Gun Storage Advice

[ExAgoradzo]

Don't own a safe yet. So I keep my guns in their gun bags in a truck bed tool box in my attic.

I have been told that I should keep the ends of the bags open. Another guy told me never to keep guns in a plastic case. I'm breaking both these rules.

Advice?

Thanks,

 

[Sam1911]

The risk you're running is moisture, leading to rust. Firearms tend to be less susceptible to rusting if they're stored in such a way that dry air can circulate around them and they don't go through wide temperature swings which would encourage water vapor condensing on them.

Soft cases are for transport, primarily. As they press against the metal, they can hold moisture against the metal, and then you get very concentrated points of rust, even to the point of pitting.

You can get various protective, breathable "gun socks" which may be better than soft cases for long term storage, but the best option would be a rack where they can stand and get air around them.

As far as a plastic case goes, I don't see a problem with that, aside from possibly trapping in moisture, again.

If this is the best you can do, there are worse things. Keep the box in a climate-controlled, dry place. Take them out and wipe them down with oil frequently so you can catch corrosion problems as early as possible.

 

[KodiakBeer]

This: http://polygunbag.com/gunbags.html

 

[gotigers]

attic is a bad spot. Lots of humidity and temp. Worse yet, dramatic changes in temp and humidity can cause condensation. Very bad for guns.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Thanks for the poly bag link!

I will be getting a decent safe soon. I always feel better when the advice I get is consistent; unfortunately this time it does mean I'm doing it wrong. Remedied shortly,

again, thanks: I love this forum!

 

[Sav .250]

Hope you read and heed what others have suggested.....

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Thanks again. I'm just standing them up in my closet until I can get a safe.

 

[SGW42]

I live in a 3rd floor apartment.

I stick all my long guns in gunsocks, slide them under my bed, and get good insurance.

 

[OhioChief]

I think the biggest problem is that they are in the Attic! (I don't know what climate you live in) If it's a normal style house, your attic temps swing from Winter maybe zero or below, to Summer, maybe 100 or more. In fact during Summer your attic temps can go from 120 on a hot sunny day, to 65 at night. You don't want many things to be subject to those kinds of temps, and temp swings. Before I had a safe, I had all my guns in Gun Socks, in my closet for 30 years. They were fine. No rust, nothing bad. I still have most of them, and they look great.....but I do now have a safe!!

 

[Murphy4570]

Yeah, you're better off keeping them in your bedroom closet, or some other climate controlled part of your house that is suitable for you. The attic is just too extreme in temperatures.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I now own a safe in my office closet.

There is an electric dehumidifier in it (the safe is not new). I'm a little worried about plugging it in since I'm not in my safe everyday. What do you guys think? Buy one of those things that you put in the oven every once in a while to dry it out?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[AlexanderA]

I would get rid of the felt or carpet padding that usually lines the racks inside safes. This tends to retain moisture, plus it's in direct contact with the metal parts of guns. Bare wood racks are better.

Swab the metal surfaces with RIG before putting the guns away, especially on areas that have been touched by fingerprints.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Plug your Goldenrod (electric dehumidifier) in and your gtg.

 

[Hocka Louis]

+1

The chemical moisture absorbers can only really work the first few minutes you put them out -- the safe is not airtight.

 

[Tomcat47]

Go Here...http://www.jakesmp.com/CSD_Silica_Gel/CSD_Silica_015_M.html

Get A EDV-333 for $19.95

Eva-Dry Mini-Dehumidifier - EDV- 333 - Covers 50 cubic feet

It is 100% renewable and needs no power to operate.
The crystals will remain active for 10 years w/ a 5 year limited warranty.

BUT MOST IMPORTANT! DID YOU MOUNT (SECURE) YOUR NEW GUN SAFE TO FLOOR AND WALL?

If you have not done so....doing so is as important if not more important than getting a dehumidifier!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Moisture can build up in plastic bags, promoting rust. Ditto with leather placed against metal.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I have not secured it to the wall/floor yet.

I don't want to put a bolt through the safe into a stud do I?

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate your help on this. I am so thankful for the advice!

 

[BrocLuno]

Yup - lag bolts into studs and into floor joists- the longer the better.