I have been reminded, in a round about way by Bob over that The Wandering Minstrel, that it is the time of year to commence Spring Cleaning. While Bob was blogging about cleaning his abode, if you know me at all then you know I mean it is time to clean and oil your firearms as part of regular maintenance. Besides cleaning them after shooting them, I clean mine at least three to four times per year (and I try for at least 4 times), whether they need it or not, as part of a regular maintenance program. Now that winter, and the drier air it brings, are over and that spring has sprung with higher humidity, it is good idea to pay some extra attention to your firearms whether or not they have been fired since their last cleaning and lubrication. With all of the snow we had in my area over the past winter now being melted, and all of the rain we have been having lately, the ground has been pretty damp. Add to that the higher humidity levels and higher temps than over the past few months and you wind up with an invitation for rust on metal firearms parts as well as for mold on wooden parts.
To prevent rust and mold, I do a couple of things. take all of my firearms out and inspect them for rust or possible mold/mildew. Then I clean each of them, paying particular attention to any rust or other dampness issues I have found. While doing the cleaning, I revitalize my desiccant packs (placing them into an oven on low heat for about 3 hours - making sure to follow manufacturer's directions on this). Before putting he guns back into the safe, I give each one a light coating of gun oil. I also revitalize the desiccant packs in my ammo storage locker. Get that done 3 to 4 times a year an you should have few problems with rust in the average climate in the SA. If your guns are stored in a very humid climate like in WA or FL, you may need to do so more often.
Remember, a clean (and well lubed) gun is a happy gun.
All the best,
Glenn B
To prevent rust and mold, I do a couple of things. take all of my firearms out and inspect them for rust or possible mold/mildew. Then I clean each of them, paying particular attention to any rust or other dampness issues I have found. While doing the cleaning, I revitalize my desiccant packs (placing them into an oven on low heat for about 3 hours - making sure to follow manufacturer's directions on this). Before putting he guns back into the safe, I give each one a light coating of gun oil. I also revitalize the desiccant packs in my ammo storage locker. Get that done 3 to 4 times a year an you should have few problems with rust in the average climate in the SA. If your guns are stored in a very humid climate like in WA or FL, you may need to do so more often.
Remember, a clean (and well lubed) gun is a happy gun.
All the best,
Glenn B
