I use it mainly for barrel protection during storage after cleaning. The fact that it does not mess up black powder or substitutes which means that you don't have to spend a lot of time getting it out before shooting is good. It does smell funny. They claim licorice but I tend to think it is a little more strong than that. It is pretty multi-purpose also as it can be used on leather and wood as well as metal. It also mixes with water and when mixed will keep the water from attacking the metal so if you clean with water and for some reason do not get it all out the Ballistol will still protect the barrel.