The "old timers" kept their guns in great shape, because if they didn't..... they wouldn't eat.... or in some cases they could die! They needed them to hunt... and... to defend themselves.

They would wrap their guns in an oil-soaked rag, or use a paraffin coated rag along with the oil rag to store them. Most gun owners did take pride in their weapons, since it was usually one of the most expensive item that they owned!