Long term pistol storage

[Seotaji]

I tried the search function, but it wouldn't load (forgive me as I'm sure there are many threads).

I am planning on leaving my pistols in storage for a couple of years. What should I do to prep them?

I won't be able to touch them at all (job assignment out of country).

Climate controlled, but that's about it.

 

[pioneer461]

Security of your guns should be a major concern. Do you, a friend or a family member have a secure safe where you can put them? Also depends on how many and what kind. A couple of pistols will go nicely in a safe deposit box. More than that, or long guns wouldn't work in one of those.

Good luck.

 

[pioneer461]

Oops. sorry bout the double post.

 

[CHEVELLE427]

don't leave them in a foam case unless they are oiled down
(not with wd40 either)
and wrapped up in an air tight plastic bag, the foam case will wick moisture from the air and you will have some rusty guns when you get back,



or you could just send them to me, i will make sure thet are taken out weekly

 

[Seotaji]

Security is not a huge concern (safe is available), but the safety deposit box seems like a great idea too.

I've only 2 pistols to worry about, haven't been able to expand my collection b/c of time constraints.

Chevelle427, I am glad that THR has so many charitable users

So heavy oil, plastic bag? That seems too easy.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Most safety deposit boxes forbid guns in the contract FWIW. Many foks are diffident about going into a bank with multiple handguns.

I use hot Rig as a slushing compound myself but I hear Rig has been discontinued. Vapor Phase Inhibitors are available but may not last for what could turn out to be even longer term storage.

I'd expect almost anything to work but some of the extreme pressure stick to the pores additives in the fancy modern lubricants are themselves nasty stuff.

 

[searcher451]

Here's a link to a similar discussion some time ago on the P38 Forum on this very topic:

http://forums.p38forum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14547&highlight=breakfree+clp

The prevailing wisdom is that Breakfree CLP Collector Oil is the way to go.

And this from The Gun Zone, where one of the writers performed various product tests on rust preventatives for firearms:

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html

The treatment here is worth some study by anyone with an interest in maintaining quality firearms.

 

[CHEVELLE427]

Security is not a huge concern (safe is available), but the safety deposit box seems like a great idea too.

I've only 2 pistols to worry about, haven't been able to expand my collection b/c of time constraints.

Chevelle427, I am glad that THR has so many charitable users

So heavy oil, plastic bag? That seems too easy

dont get too crazy on the oil. if they have wood grips i think i would remove them so the they dont get oil soaked.
main thing is air tight, good coat of oil and again air tight