Rust prevention, maintenance, and other novice questions

I recently became interested in air rifles and received a ..177 break-barrel (spring piston) air rifle as a gift about two months ago. Unfortunately, my knowledge of airguns is minimal. I would like some advice or references to articles on the following:

1. I live in tropical Sri Lanka and noted the barrel had early signs of rust on the outside. I thought of applying WD 40 to remove the rust but wanted to check if there's a better alternative treatment.
2. What is a good gun oil to prevent rusting in future
3. I understand that the bore need not be cleaned regularly. Should I be oiling the bore after each use and running clean patches through it before shooting it again?
4. Where can I find good articles on spring piston air rifle maintenance?
5. What is a good oil for the spring? The manual I got from the retailer was very sketchy and didn't detail any of these things.

Thank you.
 
"novice"I recently became interested in air rifles and received a ..177 break-barrel (spring piston) air rifle as a gift about two months ago. Unfortunately, my knowledge of airguns is minimal. I would like some advice or references to articles on the following:

1. I live in tropical Sri Lanka and noted the barrel had early signs of rust on the outside. I thought of applying WD 40 to remove the rust but wanted to check if there's a better alternative treatment.
2. What is a good gun oil to prevent rusting in future
3. I understand that the bore need not be cleaned regularly. Should I be oiling the bore after each use and running clean patches through it before shooting it again?
4. Where can I find good articles on spring piston air rifle maintenance?
5. What is a good oil for the spring? The manual I got from the retailer was very sketchy and didn't detail any of these things.

Thank you.
1. If it's just light surface rust, WD-40 and a little aggressive rubbing with steel wool, will do it. More than that, and you'll need naval jelly.
2. Any oil, for the exterior. Rub it on thin with a rag
3. It'll be enough to run an oily patch down the bore if you won't be shooting it for a couple weeks or more. (assuming you don't have salty air too)
4. I would start with Tom Gaylord's blog at pyramydair.com
5. Don't oil the spring, and don't take the gun apart unless you know what you're doing. The spring is captured inside the gun under pressure and can shoot out and hurt you, (worst-case) or be impossible for you to reassemble without a spring compressor. (best case) There should be some heavy grease on it from the factory; that's all it needs for the next 10,000 shots or so.