Conserving Rifles

[Rob83]

I have over the years gotten quite a few rifles. The ones I have are from varying eras (1830s-WW2).

Is there a single product I can use on the metal for all of these guns? Or are there some that are preferable for pre 1900 rifles?

Was thinking Cosmoline, but wanted to see if there was something better I can use to coat the metal.

[Dick Pumphrey]

Cosmoline?????

Please don't use cosmoline! It is nasty suff. If you want to keep them safe from rust, etc. I would recommend "RemOil" but only for metal surfaces.
Regards,
Dick

[ottodog8]

The only product to use is RIG (stands for Rust Inhibiting Grease). It's a very light grease. Available from Brownell's I believe. I would also recommend the RIG Rug which is a piece of sheepskin used to apply it. I've used it for over 25 years with great results. It protects very well, it's not heavy and messy, doesn't migrate, just a wonderful product. It doesn't affect wood either. Not that you would coat the stock with it, but if some gets on the wood, it won't hurt anything. I also coat the bores with it. I live on a small island in New England, as damp and harsh an environment as can be, and it's done a perfect job. Just coat 'em with RIG, put 'em in the safe, and forget about them. I dug out a Gewehr 98 I hadn't handled for 5 years and it looked like it did the day I put it away.
I know, this sounds like an ad, but it's just a pleasure to find a product that actually does what it says it does.
Steve

[Rob83]

all sounds like good advice to me. So I can use these products on all types of firearms then? I have some that are over 100 years old and just want to make sure I use the right stuff.

[ottodog8]

I've used it on flintlocks and M1s and everything in between. A friend collects Revolutionary war muskets and pistols, and he swears by it too. The Gewehr 98 I referred to is a 1904 Spandau, 109 years old.
Steve