I use Ballistol it has always worked well for me but I am also not in area of high humidity.

I love Ballistol, been using it for a good many years on my guns, it’s been said the Germans used it for everything, used it on wounds, for frying eggs, etc.  ledball

HG wrote on Apr 1^st, 2018 at 8:53pm:


I don't think even the makers would claim that!  Though better than nothing, it's a POOR long term rust preventative, and equally poor as a lubricant, as it oxidizes over time to a varnish-like consistency. Dozens of products FAR superior!  Good to use on rusty tools prior to scraping or wire brushing, on lug nuts, that kind of thing--I usually carry a can in my truck; but guns--no; unless you're the victim of a flood, and no better product can be found right away. (In addition, the silicone it contains makes re-bluing nearly impossible, if that's ever needed.)

Second the use of Renaissance wax as a protectant, but strongly advise this procedure when using on metal:  heat the metal with a hair dryer, heat gun, or similar until good and warm; apply wax - sparingly; reheat; apply second light coat; buff.

Also, while WD40 is a decent penetrant (though my personal experience shows Kroil to be far better), I agree with Redsetter that it's a mediocre (and messy) protectant.

Bill Lawrence

Ed's Red with lanolin

40 Rod

marlinguy wrote on Apr 2^nd, 2018 at 11:20am:


In tests of corrosion preventatives I remember reading the original formula #9 scored very high, even though it wasn't intended for that specific purpose.

I would have some concerns using Trans. Fluid  or K&N cleaner on an original wood stock or a modern one for that matter. The original poster was asking for a product to protect wood, case colors and the barrel and I tend to think some of the replies are more geared to just the barrel. 

JLouis