Long Term Storage of Steel Magazines

[rocketfish]

In aftermath of the recent election and with the bleak prospects for the future, I know that many like myself, have been giving some attention to laying in a supply of high cap mags. You know, 30-rd AK mags, and the like. If I lived in Arizona or somewhere arid, I wouldn’t worry so much about the corrosion. But the humidity here in the southeast is high and the rust monster is always lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce on its next victim. What is the best method of storing a supply of steel magazines for the long haul?

My thoughts:

Hose the magazines down with an aerosol can of Breakfree CLP, using the red tube to thoroughly drench the inside of the magazine as well as the outside. I chose Breakfree CLP because it alway ranks at the top in the various salt spray corrosion tests that. RIG grease would be nice but I see a problem coating the inside of the mag with that (it’s too thick).

Wrap in wax paper. Would the wax paper at the grocery store (used for making cookies etc.) be adequate?

Then insert into plastic ziploc baggies. The plastic baggies would act as a barrier to the Breakfree CLP or whatever rust inhibitor) volatilizing. I’m not sure about the plastic baggies because they can trap condensation on the mag.

Seal the bagged mag’s inside an airtight ammo can or sportsman’s drybox with an appropriate supply of silica gel dessicant.

Any thoughts or advice? How does the gubbamint do it?

 

[Car Knocker]

If I were to do this, I would use the CLP, wrap the magazines in bubble wrap for cushioning, throw in a dessicant pack and use a food sealer http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Pre...d_bbs_2/103-8123086-8208642?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen to remove most of the air and provide an airtight seal. In a very damp environment, I might even double-bag it.

The food sealer is also good for protecting ammunition, valuable papers, etc.

 

[musher]

Brownells sells packages of rust inhibiting paper. Put one of those in with each magazine in a foodsaver bag, and I wouldn't worry too much about them.

 

[enfield]

Ditto on the vacuum food sealer.

I had a 1911, 2 mags and a box of ammo vacuum-sealed (together) for a while. Just lightly oil the stuff and then protect the vacuum bag as they're thin and easily punctured.

 

[karlsgunbunker]

Cosmolene!

 

[Surat]

Parchement paper over waxed paper if you were gonna use it to wrap with. Parchement paper is impregnated with silicone. . wax paper is well, wax.

 

[rocketfish]

I just realized I posted this in the rifle section and it probably should be in general firearms or elsewhere - sorry. Moderator feel free to move this thread if not too much hassle.