i use the electrical tape.one piece over the top when the barrel is dry.i dont want any moisture in my barrel period whether a muzzleloader, rifle , or shotgun.latley when i can i use a roll up waterproof gun case for carrying to and from the stand.one morning i had 8 inches of snow and i knew it was going to be over at sun up.i sat in my stand until the storm was over than i pulled my nice dry gun out of the case.