Break-Free or Strike-Hold for long term storage

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Hypnogator

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I have to figure out the best way to preserve several rifles and shotguns at my mom's house until, ultimately, they can be stored properly. Right now, they're in a rather damp basement in a wooden gun cabinet, some cased. I inspected them recently and detected no signs of rust, but am concerned that the atmosphere will eventually cause them to deteriorate. I recently got some Break-Free Collecter's CLP, but have been told that Strike-Hold is better at preserving metal in damp (e.g., sea transport) atmospheres. Does anyone have any experience with either of these preservatives on firearms in long-term storage?

Eventually, I may seal some of the weapons in plastic vacuum-seal food bags, to keep them out of the damp atmosphere. Has anyone else done this? If so, any problems?

Thanx everyone! :)
 
I'm not sold on Breakfree anymore. I checked my guns over the other night and had rust on 3 of them :eek: Which happened to be three of the most recently shot guns which I cleaned with Breakfree. All of the others were coated with RIG, or Birchwood Casey Sheath.
 
Couple o' things. First off, sea transport is way more than damp. Anything that is designed to protect metal in an unsealed containier has got to be good. I don't know if that's the company's actual claim, but it's worth investigating, at least.

Second, never, EVER put a gun in a plastic bag, a plastic case, or wrap it in plastic. Anything that doesn't breathe freely is the root of all evil. You will collect way more condensation inside a sealed plastic container than you will collect by wrapping it in a cotton towel. Only grease, or serious dessication will protect a gun inside a plastic container. No breathable nylon or cotton case has ever failed me, but a plastic one just about ate a shotgun. VCI bags are a good solution to the problem. They're a plastic bag that is impregnated with some chemical concoction that inhibits rust.

Third, cosmoline or something like it. CLP Collector is designed to keep a firearm preserved, but ready to fire, and is designed for, allegedly, five years of protection. The "ready to fire" makes me question its effectiveness. Strike-Hold may work, but I'm not sure how well it will do in an environment in which the temperature changes frequently. I don't know *that* much about it. I do, however, know that a good cosmoline-type grease, if properly applied, will keep a weapon in like-new condition pretty much forever. You want to coat all metal surfaces with it (take the gun apart and grease it down good), and then wrap it in something that will keep direct water exposure from occuring. Almost any quality commercially available gun case will do. You will want to wrap the greased-up gun in an old towel to keep from greasing up the inside of the case. Do try to keep the grease off of wood surfaces, as it tends to discolor them. You might take off the wood furniture and store it separately.

If you're really worried about it rusting, and I would be in a wet basement, grease is, in my opinion, the only way to go. It'll be a PITA to clean out, but it's as close as you'll get to a sure bet.
 
First off, uncase all the guns. The cases will draw moisture and rust them quicker than setting in the open. Give all of them a good cleaning and coat the metal with the Break-Free CLP Collector.

Since they are going to be kept in an enclosed cabinet you might want to invest in VpCI emitter cups or shields from these guys......

http://www.rustbloc.com
 
"wrapping it in a cotton towel"

I disagree. Cotton absorbs moisture from the air and holds it. I would use RIG and the VCI bags, although a gun slathered in RIG could probably be wrapped in Handi-Wrap and be okay for years.

I've had no problems with plain old BreakFree or Sheath, but RIG has been around longer and there is no question that it works, doesn't evaporate and doesn't run off.

I've stored a few handguns in plastic foam-lined cases, but I soaked the foam with spray silicone and let it dry for a couple of days.

John

P.S. - I've tried those little VCI squares, but I don't know if they work because they keep sticking to the RIG. :)
 
After using either Breakfree or lately, Slip2000, I put my guns in a Bore-Store gun holder, prior to putting it in the safe. Bore-store's are non-moisture absorbing and silicone impregnated, to prevent it from holding moisture against your gun. They are sold online at many dealers including www.midwayusa.com, in sizes to fit all handguns as well as rifles. They are a great product, protecting the guns from dings and scratching as well as rust.
 
I use Rigg universal grease and Bore Stores for mine. (MidWay, Grafs, ect sell them) I keep them in the basement also. I don`t consider my basement damp, but I run a dehumidifier part of the year to help keep it dry. I`ve never had any rust on a gun stored this way and some have sat for over two years with out handling.
 
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