Henry Rifle Forums

I like what Ballistol does for the outside of a rifle.

I recently bought a can of renessance wax, i have used it on my hunting rifles external metalparts and wood seems to work great especially on blued guns. Have not used it on ny handguns, have thought about using it on my original Remington 1858 New army from 1863 but I hesitate dont know why because its probably better protection I worrying that it will polish the revolver and I want the aged blueing/steel in same condition as it is.

I personally would not touch an antique with any modern waxes and would get it appraised. It sounds like a museum piece you might want to up your insurance and display it.

I doubt the Renaissance wax will do any polishing. I don't think there is anything abrasive in it.

RanchRoper wrote:I have since stopped worrying about wax and just wipe down with a rem-oil rag.

Okay. I will try a silicone rag. It seems to work find on my handguns which have rubber grips. I suspect it should be fine on the wood as well.

I read all three pages with a furrowed brow.
I have never used car or furniture polish on any of my guns.
Aren't you concerned with waxy buildup and how do you strip it off and why do this with all the fine lubricants and firearm protectants available?
Yikes.

Conax wrote:I read all three pages with a furrowed brow.
I have never used car or furniture polish on any of my guns.
Aren't you concerned with waxy buildup and how do you strip it off and why do this with all the fine lubricants and firearm protectants available?
Yikes.

I have seen some of the highly polished rifles on this site and they look great. But I too struggle with the wax on mine. I am happy with an oily rag wipe down and a little oil on the wood won't hurt from a water resistance standpoint.

I can understand. I watched a video on MidwayUSA.com that discussed the benefits of wax slowing down water from seeping into wood which could cause it to swell. Thinking wood is wood, I thought it may not be a bad idea. I have seen wood swell from water intrusion. But, it did resume most of its shape after drying. However, the video did note that the unfinished parts of the forearm and butt were the most vulnerable to water damage.

At this point, I did put some wax on the unfinished part of the butt. Yet, I have not put any of the forearm. I thinking I will probably have my Marlin in the woods, which I have put wax on the unfinished parts. I suspect people have had guns for years without taking such measures. I am just of the mindset of trying to take care of my tools the best that I can. So for now, a finial silicone rag wipe down will do after each use. Who knows, that may change. I went for years just wiping down my handguns. But, I have not handled my handguns in inclement weather. I am new to hunting, and I suspect I may get caught in some weather or worst yet, drop it in some water. But, time will tell.

There are folks on this site who swear by waxing their rifles, and as I said, the ones I've seen look very good. I don't know, but definitely all the metal parts on mine get a regular oil wipe. Might depend on the manufacturer too; not sure what HRA uses on their wood as a finish but my Uberti has a stain and some sort of clear coat over it. So I don't wipe the wood down much it just gets a quick once over with the rag after the metal parts are done.

I can agree with you RanchRoper. Sorry if I was not clear. I was stating my reasoning for considering waxing in response to Conax's furrowed brow.