[SDG]

It is from sweat.

I mow lawns for a living and the conditions are less than perfect. I really like the 637 because I can forget that it is there - it is so light and comfortable. But the aluminum is no match for sweat - the kind of sweat where you are dripping all day. I put on some oil but it doesn't completely solve the problem.

Can you recommend a good carry piece for this situation. I would prefer a revolver but would consider a semi auto. I just need something in .38 special or better that is light and won't corrode.

Any suggestions?

[Rugerlvr]

Try a holster like a crossbreed supertuck, which has enough leather to completely shield it from your body.

[SDG]

I'm sure that the holster is a good one but I am fairly certain that I would have it soaked completely through in a matter of hours and then we would be back to square one.

[rxraptor02]

why not look for a Kydex holster.

You can even make one to fit your application.

It is plastic so the trasfer of sweat will not occur as long as the gun is covered by the kydex.

I use a IWB Comp-tac holster and wear it every day, I even wear it wile running and I can be soaked and the holster is wet but the inside is dry.

[Smeg]

Eezox will solve your problem. It is simply the best corrosion preventative on the market - period.

http://www.6mmbr.com/corrosiontest.html

[rcmodel]

Kydex sweat-proof holster & Johnson's Paste Floor Wax.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4110525&postcount=7

As you noted, a leather (or Nylon) holster will very soon be soaked full of salt from your sweat, and there is nothing in the world worse for a gun.

rcmodel

[ArchAngelCD]

If the weight won't bother you too much I would suggest a Stainless Steel J frame. Since you said you have a M637, the M60 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14754&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y)is it's Stainless .357 Magnum counterpart. If you want to change to a Centennial that would be the M640 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14790&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y)(like the M642) and if you like a Bodyguard frame like I do it would be the M649 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14773&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y). (like the M638)

If you would rather stick with a Chief's special .38 Special maybe the new M637 Power Port Pro (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=75459&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y) would be a good choice. It's Anodized Aluminum frame might be tough enough to stand up to the corrosion.

There is also the M36 and M40 which are available in a Nickel finish. I'm not sure if Nickel is tough enough to last but it might be...

Also, that Eezox that "Smeg" mentioned looks like a good product.

Good luck finding the right solution.

[Elvishead]

I'd put it in a zip lock

[Alan Fud]

I thought that aluminum isn't affected by moisture? Can somebody shed some light on this?

[Glockman17366]

I thought that aluminum isn't affected by moisture? Can somebody shed some light on this?

All metals corrode, including stainless steels (higher nickel content, less corrosion).
Aluminum corrosion appears as a white powdery substance. I'd guess the carbon steel parts of the gun (trigger parts, for example) are more likely to corrode (rust) before the aluminum.
Corrosion can occur when one puts disimilar metals together (such as you'd find in a snubby aluminum framed revolver) in an evironment with an electrolyte (sweat).
Can you prevent it 100%? No, but you can reduce the potential for corrosion by wiping the gun down with an oily rag (or dedicated gun lubricant).

In SDG's case, I'd suggest daily (minimum) wipedowns using a preservative of some sort. I'd also suggest carrying a stainless steel revolver OWB...but the gun would still require daily maintenance (especially for the internal parts which are not stainless steel). And, don't carry the gun directly against the skin...wear a tee shirt of some sort.
Another option would be a Glock 26 or 19.

[Green Lantern]

I've heard great stuff about Bullfrog Rust Blocker, and I use it. But I haven't used a gun treated with it in a situation quite like yours, tho...

[Gideon]

Nothing metal is going to be carefree under such intense conditions. I'd seriously consider going with something that's tupperware like a Kahr P9 or a Glock or something like that. Personally I like the Kahr P9 and then I'd get it with the coated stainless steel slide. You'll still have to wipe down that slide everynight.

God Bless
Gideon

[SDG]

My concern with going with a tupperware gun is that much of the internals are still going to rust and that concerns me.

I just tried out the ziploc baggie idea and it just might be the ticket. I first tried it with the heavy freezer type bag and it was difficult to operate because of the thickness of the plastic. I then tried it with the thinner sandwich bags and I could poke my finger through the plastic relatively easily and access the trigger. The aim is not very good due to the plastic but as this is a close range gun I don't think that it will be much of an issue.

Sometimes the simple solutions are the best - thanks.

[0007]

Check with Walt Birdsong(W.E.Birdsong & Assoc.). I believe his Black-T finish will go on aluminum. It will laugh at your sweaty hands and other body parts.
IIRC it's about $160 for a handgun.
Full disclosure here. I've got his finish on several pieces from a Smith model 34 to a SS .50BMG rifle. Never had a problem.

[Phydeaux642]

I carry a 642 in a Smartcarry and it seems to work just fine even when I ride my bike and sweat. The Smartcarry has sweat barrier sewn in.

[brickeyee]

I thought that aluminum isn't affected by moisture? Can somebody shed some light on this?

Sweat is not just plain water.
The salt content is capable of damaging even stainless guns.