Deployment and Gun Storage

[krolden]

I am getting ready for another deployment, but I have a few issues.

I have 22 guns, a mix of shotguns, rifles, and handguns and I will be storing them in a storage facility that is not air conditioned. The storage facility is located in an extremely dry area (dry as in 365 days, high altitude, I choke when I wake up due to lax of humidity in the air dry!). So far I have put all my rifles and shotguns in a Remington silicone treated bag after giving them a good cleaning and oiling. For my handguns, I oiled them and placed them in their respective cases.

My question is, is this enough. I will be gone for a year before I see my "babies" again. Is there anything I should do while I store them? Thanks again!

 

[The_Sheriff]

I think that they would be fine as long as you oil them and I think that it is good for it to be dry, the humidity is what you should worry about. Trust me I live in AZ but it is not as hot as the Phoenix area, though it is extremely dry.

 

[krolden]

Thanks, I am in the El Paso area...a little too dry for my taste but I don't worry about steel too much

 

[gym]

I had an uncle who had a memory problem way back. When he passed on I was just a kid, he had 2 steamer trunks filled with stuff he bought when he was young, he had big bucks from the "Irish Sweepstakes", pre lotto. Anyhow there were a dozen long guns including 3 Baretta Shotguns, in perfect shape, he had greased them and packed them away. just used a load of heavy grease, and there they sat for 20 years, no air conditioning, back in the 50's. I still have a Browning made in Belgium, 22 caliber that he left me in the original case. So grease them up and don't worry.

 

[tntwatt]

You could always vacuum pack them. I use a food saver and vacuum pack my extra AR mags and ammo for long term storage. Have yet to have a rust problem and I live in Georgia where the humidity is ungodly.

 

[stratomole]

If its as dry as you say it is I wouldn't worry about it. My brother kept my guns for 2.5 years while I was stationed in England. I had asked him to keep the guns indoors, but he left it in his garage where I had dropped the cabinet off. Apparently my sister-in-law didn't want the guns in the house. Upon my return I expected the worst, garages in Illinois are pretty humid in the summer. Luckily I had slathered the guns inside and out in some moly grease. No rust visible, not even on the rust prone finish on the Remington 870 express. Just cover your guns in some lube that won't dry or evaporate away and you'll be fine.

 

[Floppy_D]

When I deployed I greased them and threw them in an attic of a buddy's house (probably not the best call) but 8 months later they were good to go... just greasy.

 

[PhilA]

krolden--I have the perfect solution for keeping your guns perfectly protected.

What time should I be there to pick them up from you?

 

[krolden]

Awesome advice guys, what types of grease and where can I get them? Are you referring to petreloum jelly? Or something I can get at Wal-Mart or Academy Sport stores? Thanks again!

 

[Jdude]

I've heard of petroleum jelly being effectively used.

 

[K5mitch]

Cosmoline comes in a spray can...

 

[krolden]

I've thought of using cosmoline, but I don't see why not just use petroleum jelly. Any intrinsic benefits?