Think About Proper Storage
The second tip is to think about a safe place to store your guns where they won’t develop rust. Products like gun bags and hard cases will offer some protection, and you can also keep them hidden from sight to prevent human contact. If you use any materials to wrap or cover your guns, make sure they’re clean and won’t accidentally cause more harm than good.
Quality Gun Safe
If it’s in the budget, a gun safe is a perfect place to store your guns. With a gun safe, you won’t have to deal with dust, oily hands, environmental changes and other rust-causing hazards, but you do need to monitor the inside. They’re sometimes made from corrosion-causing materials and can trap humidity, potentially causing more harm than good. You can prevent this by investing in a quality product, using in-safe dehumidifiers and monitoring your humidity levels.
Clean and Lubricate Your Guns
Perhaps the best way to prevent firearm rust is to keep your guns clean and lubricated. Regular cleaning and lubrication is your first line of defense against corrosion. It keeps dirt, grime and dust off your guns and provides them with a protective anti-rust coating — especially if you’re using a good product. A light coating of gun oil on steel surfaces will go a long way toward preventing rust.