Preventing rust on Parkerized barrels

[Tactical308]

Hey Gunners,

I am just wondering what you guys do to maintain your parkerized rifle barrels. The past few weeks have been really humid around my house and while cleaning my rifle last night I noticed a reddish tinge on my parkerized barrel. I am assuming its the starting stages of rust and want to stop the problem before it gets worse. Do you guys lightly oil the outside of your barrels (or does that defeat the purpose of parkerizing in the first place)?

Any ideas?

Cheers

 

[Shootshellz]

Try some RIG (Rust Inhibiting Grease).

 

[bluebell]

CLP Break-Free. Never a rust problem in a humid, coastal area.

 

[chappy]

parkerizing needs to be oiled. its like a sponge. try clp and your rust issues will disapear.

 

[cansoldier45]

Buy a dehumidifier and regularly maintain your stuff.

CS45

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Parkerizing is meant to be oiled, not left dry.

 

[12magnum]

All of the above. I'm a firm believer that all firearm metal finishes should be oiled, especially for storage. I don't care whether it's WD-40 or black shoe polish, as long as it's petroleum based and stops moisture from contacting the metal.

 

[Tactical308]

Thanks for the options/opinions guys.

Cheers

 

[recce]

They're not really options or opinions. Parkerizing is meant to have a coat of oil rubbed on it then wiped. The grain structure holds the oil to protect it. This doesn't mean that it can be stored for long periods of time in humid or wet conditions without some checking and re-oiling.

If you want an almost no-care finish get a product like Armacoat or Duracoat sprayed over the park.

 

[blazerman]

I like to soak mine in G96 for a few minutes and wipe of the excess. I never use WD-40. It penatrates into the pores and removes any oil that was there and when it evaporates there is nothing left.