Wax over lacquer works really well. I use Renaissance Wax. It has no abrasives and is fairly clear. Good for barrels and actions. I use JPW for the wood.

It's easier to touch up the wax after each use so the lacquer lasts longer, but almost all car type waxes have abrasives in them.

I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.