Gun ownership is incredibly popular in the United States, and is not showing any signs of slowing down. An AAPSS study found that the number of firearms owned by U.S. adults increased from 265 million in 2015 to 326 million in 2019. Increases in technology, concerns about gun regulations, and self defense are top reasons for the popularity of gun ownership.

While the most attention is given to smaller or more sophisticated firearms, don’t overlook the humble shotgun as a low-cost, simple to use, and effective weapon for sporting and home defense applications. Maintaining your shotgun is essential for both performance and longevity. One of the biggest threats to shotgun barrels is rust. Rust affects the appearance of your shotgun and can lead to functionality issues over time. There are a few simple steps to take to ensure your shotgun lasts a lifetime.

Keep It Clean

After every use, thoroughly clean your shotgun to remove powder residue, dirt, and moisture. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent or an all in one synthetic gun cleaner and ensure that the barrel is free from debris before storing it. Don’t attempt to cut corners by using a product not designed for gun cleaning–using the wrong cleaner can damage the finish of the barrel or exterior of the gun, or lead to dangerous results such as when using a flammable solvent such as gasoline or kerosene.

Protective Coatings

Old-school rust-preventive products such as Cosmoline can be a turn off to potential gun buyers, due to the need to remove this waxy, oily substance from every nook and cranny of the gun before using it. Its properties are unmatched if needing to preserve an untouched firearm for decades, but the time consuming removal of this substance has led to it falling out of favor. The superior rust preventive method is to use a synthetic lubricant paired with our VCI firearm protection bags, which emit an odorless, colorless vapor that protects guns in storage with no mess and no work to clean up. These bags are inexpensive and last up to 5 years in storage

Store It Properly

Moisture is the leading cause of rust. Store your shotgun in a dry, climate-controlled area. Consider using a gun safe with a dehumidifier or silica gel packs to reduce humidity levels. Using Zerust VCI firearm protection bags will provide an extra edge in rust protection. VCI firearm bags work equally well whether left open or closed, making them a versatile option for your shotgun. A shotgun used for hunting, for example, could be cleaned and allowed to completely dry out in storage while still benefitting from VCI protection. Avoid storing your shotgun in a non-breathable case for long periods, as trapped moisture can encourage rust.

Our Tube and Barrel strip can be cut to the length of the barrel, making it a versatile option for rifles and shotguns. Simply insert a Tube and Barrel Strip into the barrel you want to protect and cap the end shut. The air inside the barrel will fill with our patented VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) formula, protecting it from rust and corrosion. The vapor will harmlessly dissipate when you uncap the barrel. Zerust products are non-toxic, odorless, never leave a residue and protect metal for up to five (5) years.

For an even easier option to protect your 12 or 20 gauge shotgun from rust and corrosion for up to 3 years, try our new Magic VCI Bullet. Paired with our Zerust VC 2-1 capsules, VCI protection bags, or even together with the tube and barrel strips provide the ultimate in convenient and cost effective VCI rust protection.

Check your shotgun periodically for signs of rust or corrosion. Catching and addressing rust early can prevent more significant damage in the long run. If you’re hunting or shooting in wet or humid conditions, take extra precautions. Wipe down and oil your shotgun as soon as possible after exposure to rain, mud, or high humidity. When pairing these basic steps with Zerust VCI protection products, you can be assured that your shotgun will last a lifetime.

Contact Zerust at 1-866-2-ZERUST (937878) or via our online Contact Us form. 

Additional Resources:

The Number and Type of Private Firearms in the United States, The American Academy of Political and Social Science, June 20, 2023

More Blog Entries:

Removing Rust From a Gun? Learn Why Some Guns & Parts Are More Prone and How to Prevent It,   May 14, 2024, Preventing Gun Rust Blog