Hi all, I've been reading that some folks have been using Johnson Paste wax on the barrels of their guns? Never tried this.

Does it work? And if so what are the results and how do you apply t?

Thanks all!

Greg

It probably is a fair waterproofer. OK to put it on the wood, as well. Probably as good as some much more expensive waxes, Ren-Wax, for one.

Folks have been using it for so long it reminds me of the dirty jokes I heard as a kid, when you hear it retold 40 or 50 years later, you wonder why anyone laughs?

Try using a product called TREWAX from your local ACE Hardware it contains CARNAUBA wax and works great on wood or steel. Works great.

Would the wax be a problem on a hot day with hot barrels? There are summer days when I can only touch the barrel with a glove after shooting a number of clays (notice I did not say breaking).

I use it every year before hunting season. I think it protects well and it makes water bead up and roll off. I put it on the metal and wood. I use a tooth brush to help buff it out of the tight spots. I have use it on the checkering also but it is a lot of work to buff it out with the tooth brush so I only do it in my main hunting gun.

Bill G.

I think someone just posted a test on waxes and oils and their protection. My recollection was that Ballistol was one of the top two. Wax was down pretty far on protection. That's not to say it doesn't help, just that that Ballistol stuff is really good. I gotta try some of that. Anyone know where I can get it?

I just bought a gallon of Ballistol after reading several reports. It does work simply and well. However, I find it to be pretty oily. When I handle my guns after cleaning they feel a little slippery. Great for the moving parts. Not so good for the stocks etc. Regards, Jake

http://www.ballistol.com/

For really good long term protection, in a collection. I recommend the use of Vasolien jelly on all metal surfaces.

Use clean cotton gloves to handle, never bare skin.

I have been using Flitz's Gun Wax on the exterior of my firearms(both the wood and metal) for years. I have had them get drenched while if the field*, wiped them off and never had a problem with rust. It also doesn't leave any trace of an oily feeling whatsoever.
*Contrary to popular rumor it does rain in Arizona!
Jim

Chuck, you can get Ballistol from Brownells (and probably good gun shops in the LA area, since it seems to have gotten a boost lately).

I think the other protectant that scored at the top of the recently-published test is RIG, because it's been my top choice for decades (thinned with roughly 50% oil). Ballistol's performance was an educational surprise to me, but the only one I recall.

Test results, even in salt water, I have read, puts Rig at or near the top of the list for protection. I have been using it for nearly 20 years and have never had any rust, even after several people have handled a gun and it was not wiped off before being put away. Yes, it is a grease, but if wiped on with a rag that is seasoned with a small amount, it does not leave a greasy feel to metal. In addition, it doesnt run like oil.

RIG(Rust Inhibiting Grease) is great and they now make a liquid RIG called RIG 2. I ordered some a few month ago and it is great.

If corrosion protection is what you want, try some of the tool protecting concoctions. I use TopKote available in stores like Woodsmiths. It will beat wax and oils hands down.

Here is another vote for Vasoline. Light coat gets down into engraving and does not run back into wood. While I have it on fingertips, I put a touch on barrel lug, etc. Seems more compatable with other petro based products used to clean & lubricate.

I've done some of my own testing applying water to metal coated with waxes, oils and RIG, and found that in comparison, the waxes offer little or no protection from corrosion, the Break Free CLP does very well, and the RIG grease is phenomenally resistant to corrosion.

But what does best for protecting the stock against water spotting? I have used Ren Wax, and really like it for the luster it puts on a stock, but I have had two instances, my father one, and I've read about two other cases where guns were shot in the rain with Ren Wax, and suffered water spots, which were extremely difficult to remove. Does Johnson's Paste Wax, or any other product, do a better job? I'd sure be interested in suggestions.

Tom

Tom,
I recall my parent's white oak sofa and armchairs that were waxed with Johnsons for many years. The wax buildup would turn a milky white when any water would be allowed to contact it. Other than that, I don't know, but I suspect it may just be a characteristic of waxes. Personally, I don't wax my guns, with the one exception of one I sold, which I waxed before displaying it for sale. I used pure carnuba and it really looked good.

Don't forget Lehigh Valley Gun Lube. It is sapoified tall oil and leaves a coat on on the metal which is VERY rust proof, is dry to the touch and does not harm wood. One can clean wood with it. Great stuff! David

I wax my guns with either Johnson's Paste wax or Butcher's Bowling Alley Wax. Barrels, wood, action, everything. I like the way it looks. Now, I admit, I don't use my guns in harsh, salt water conditions and very seldom even get caught in the rain. I suppose it is whatever floats your boat.