I had this discussion with a man I respect on barrel repair and the discussion of weep holes that have been drilled into the lower ribs during bluing and also about leaking ribs, top or bottom. If there is any possibility that there are leaky ribs or there is a hole drilled there from a rebluing job, then there is a good chance there may be rust between the ribs. This individual whom I respect says moisture will find it's way inside the ribs if there is any void in the solder. We all know water will always find a way into anything.
I went to Lowes, bought a 3" PVC pipe, but a cap on it and an expandable plug that has a rubber seal on the other end. Fill it with water displacing oil (Brownells), and after the barrels are cleaned and wiped down after being in a rain storm or even extremely damp weather, lower them down into the water displacing oil. If any oil has made it in between the ribs, it will be displaced by the oil. Let them soak, then slowly remove them saving as much oil as possible for the next set. It will last you for a long long time.
Maybe crazy, but better than rusting from the inside between the ribs.
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