Firearms

Best Lubricant for Long-Term Gun Storage

Looking for the right lubricant for your long-term gun storage? We compared 4 options for this use case — including common searches like gun safe, safe queen, long term storage, rust prevention, collector. Here's what works and what to avoid.

Birchwood Casey RIG Universal Gun Grease

Specialty Base: Petroleum Viscosity: Paste Form: Squeeze Tube

Rust-inhibiting storage grease. Apply thin coat inside and out for long-term protection in a safe.

Best for Long-term firearm storage, safe queens, collector firearms, seasonal gun storage
Avoid Must be cleaned off before shooting — it's for storage, not use. Thick and tacky.
For this use Apply thin coat inside bore, on bolt face, and all exterior metal before storing in safe. Clean off before shooting.

Eezox Premium Gun Care

Specialty Base: Synthetic Viscosity: Dries to film Form: Aerosol Spray

Dries to a hard synthetic film. One of the best long-term corrosion inhibitors tested by NRA.

Best for Long-term rust prevention on firearms, storage protection, bolt faces, external metal surfaces
Avoid Strong initial odor — apply in ventilated area. Must dry fully to work.
For this use Spray on and let dry — forms hard protective film. One of the best corrosion inhibitors available (NRA tested).

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil

Oil Base: Mineral Viscosity: ISO VG 22 Form: Aerosol Spray

Biodegradable, alkaline formula from Germany. Cleans, lubes, and protects almost everything.

Best for Firearms, knives, leather conditioning, wood treatment, general household
Avoid Strong herbal scent some people dislike; not best for extreme temps
For this use Good for storage of wood-stocked firearms — protects both metal and wood.

Hoppe's No. 9 Lubricating Oil

Oil Base: Mineral Viscosity: ISO VG 15 Form: Dropper Bottle

Trusted firearms oil since 1903. High-viscosity index, long-lasting rust protection.

Best for Firearms, knives, scissors, garden shears, multi-tools, metal hand tools
Avoid Not suitable for plastics; distinctive smell
For this use Budget storage protection — light coat on all metal surfaces. Reapply every few months.
See the full lubricant guide →