          ANTI-CORROSION METHOD FOR STORED GUNS
                      by Auntie Rust
      

    I have noticed during gun talk that everyone has ideas 
about how to store firearms, but few have actually 
experimented with their 'best guess' ideas to prove them.

    Living in south Florida, I have had little choice in 
this and have settled in on a simple and inexpensive 
system that works for both long AND short term storage.

    There is probably some confusion as to 'short' and 
'long' term.  Down here, I consider short term to be up to 
6 months and long term anything more than that.

    Although most people consider gun oil sufficient for 
everything but burial, we have all had the heart-sinking 
experience of finding that untrue.  The first disgusting 
thought in this case is cosmoline.  Yuck.  Cosmoline is 
too sticky, gooey and messy for short term, which led you 
to the ineffective gun oil in the first place.  Then there 
is the alternative of a product such as LPS3.  Very good, 
but very expensive in those aerosol cans.

    The answer I have found has been used for many years 
by some museums and even longer by farmers for equipment 
storage.  Paraffin coating.

    Museums use a hot bath dip method.  Too expensive.  
Farmers are on the right track with a wipe-on 
paraffin/solvent solution, but their mix leaves too heavy 
a coating that flakes and chunks off, and is hard to 
apply.  My method simply involves a thinner mixture along 
with an additive for ease of removal without solvents when 
used short term and wrapping to avoid abrasion removal 
during the long term.

                      WHAT YOU NEED
                    
             Paraffin (Gulfwax or equivalent)
                     Mineral Spirits
           Light oil (Marvel Mystery oil O.K.)
          Pump spray bottle w/ adjustable nozzle
          Butcher paper or kraft if unavailable
                       Masking tape

    Short term storage uses all but paper and tape.  Long 
term uses all but light oil.

                  MIXING AND APPLICATION
                

    SHORT TERM - Measure out 1 quart (32 oz.) of mineral 
spirits.  Add 1 block (3.2 oz.) of paraffin.  Add 1 ounce 
of light oil (if removal without solvent is desired, else 
delete).  Let stand over night.  Shake or stir well.  
Paraffin should be completely dissolved.  Pour into spray 
bottle and apply liberally (do not wipe!).  Allow to air 
dry for at least 6 hours (until coating firms up) if 
placing in gun case.  Note: Do not use light oil if 
handling or movement is anticipated during the storage 
period.

    LONG TERM - Mix and apply as above, but DO NOT use any 
light oil.  Once air dried, wrap securely in butcher paper 
and place in storage container.

    REMOVAL - If light oil was used, the coating will not 
harden, and remains soft.  Remove simply by wiping with 
clean, soft cloth, otherwise dampen cloth with mineral 
spirits and wipe down.  A spray bottle with straight 
mineral spirits is helpful in removing residue from cracks 
and crevices, however I do not find this necessary as the 
residue does not interfere with functioning, and serves to 
protect those areas while the weapon is in use.

    MIXING SHORTCUT -   The mix may be prepared for 
immediate use by melting the wax in a double boiler (or 
other safe method) and pored directly into the solvent.


          BE SURE TO DO ALL MIXING AND SPRAYING
         OUTDOORS TO AVOID FUME AND FIRE HAZARDS


    Although I have not found any of my stock finishes to 
be reactive to mineral spirits, I suppose some may exist.  
Test an inconspicuous spot first.

    That's it!  I hope this system eases your labor 
schedule and your mind.  It sure works for me!



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