Clean and (lightly) oil the metal. Use a penatrating sealer on any unfinished wood (IE inside the barrel channel and receiver cutouts, and under the recoil pad).
Unbuffed paste wax also works for short term exposure.
In any case proper maintenance is the key.

All of my current hunting rifles have blued metalwork.



I suggest heating the metalwork at home before a hunt with a hairdryer, then while the metal is still warm, apply Birchwood Casey's Shealth with a clean cloth--I usually apply with a cleaning patch. The heat opens the pores, so the Sheath penetrates better, and is stays in place. When hunting, apply a light coating of Sheath with a clean patch at the end of end of every hunting day.



I've used Sheath for over 25 years under all weather conditions from arid northern Mexico to SE Alaska, and from rainy late season elk hunts here in Oregon to hot and sometimes humid East Africa. No rust, ever........



In my experience, Tefon coatings are soft, scratch easily, and tend to peal. Electroless nickle can ruin your bore if something goes amok in the application process, it can chip, plus it's loud looking.



I've come full-circle and prefer blued metalwork.



AD

Hi I read on some post a while back about teflon coating it is not all that great . once you get a scratch in it it is just like the frying pans what do you do with it . we all know we are not going to throw out our gun . so back to square one . i personally would not go that route . i am sure you will get some good ideas from the guys and mabe the girls as well . Bob

what is the best method to make a blued rifle weather proof/rust prevention? i was told that electro-nickel plating is highly affective. what about teflon coating or other methods? i'd appreciate all informed opinions.

I've had my 7x57 custom for about two years now with KG Guncote on it. No scratches or wear on it so far. For my blued rifles I go with the poster above, make sure the gun is warm then spray sheath really heavy on it, let it sit a few minutes then wipe it down.

thanks! any other ideas?