Rust on gun metal

[FleeToTheCleve]

We've had a gun or two that developed premature rust spots on random places on the finishings of gun metal... What are the biggest causes of rust on the externals of a gun? I'm sure humidity is one, but what's the best way to protect your gun's appearance for the long haul? Has anyone ever seen any rust develop on their XD's? I'm just a paranoid newb!

[nuj]

hello,
my hs2000 9mm when i got it from a local gun dealer had some rust at different parts of the gun. being made of metal, its only natural that rust form on both the inside and outside. though it has a anti rust treatment called bruniral, it doesn't total protect it. the causes might be moisture in the air or in the body or the hand.
just put some light oil on the external and internal parts from time to time but not too much for it will gum up the gun and may cause some sort of malfunction

[stbarsh]

Originally Posted by FleeToTheCleve

What are the biggest causes of rust on the externals of a gun? ...what's the best way to protect your gun's appearance for the long haul?

1) Human sweat and oils from your skin contain salt and acids that can cause the rust...PDQ

2) Prevent #1 by cleaning regularly and wiping down with lubricant to clean off these deposits from your handling the piece.

I always store my guns, especially if they are going "down" for a while, with a light coat of oil applied.