Whether you are an avid, active collector, or you’ve simply inherited an old gun from a relative or a loved one, knowing how to care for it properly will constitute the difference between a well-preserved asset that appreciates over time, and a small pile of rust powder in the corner of your safe. 

Here’s what you should know about preserving (and protecting) antique and military surplus firearms, from a high level. 

General Cleaning 

First, let’s consider the condition of the wood stock. If it’s old and dirty, but otherwise in sound shape, you should be able to restore it with nothing more than a little warm water and a clean rag. 

If the stock is particularly grimy or there is a buildup of wax, you can use a mild detergent, but no harsh cleaners, to cleanse it. 

Once the stock has been cleaned and dried, you can treat it with a few drops of a mineral oil or boiled linseed oil, especially on any endgrain present. Be careful not to overapply and remove any excess as soon as possible. 

Before attempting to clean any metal surfaces, you should be aware of what type of finish the firearm has, or had. 

Blued and carbon plated steels were common prior to the many modern finishes that are on the market, but if you can’t determine what sort of finish the firearm in question has, try to get in touch with the manufacturer.

If there is only light rust on the exposed metal components, use a gun oil like Rem Oil or Hoppe’s No. 9 and a clean rag to clean any away. 

If there are any more significant rust deposits, they will need to be removed with a mild abrasive like bronze or brass wool. Just be careful when cleaning metal components as you may be liable to damage finishes. 

If possible, it’s a good idea to disassemble, or partially disassemble, antique and military surplus firearms so that you can clean the internal components as well as the bore. Multiple stages may be necessary.

Once corrosion has been removed from the surface of the steel, you will want to protect the steel with oil, or better, with a microcrystalline wax that will protect it. 

Notes on Storage 

Once you’ve cleaned your antique or military surplus firearm, it’s important to store it somewhere responsibly. 

Wherever you store it, it should be kept somewhere so that it will be protected against UV light, large temperature swings, and high humidity. 

Somewhere sealed off and with controlled humidity, somewhere between 30% and 50%, is ideal. 

Lastly, only handle your antiques when necessary, and when you do so, handle them with clean, white cotton inspection gloves that will protect the firearm from the oils in your skin.

Explore Antique, Military Surplus Firearms and More 

This guide only covers maintenance and preservation of antique and military surplus firearms from a high level, but if you have any questions, make sure to direct them to an experienced and qualified professional or a gunsmith. 

If you’re here because you’re in the market for antiques, military collectibles, or military surplus firearms, check out SARCO, Inc., first. They carry an impressive assortment of antique firearms and parts, along with tons of accessories. 

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