Handgun storage in plastic-foam lined case.

[AcceptableUserName]

I've heard this is bad because the foam traps moisture. I've noticed if I leave the case shut tight and take it out a week later (or evena few days I imagine) the metal will lok like it's sweating a thin coat of oil/moisture. I wipe it down and return it. My question is can this be overcome with desiccant/silica gel packets put inside of the foam lined case? I never use the particular pistols I store this way and do not own a gunsafe...otherwise I'd get a pistol rack for the safe door.

 

[cslinger]

I would either use a non foam case like rugers or older hks etc or I would pony up a few bucks for a lockbox or document safe to secure sans foam of course.

Both foam and leather holsters can be hell on a finish over time when used for storage.

 

[Dobe]

I have stored handguns in foam cases for 5 years consecutively without a problem, and in Florida. As long as your ac is working properly, and the humidity is kept low, there isn't a problem. On the other hand, if it is not, yes the foam will hold moisture.

 

[Gik-tal]

Just depends on how you store it. If the foam never gets wet or is subject to higher humidity you might be alright. I've found that if you purchase some 100% cotton fabric at a local fabric store and wrap that around the foam so that the firearm is sandwiched between the fabric and not directly touching the foam that you are far safer. THe cotton will wick mositure although even this will not help if the foam gets rained on or you leave it in a high humidity enviroment for long.

 

[DBR]

Some foam will deteriorate over time (5-10yrs) and become a gooey mess where it rests against metal. I've had it happen with two Halliburton camera cases. No way to know the quality of the foam until the time comes. I would recommend liberally wetting the gun with Breakfree CLP and putting it in a Ziplock bag before storing long term in a foam lined case.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Some foam will deteriorate over time (5-10yrs) and become a gooey mess where it rests against metal. I've had it happen with two Halliburton camera cases. No way to know the quality of the foam until the time comes. I would recommend liberally wetting the gun with Breakfree CLP and putting it in a Ziplock bag before storing long term in a foam lined case.

+1
A barrier of some type is the least I would want before trusting my guns to this type storage

 

[SuperNaut]

sm had a good suggestion for protection in a foam-lined case. Get a silicon permeated rifle sock, cut it into appropriate sizes for your handguns, wrap the guns. Resists moisture and keeps the foam away from the gun.

BTW I've never had closed-cell foam deteriorate in a case. I have some cases that are 25 years old.

 

[DBR]

High quality closed cell foam is indeed long lived. However, most cases use open cell foam which in my experience is much shorter lived.

The closed cell foam may leach out plasticizer oils over time particularly if it is in contact with gun oils. Even without deterioration of the foam things can get pretty gooey over time.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Very long term storage in a foam-lined case (we're talking years without ever removing it) is notoriously deleterious.

 

[wilkersk]

Used to keep a stainless security six on the sailboat. It was wrapped in a silicon gun cloth, put in a plastic bag and locked in a watertight, foam lined plastic box. No problems. Too much fun not to pull it out and shoot it occasionally though.

 

[357SIG]

Get some CLOSED cell foam from an arts and crafts store. It's usually less flexible and thicker than normal spongy, open cell foam.

I've seen a lot of polyethylene closed cell foam used for packaging heavy or very fragile items. You may get it from some electronics you buy, so keep an eye peeled.

To test: simply see if it absorbs water. if it does not (repels or dries off with towel), it will be fine for gun storage.

You will have no problems with this stuff.