How to protect a bare steel finish

[Sharkey]

I have a old Amrican Gun Co .... 12ga that there is no blueing just a fine coating of rust ...... I have taken it apart and cleaned real well light sanding clean up the surfaces for the trigger/hammer release ..... Seems like a nice little shotgun ....... But How do I protect the metal ..... NO blueing anywere ..... OIL only ???? I like the look of plain steel but would like a good finish or protection ..... Any help ....... I can't post picture .... But they might show up ....
Thanks in advance

[Shodan]

I would simply go with oil. You can try a clear coat of some kind. If the clear coat doesn't come out to your liking you should be able to remove it easy enough since there's no underlying finish to worry about damaging.

[K.C.]

Try Froglube http://www.froglube.com/videos.htm

It will penetrate and season the metal in the same way you season cast Iron pans.