cleaning wet rifles

R

Robert the41MagFan

New member
It is the rainy season here in the Northwest. Hunting this year has proven to be one of the most difficult in years (lots of high vegetation, unusually high number of predators and low number of bucks). Been using my Stainless Marlin, but as many of you know, the rifle is not entirely made from stainless steel. The inner workings of the rifle are nickel plated.

What products and methods do you use to clean and dry a rain drenched rifle? How about lever guns?

Robert
 
In the field during damp weather, I always wipe exposed surfaces with a cleaning patch onto which I have sprayed a small amount of WD 40. If I've been out in the rain, I spray directly onto everything but the scope--and I protect the lenses.

"WD 40" stands for Water Dispersant, 40th effort at the chemistry. It works!

Now, if you regularly spray down into the inner workings, and never disassemble to wipe the parts, you will get a buildup of film over time. This, plus dust, can gum up the works to where a gun might not go bang. But that takes a lot more than one hunting season.

At the end of the season, fully disassemble your wetted weapon and do a proper cleaning.

:), Art
 
WD-40 does indeed work as advertised - one of the few things you can say that about.

I also used a few blasts of compressed air to blow the water drops out of the nooks and crannies. Then I sit the rifle, unloaded, next to my chair before the woodstove. If I'm traveling, I get one of those cans of compressed air that photographers use to blow water out of their cameras. Sports photographers use these all the time. You can get them at WalMart.

Ken Strayhorn
Hillsborough NC
 
I heard WD40 leaves behind salts when it dries, which can actually contribute to corrosion. Heard this on another shooting board where firearm cleaning was being discussed. Apparently there are better agents such as Breakfree to use on firearms, which don't contain these salts. I don't know if Breakfree is as good a water dispersal agent as WD40
 
The WD 40 issue is another one where I've spoken with very knowledgeable folks on both sides. I've used it and have had not problems. I do not use it as a primary lube, just as a surface cleaner, finish protector or water displacer.

For waterproofing guns, I find that automobile wax works great. For drying one out, nothing beats a hairdryer and paper towels.

Giz
 
So does anyone use Birchwood and Casey Sheath? I've been using it for about 4 years now and haven't gotten corrosion anywhere. I always run a patch wet through the bore after cleaning and oil down the outside as well.
 
stormrifle: I don't know that it's limited to WD 40, but apparently some people will spray it into the action of a gun and call that "good". After a number of repetitions, you get a buildup of layers of thin film. Add in some dust on each layer and you get hardened mud where you don't want it.

I've been using WD 40 since they first made the stuff, and never had any corrosion whatsoever.

Now, I don't think WD 40 is "better"; most all the stuff from your friendly gun store will do just fine. It's just that I'm a cheapskate. :)

As a water dispersant, it's a truly fine product...

Art
 
Art Eatman just about said it all in his reply. What he described is exactly what I have done for years, and I have had good luck. The key to WD-40, is to use a light film. Remember that it is also great for loosening screws and other stuck fasteners, (even if you don't want them loosened!) so go easy on the spray.

I would add, that if you case your rifle before it is completely dry, be sure to remove it as soon as possible. Then, open the case in a dry environment and give it plenty of time to dry, too. I usually give it at least overnight.
 
CRC "QD Electronic Cleaner" is great for driving water, oils, dirt, etc from the nooks and crannies.

Note: It does not leave a film and fresh dry lubricant should be applied afterward.

BIG BIG NOTE: Do not confuse CRC "ELECTRONIC" and "ELECTROMOTIVE" cleaners. The electromotive cleaner comes in bigger cans and cost less, until you factor in the cost of refinishng the gun.

Tom
 
What about gun scrubber? I have an old .22 rifle that I can't completely disassemble and am wondering how to best clean it. The owners manual says to use kerosene.
 
Anyone know of any short comings of Rust Check automotive rust inhibitor? It is suppose to displace water and lubricate.

Will
 
Gitarmac,
I have used gun scrubber on an old .22 myself. It removed a lot of built up gunk that had probably been in the mechanism for 40 or 50 years. My concern is that it strips the metal of all protective coatings. I wonder how to re-coat the firing pin mechanism inside the bolt without complete disassembly.

Suggestions, anyone?
 
One point about WD-40: It is a PENETRANT!! It displace water by penetrating in between the water film and the metal! It can and often will ( at least with commercial ammo, I haven't tried it in military sealed primers )penetrate between the primer and the case and KILL THE PRIMER! I have seen this happen in about 18 hours on 5 out of 5 new commercial loads in a revolver. Do not spray down loaded guns or load guns with spray still on the breechface or chamber! Other than that , It's pretty good.
crankshaft
paranoia is the only sane policy to have when Your government has its eyes and ears on You!
 
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