Simplest way to wipe down firearm?

[BogWalker]

I've got two commemorative Henry rifles that are safe queens. I need to know how to wipe fingerprints and such off to prevent damage, of course, but I'm not sure what to use. I don't want to be stripping it down any as I'm notorious for buggering screws, but I know I can't just wipe it down with oil as that would damage the stock. What product could I use on the metal that if it did get on the wood wouldn't harm it?

I'm thinking those silicone gun wipes might work, but I'm not sure.

Experiences, INGO? Need to get around to this quick. A few prints have already set in the metal. There are no plans to ever sell these, but it is still nice to keep them looking nice.

 

[iChokePeople]

Oy. First it was buying a rifle without a background check, now it's instructions for how to wipe a gun down for fingerprints.

is today ATF entrapment day?

 

[95YJ]

I'd use EEZOX on em...

 

[Mosinguy]

Just use a Remoil cloth and take care not to get near the stock.

 

[cedarthicket]

I have been using a small RIG rag (soaked in Rust Inhibiting Grease and the surplus squeezed out) for probably 30 to 40 years. I keep it in a small plastic sandwich bag or zip-lock bag. Never had to worry about rubbing over some of the wood next to the metal parts.

 

[SERparacord]

Oy. First it was buying a rifle without a background check, now it's instructions for how to wipe a gun down for fingerprints.

is today ATF entrapment day?

Easy serial number removal thread soon in gunsmith thread.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I'm thinking those silicone gun wipes might work, but I'm not sure.

That's my answer for wiping an already clean gun before and during long term storage.

 

[sloughfoot]

What makes you think gun oil will harm your stock? A wipe down with a lightly oiled rag before a gun is stored is how its been done for centuries.

 

[Whip_McCord]

My friends and I have been using Clenzoil for years. Sometimes as a cleaner, but always to wipe down the barrel and stock or wood grips. Great stuff.

Clenzoil Field & Range Solution 8 oz.-Ballistic Products
https://m.facebook.com/Clenzoil?ref=stream

 

[SaintsNSinners]

Acetone... for those times you want to throw your gun in a lake with no fingerprints

 

[remauto1187]

Wipe all metal down with Tri-Flow Tri-FlowTri-Flow® Superior Lubricant - 12 oz. Aerosol and will just about never have to worry about your fingerprint oils ever attaking the metal. This is some good stuff! Ive been using it for around 14 years now. One can will last you many many years. It also makes for a great lube for internal moving parts and corrosion preventative as well. Buy a can! You will thank me! Im sure there are local area dealers that carry it.

 

[PRasko]

Tuf-Cloth?

I've used the same one for years.

 

[BogWalker]

Lot's of good answers here guys. I'll look into them further.

I've heard standard oils will cause damage to the stock over time (many years) so that's why I was wanting to avoid them.

 

[danielson]

Wear gloves next time.....

 

[halfmileharry]

I have an old scope lens cloth I spray with RemOil and keep in a ziplock bag I wipe all my guns down with after fondling them. I don't have any rust or marks on any of them. I even use it after I've had my nice guns get wet in snow and rain.
I don't know if it's the safest, fanciest, or latest technological fad, but I've been doing it since Remoil came out and I haven't found any good reason to change. Just my nickel's worth.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Putting them in a silicone treated gun sock might be worth a try.

 

[30calmachinegunner]

Power washer and a then dunk it in a barrel of oil

 

[BehindBlueI's]

What makes you think gun oil will harm your stock? A wipe down with a lightly oiled rag before a gun is stored is how its been done for centuries.

You know, I was getting ready to point out how many old guns have cracked stocks and the wood is oil soaked...and then I realized I really have no idea if the oil soaking contributed to the crack. Would those stocks have cracked regardless? Does oil really weaken the wood?

Dang it, now you've got me thinking about my preconceived notions. You know how I hate that.

 

[buzz815]

I have used a Rig Rag for over 30 years. All firearms come out of the safe at least once a year for a cleaning. After they are cleaned they are wiped down with the Rig Rag and put into a gun sock. They are good to go for another year.

 

[nater30/30]

I'd lightly spray a diaper soft polishing cloth with WD-40 and wipe it down. WD-40 is surprising gentle on wood finish (if any would even happen to get on it). I've used it to scrub road tar off fenders with absolutely no ill effect on clear coat, as long as the cloth was soft enough. I've had it all over modern and old stock finishes with no ill effects. Surprisingly, in the firearms community, I never hear or see anyone ever talk about the good 'ole stuff...I couldn't imagine life without it.