Tom,
* Well, I guess petroleum jelly and motor oil are out although I have run into those that use these regularly.
* Short or long term?? Active or passive??
* Many on the Forum have professed Breakfree is the product of choice. Understand Breakfree is now marketing a version for long term collector's storage; but, have not heard the results as "long term" hasn't elapsed yet. <img border="0" alt="[sleep]" title="" src="graemlins/sleep.gif" />
* Personally, I clean my pistols with Hoppes & an old toothbrush. Holed "T" Shirt dried afterwards. Long term storage includes a light film of "RIG". A safe with a "Golden Rod" and/or a bank's safety deposit box w/ dessicant bag(s) both preferably away from the swamp cooler condensor. Same thing my father did starting in the 50's. Never had a problem.
Rig does stiffen-up; so, after it has had a chance to dry, don a pair of gloves and exercise the functions of the pistol(short of firing). Be good to go for 4-5 years; but, I check more frequently.
* Short term, between show displays, may simply be a wipedown with a "Wally's" Rag.
* Do a Forum search as 5-6 threads have "waxed" eloquently on this subject....if you'll pardon the pun.
Lots of suggestions & Product URL's.
Respectfully,
Bob