Gun Storage Questions

[wolfman]

Just remember:
Humidity and moisture are your enemy when it comes to gun storage. On a humid day, the padding in a soft side, or open hard side case will quickly reach the same dampness level by absorbing moisture out of the surrounding air. When you close the case, you now have this damp material pressing tight up against your most treasured possession. Some of the soft side cases will breath enough to dry out as the surrounding humidity level drops, but the hard side traps the moisture in, where it plays nasty games with your gun.
If you just thought, "no problem I'll just oil em up good first" you may be in for a supprise in six months. Oil floats on water, so as soon as that moisture condenses on the metal, it just floats the oil up out of its way, then starts jack hammering away at the steel. Anything with silicone in it is even worse, as silicone quickly evaporates leaving the metal naked.

Safes have similar problems, but for some reason, people seem to be more aware of them, since cases usually are thought of as transport protection or short term storage, and safes for long term securement.

Just my

[Scutter01]

As I start to build a long gun collection, I've discovered I need a bigger safe as well. I wish they weren't so freaking expensive! Maybe I need to go the multiple-small-safe route.

[bwframe]

Originally Posted by wolfman

Just remember:
Humidity and moisture are your enemy when it comes to gun storage. On a humid day, the padding in a soft side, or open hard side case will quickly reach the same dampness level by absorbing moisture out of the surrounding air. When you close the case, you now have this damp material pressing tight up against your most treasured possession. Some of the soft side cases will breath enough to dry out as the surrounding humidity level drops, but the hard side traps the moisture in, where it plays nasty games with your gun.
If you just thought, "no problem I'll just oil em up good first" you may be in for a supprise in six months. Oil floats on water, so as soon as that moisture condenses on the metal, it just floats the oil up out of its way, then starts jack hammering away at the steel. Anything with silicone in it is even worse, as silicone quickly evaporates leaving the metal naked.

Safes have similar problems, but for some reason, people seem to be more aware of them, since cases usually are thought of as transport protection or short term storage, and safes for long term securement.

Just my

I can confirm this, the hard way. Soft and hard cases should be used for transporting only, otherwise you will be disappointed. Also, don't be mistaken, thinking that stainless steel won't rust.

[Bigum1969]

Originally Posted by bwframe

I can confirm this, the hard way. Soft and hard cases should be used for transporting only, otherwise you will be disappointed. Also, don't be mistaken, thinking that stainless steel won't rust.

So if you're using a soft case as it is the only current option, how can you prevent rust?

[bwframe]

Originally Posted by Bigum1969

So if you're using a soft case as it is the only current option, how can you prevent rust?

If you have to keep it in the soft case, take it out and wipe down at least every two weeks. My problem was "I need to" and "I'll get around to." Some sort of automated reminder would be good, like your Outlook calendar. If possible, I would opt for open in a closet with a gun lock of some sort.

[Annie Oakley]

Originally Posted by Bigum1969

So if you're using a soft case as it is the only current option, how can you prevent rust?

A couple of old socks filled with scilica (sp) gel which you can buy at most craft stores will help a bit as it attracts the moisture. We have two of the big Stack On fire proof safes and one is nothing but guns, one is guns and my jewelry. I put the gel filled socks in both and we have NO problems. My sterling jewelry doesn't even tarnish which means they are doing a good job. They were a little expensive but as hard as they were to get in I don't see anyone getting them out of the area where we put them.

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by Annie Oakley

A couple of old socks filled with scilica (sp) gel which you can buy at most craft stores will help a bit as it attracts the moisture. We have two of the big Stack On fire proof safes and one is nothing but guns, one is guns and my jewelry. I put the gel filled socks in both and we have NO problems. My sterling jewelry doesn't even tarnish which means they are doing a good job. They were a little expensive but as hard as they were to get in I don't see anyone getting them out of the area where we put them.

I bought Silica cat litter and made my own as well. You can use pantyhose, but I chose to use some of the 'socks' that some stores have in their shoe departments.

[chipdog4]

Those goldenrods or dessiccant packs in your safe are fine if you only have plastic guns, but older wood stocks can crack if you're going after 0% humidity.

My safes are in the basement with a dehumidifier set at about 50%.

[12bee]

Originally Posted by Scutter01

As I start to build a long gun collection, I've discovered I need a bigger safe as well. I wish they weren't so freaking expensive! Maybe I need to go the multiple-small-safe route.

That's what I did.For the everyday access I use a keyed Brinks, 12 gun with 2 pistol shelves and 1 inch locking bolts I bought at Menards.The other is a Sentry 16 gun combination safe that is taller that I use for the older more valuable ones that I own.It would take more than a crowbar to get into these two.I also have a steel gun cabinet that I use for the selling/trading gunshow fodder.I just run a small diameter cable thru the triggers and use a lock on the cable ends.