Oil or wax?

[KBP]

When dealing with older long guns what is the best treatment for the surface of a rifle or shotgun? I am not talking about moving parts but the outside of the barrel, receiver or other non moving parts. I read somewhere that a good quality wax or polymer will preserve the metal better. What has anyone else found?

 

[Nacho Man]

I use both for long term storage.
Renaissance wax apply and buff. Then a thin coating of RIG grease.

 

[T. O'Heir]

Grease for long term storage with no regular maintenance. Oil will run off with gravity pulling on it. WD-40 if you can regularly reapply. Wax is a lot of work to put on.

 

[NAW]

Gun specific wax is by far the best for long term storage. I waxed up a stock and action of a browning blr and took it hunting in very rainy weather. I couldnt find any rust o it when i was done.

 

[Arrowhead37]

I tried out plain ol' Johnson's paste wax back in the late sixties because I got tired of finding rusty spots on my guns using oil. I have had no rust issues since.

 

[FITASC]

Both Johnson's and Renaissance are excellent in this regard.

 

[BarryLee]

Renaissance on the wood and RIG on the metal seems to work well. I try to wipe off and reapply periodically.