Conservation of Firearms

[luksha]

I have been searching the web, journals, and museums for any documented or published account of firearms conservation. The ones I have come across were conserved in a object way, and not in "working order." I was wondering why that decision was made, and if there is a reason to preserve it in that way (besides the reason that it is badly damaged and no other option is reasonable) and if there is a problem with preserving them in working order.

I have the blessed opportunity to assess and conserve several firearms from a range of time frames, and I believe it would be beneficial to preserve some in working order, but I think others may not lend themselves to such a treatment.

I would love to hear from you folks, and any bibliographic citations are welcome!

Thanks again!