I have mentioned before “Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians”. I am happy to say we have a good start on the Politician part of that statement, now let’s talk about what we can do about rust.
Recently I was helping a friend getting some of his guns ready sale. They had been stored for many years in under varying conditions. Some were in a dry location that was dirty and dusty. Fortunately these guns just required some good old fashioned elbow grease to make them functional and acceptable in appearance.
What broke my heart was that several pistols had been stored where moisture was present. While some of the guns had finishes that resisted the attack: a Glock showed almost no effects, the same was true for a nickel plated Derringer. However a once beautiful Smith and Wesson Model 57 did not fare well at all.
The powerful 41 Magnum revolver with its deep blue polished finish bristled with rust. Dime sized patches of rust were on the barrel, top strap, frame, and cylinder. Hoped it was only surface rust I cleaned the rust off to reveal deep pitting in the finish from corrosion that had gone unchecked for over 20 years. My heart sank almost as fast as the plummeting value of the gun. What could have been a fine collector’s gun had lost about 80% of its value.
I chemically and abrasively removed the rust and applied a new finish solution that I often use for touch up on a gun, but there is no way to replace the lost material on the show surfaces of the gun.
Taking the gun apart I found the internal workings of the gun had only a small amount of surface rust. I was able to easily clean the firing control mechanism restoring smooth safe function.
Most important in this story is that it could have been prevented. Two factors were at play on this unlucky revolver: First the storage location was in area subject to humidity and temperature variation and Second the location of the rust patches appeared to be in areas the revolver was handled and put away with fingerprints left on the gun.
What can we do to prevent corrosion of this type? Guns may be stored in many ways: Some are in safes or cabinets, others are stored in cases, closets or open storage areas. Safes and cabinets need a dehumidifier, there are several types from very simple canisters of silica gel desiccant recharged in your oven to remove absorbed moisture to a Remington desiccant unit that is dried by plugging it into a wall socket. If you have an electrical outlet in your safe you can use a heated rod to keep your safe warm and dry with an electrically heated warming rod in the safe.
Clean your guns each year even if you haven’t shot them, giving you an opportunity to catch rust in the early stages. Wipe your guns down with light oil before you put them away. If you handle them in between cleanings wipe off any fingerprints to prevent the acids and moisture on your skin from causing rust to begin.
I use Remington Rem-Oil wipes that are available in disposable packs and a simple dispenser or a reusable oil impregnated cloth.