wax job

[x_wrench]

so a while back, i read a post in "Gun Nuts" where David Petzal said that if you really want to weatherproof your rifle, give it a coat of wax. ok, so i already use Johnsons paste wax on the stock. but if i was so inclined, what would i use on the barrel / action? jpw, or automotive wax? also, i would think that i would have to go over all the metal with some sort of degreaser, to remove all traces of oil from the metal parts. has anyone done this? i have really nice bluing, and i would like to keep it that way. i have also wondered about the smell of gun oil in the woods. if that was giving me away or not. where wax, after a few days, would not really be giving off much of an odor. thoughts please!

 

[Boo-Radley]

I use McQuires Carnuba paste wax. Works great. I clean the surface with good old rubbing alcohol, and apply the wax just like I would on an automotive finish.

 

[doubleh]

Petzal is a cranky old guy but he's right about the wax and Johnson's paste wax works just as well on metal as wood. I learned long ago that fingerprints on guns will rust thru oil but won't with wax. I've hunted in both rain and snow with waxed guns and the water just rolls off, just like on a car. I've used wax for around 40 years and I own no rusted guns.

A little trick. Johnson's Pledge does the same thing. It's easier to apply and leaves no white residue.

 

[rcmodel]

Wax the whole dang thing!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4110525&postcount=7

rc

 

[natman]

JPW works great on blued steel. Some car waxes contain abrasive polishes. Stick with JPW.