by Auntie Rust (from Ken Mollohan)

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 2 quarts (64 oz.) of mineral spirits. Add 1 block (3.2 oz.) of paraffin for a 20:1 mixture. 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, and mix in a 10:1 ratio (32 oz. mineral spirits and one 3.2 oz. block of paraffin). 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!