Storing a nice rifle

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camelpilot

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Hey guys, I'm new to collecting guns, and am currently storing one of my nicer guns in this Gun Guard case, that has foam in it, for protection.

Will the gun be ok in here? i.e. will it rust? Will the wood or metal finish get messed up by the foam??

Any advice appreciated.

2cases_sngl.jpg
 
Some people had no problems with this, but I have alway heard that guns will rust if stored in transport cases, due to water vapor being sealed in.

Mind you, this what I have always heard.

-Bill
 
safe storage

Well, this has been a problem that has plagued man for centuries. Ever since the caveman looked for something to store his fine Rock with a Stick, man has needed storage. It really comes down to, where do you live and how much rust do you like. If you live in a moist area and leave a gun in a case like that, it will eventually get rust spots. If you live in a dry state, you have more time. Honestly, the best storage is in a safe, with a dehumidifier if you live in a climate that has moisture.

There are long term storage bags, sold by various places. Most are impregnated with Silicone, fine oil, or the fur from baby seals. I have heard of people using these "Gun Socks" for long term storage, but they may discolor wood or metal, maybe.

If you do keep it in a case, check it from time to time. Also, if you shoot it, clean it, put it away and clean it again a month later as escaping gases, oozes, oils etc can work themselves out of pores.

Hope this helps
 
Storing unprotected guns in foam gun cases = BAD, BAD, BAD!

The foam will wick the oil right off of the firearm causing un-oiled spots.

Also, the foam can sometimes retain moisture, thus causing a wet environment when the case is sealed.

'Wet' and 'no oil' equals rusty-red metal parts.

I was an eye-witness to my friend's shotgun having a beautiful "egg-crate" rust pattern that matched the foam of his Gun Guard gun case.

If you insist on doing it this way, I can think of a few things you can do to mitigate any rust issues:

Get a Gun Sock, or...

Use a heavy oil, something like Breakfree CLP, NOT WD-40!

If you're on a budget, lay a piece of waxed paper in the case and then lay your oiled firearm on the waxed paper and fold it over so no metal parts are touching the foam

Get your next firearm in Stainless Steel

Bianchi used to sell something called "Blue Bags", kinda like Gun Socks, that would help keep your gun protected, but I haven't seen them in a while

Good Luck!
 
My grandfather kept his rifles in a security cabinet in the garage in Southern California for years.
His solution was to use a thin coat of automotive grease on the exposed metal parts and heavy oil instead of gun oil for the cleaning before storage.

Took forever to clean when I inherited them, but I've now got a nice collection of semi-rare rifles in good condition. The grease effectively kept the salty ocean air at bay for 20+ years. I almost wish he would have used cosmoline. :fire:
 
Check if the foam is open cell.....will air pass through it? A simple test: can you blow through it? If open, should be fine. I also store inside cotton fabric which surrounds the rifle. Wipe down the rifle's metal parts with oily cloth first, and make sure the wood is cleaned of excess oils. Check on rifle condition periodically.
 
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