Using an old Browning in the rain and wind?

[MD]

I know this seems like a bit of a ridiculous question seeing as these guns have been used for all kinds of waterfowling since 1900, but I just got a cool 1964 Browning A5 and I want to know the best way to keep the metal from rusting and water out of the action. It's been well used but not abused so I want to get the rest of my lifetime out of it too.

The best duck hunting here (as in most places I suspect) is in the wind and the rain. I use my Remington 870 Express when I go to the salt marsh shore just because I don't want the Browning exposed to that.

Tomorrow I'll be going to a fresh water marsh and taking the Browning. I love shooting that gun.

I usually put Fluid Film or Sheath on the metal parts of my shotguns and generously oil the birch stock of the Express, but the Browning is varnished, so I just hope not too much water gets in the joints where it meets the metal.

What do you do?

 

[12magnum]

you can spray it down with a moisture displacing oil such as WD-40 afterwards. the recoil spring and trigger group can be greased with a light bit of lube. the recoil operated auto 5 is far less likely to be affected buy crud and dirt than a gas operated semi auto, such as remington 1100. otherwise don't sweat it, use it in all kinds of weather.

 

[Covey Ridge]

I usually put Fluid Film or Sheath on the metal parts of my shotguns and generously oil the birch stock of the Express, but the Browning is varnished, so I just hope not too much water gets in the joints where it meets the metal.

You might want to pull the stock and check the area where wood meets metal and see if it is sealed or varnished. If not seal it with the same as the stock is finished with. If not sealed you might also risk some cleaning or stock treating stuff soaking in. Your old beauty was made for wind and rain so do not avoid it. Just, never put it away wet.

 

[Canso]

One thing to think about. If you have excess oil on the barrel and it gets wet in the rain, the action of the barrel moving back when the gun is fired can cause the oily water to fly back in your face. If you wear glasses like me, it can be a problem.
I use my A5 all the time, I just wipe the barrel occasionally when it is raining and keep a few sheets of paper towel in my bag to clean the glasses once in a while.
Great guns,
Dan

 

[Grouse Man]

Wax the inside of the forearm so that water doesn't soak into that thin wood. Also wax the external checkering, as it's usually cut after finishing. Put a drop of oil onto every screwhead. Inspect the magazine tube and friction ring for water as well.