Wax versus Oil preservation.

[alanint]

The main caveat I see with wax is that it can trap moisture underneath. In climates like South Florida this is an issue. Wax is not a moisture displacer like most good oils are.
Years ago I took a friend to purchase his first pistol. He bought a Berretta 92. Some time later I asked to see the gun again. He was reluctant to bring it out but when coaxed, finally showed me his new pistol with its barrel and slide covered with pitting and rust. He had stopped on the way home from our first range session to purchase a cleaning kit. He also purchased a spray wax product from Remington and liberally applied it to the gun without first wipping it down or cleaning it, figuring he would get to it later. A ruined pistol that had only been shot once.

[Olle]

I really like this product: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1...UST-PREVENTION

In my opinion, this is the best product you can use on guns that you just want to preserve and not shoot. I believe it's a mix of wax and some petroleum based solvent, so the bulk of it will evaporate and just leave a very thin wax film on the parts. It also has extremely low surface tension, so it tends to spread and creep like no other product I have seen. I dip or brush the parts, dab off the excess and let them dry overnight, this will displace water and leave a very thin waxy film which protects well. Granted, it's not as hard and dry as carnauba wax, but it's way easier to apply and not nearly as greasy as oil. You will also need to use a little lubrication on some moving parts if you intend to shoot the gun.

Edit: I might better add that I have heard about people using car wax. Some types of car wax also contain a fine polishing compound, and I wouldn't use anything like that on a gun. If I were to use wax, I would make sure that it's pure wax and nothing else.