Rusting Leupold Scope Mounts

[clearwater]

Just got back from the High Buck hunt in WA. Rained on the scramble in. My Leupold scope mounts rusted on the first day of rain!

Is this a common thing? I have several other mounts old and new that have been in more prolonged wet weather, even coastal sea air, that didn't do this.

Any thoughts?

 

[bkordon]

I cannot speak to Leupold mounts specifically. I think as long as pitting is avoided, the surface staining will come off with gun oil.
The rain on the west coast can be relentless. I had rust eat a muzzleloader in spite of oil treatment and swabbing of the barrel. Blued finishes are worse than stainless. I would say wipe them down with gun oil and then do it again in two days. Good luck.

I would also add that I would break down my rifles from the stock, after the season and do a full inspection. Water can sit in the underside of the barrel channel and slowly work on the non-exposed portions of the metal.

 

[salmonchaser]

I would guess you got a bad finish on those. I’ve Leupold mounts going back 50 years or more as well as newer ones that have never needed direct attention. Wipe the gun down the mounts sorta get wiped down also. I can think of a couple of guns that went from Oregon to Washington to Alaska and back with no particular issue.
How was the hunt? It appears you may have been dealing with fires as well as rain!!!

 

[clearwater]

I would guess you got a bad finish on those. I’ve Leupold mounts going back 50 years or more as well as newer ones that have never needed direct attention. Wipe the gun down the mounts sorta get wiped down also. I can think of a couple of guns that went from Oregon to Washington to Alaska and back with no particular issue.
How was the hunt? It appears you may have been dealing with fires as well as rain!!!

i was able to scrub the rust with nylon bristle brush and gun oil. Will post a bit about the trip on my other post. No deer.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

I had the same thing but cleaned up fine. I wax them now as it’s more durable in wet weather than oil.

 

[Blkram]

Even stainless steel can rust if not wiped down after being out in the wet weather, or travelling home in a damp rifle case.
As with most metals, it must be cared for properly and promptly to prevent corrosion.
Don't forget to remove the stock and wipe down the rest of the metal too.