Am I storing my guns correctly?

[Snyper]

The back of the label also suggests running a soaked patch down the bore for storage.

If I were selling the product, I'd tell people to use it also, but that still doesn't make it a wise choice when there are far better options

 

[ku4hx]

Ammonia has been associated with stress corrosion cracking in steel. No idea if the concentration of ammonia in Hoppe's #9 has ever caused this, but there are certainly better corrosion preventives out there.

http://www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?pageID=164&ID=182

If your gun has any nickel plating, it can definitely cause problem over time.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

I live in central texas, Its humid here. My safe has nothing in it for dehumidifying purposes anyways, and when i clean my barrels I clean them with #9, run a dry patch, and go about my day. Ive never had any pitting in any of my barrels... granted I've only been a shooter for about 4? years now... I usually shoot and clean all of my guns at least once every six months.

Am I missing something? Theres no rust in any of my barrels.

 

[Berserker]

RIG gun grease works very nicely in preventing rust.
Andy

I read about that from Elmer. Never seen it. Figured it was just some out dated reference.

 

[g.willikers]

No one has mentioned good ole' automatic transmission fluid.
One of the very best lubricants.
A quart will probably last a lifetime.
And it also has good cleaning properties, in addition to being able to hold particles in suspension.
Might be good for arthritis and indigestion, too.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

There are some companies that make a plastic wrapper type product you can put you firearm in that have anti rust compounds and vapors to push out the air for those you infrequently use that would be my options.

 

[oneounceload]

Hoppes also makes gun oil beside the cleaner

 

[45223]

Yeah, Ezox, Corrosion X, and CLP are good to use to protect your gun.

Other than that you're doing better than me. So far I just keep my guns in a gun case under the bed with a heavy coat of oil to prevent rust.

 

[natman]

I live in central texas, Its humid here. My safe has nothing in it for dehumidifying purposes anyways, and when i clean my barrels I clean them with #9, run a dry patch, and go about my day. Ive never had any pitting in any of my barrels... granted I've only been a shooter for about 4? years now... I usually shoot and clean all of my guns at least once every six months.

Am I missing something? Theres no rust in any of my barrels.

Good for you. The OP, on the other hand, has not been so lucky:

I live in central Indiana. I have my important firearms stored in a safe. I have a few bags of silica gel in there to soak up any humidity. All of my rifles have Hoppes 9 gun bore cleaner lined in the bores.
The reason I'm concerned is because I few months ago, I discovered my M1a had slight pitting in the barrel. As my gun collection grows, I want to make sure I'm providing them proper care.

Hoppes #9 cleaner may be better than nothing, but gun oil will work far better, Hoppes #9 oil included. Eezox, CorrosionX, LPS3 and Breakfree Collector also work well.

 

[kitsapshooter]

I use CLP on all my guns for routine maintenance. I have a drying rod in my safe.
I treat all my guns with CLP. spray em down. let em sit and litey wipe em off. Some sit in the safe for years.
I just took my XD out after over 2 years in the safe and pulled it apart and i sprayed a touch to lube it for shooting as I run wet when shooting. No rust, dust or anything else.
CLP is the best stuff there is.
REMOIL sucks....

 

[Drail]

The first thing you need to do is buy a humidity gauge. Keep a close eye on it. If it never shows more than 35 to 40% humidity you shouldn't have any problems with rust. If it gets higher than 40% you need to use a dehumidifier (not just in the safe - for the whole room) AND some dessicant AND keep the guns coated with a light machine oil (any kind will do). If the air in the room is full of moisture and you open and close the safe just one time that humidity will be trapped in your safe with your guns. Hoppe's No 9 will not do anything to prevent corrosion. No protection at all. It is only for cleaning. If you only want to keep one product around for cleaning, lubing and rust protection use Breakfree or G96 CLP. Breakfree CLP is the only thing I have used on all of my guns for 30 years and it has never let me down.

 

[OilyPablo]

In Western WA state we know moisture.

Every bit of metal, including stainless, gets Ezox or Corrosion X. Don't screw around. Do it.

Drying agents (desiccants) work but you MUST maintain them. Get ENOUGH. And dehydrate them more than recommended. I love these:

https://www.google.com/search?q=h2out+space+dryers&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

MOST importantly get a decent hygrometer. How can you even know what is going on without one. For $20 or so you can get a reasonably accurate digital unit. Then maintain your safe 38-48%. 50% max for a little head room and NO 38% won't crack wood, thank you very much.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Tips & hints ....l

There are some good/useful posts here.
I agree with watching the temperature, humidity, environmental controls.
For storage or carry I'd suggest the great Bore-Store bags.
They let air circulate, they protect the surface/stock from nicks or scuffs, they run about $7.00-18.00. Bore Store bags are not for security or protection from small kids or untrained visitors.
Breakfree Collector, Eezox, Gunzilla, Froglube, Slip2000, LPX, Ballistol can all work well as CLPs.
Inspect or check the firearms often too. Don't just leave the guns in a dark corner or in a trunk for 3/5 years then think everything will be okay.

 

[Kevin25]

I have been using these zerust rust prevention & protection tubing for the last few months in my gun and so far am very pleased with the results. My wife purchased it for me for Christmas and was leary to use it at first, but decided to give it a try.
She purchased it online at someplace called technology lk...