Storing a rifle in a gun case - rust?

[dave3006]

I live in Southern California. I have a synthetic stocked, matte finished rifle that has to be stored in a hard SKB gun case for about a year. The rifle will be in a silicon treated sock inside this case.

How often would you take it out and wipe it down with CLP so that it does not rust?

Dave

 

[steveno]

I would put a heavy coat of Birchwood Casey Sheath on it

 

[mete]

Storing in cases has caused serious rusting for many guns because of condensation. If I had to store in a case I would clean the gun thoroughly, coat lightly with a product like RIG[rust inhibiting grease] which is designed for that, wrap in rust inhibiting paper, and put a good sized packet of silica gel inside to absorb any moisture.

 

[Bullet]

How about putting cosmoline all over and in it. Works good for storing a SKS.

 

[P95Carry]

Not the best way to keep a gun IMO but - a liberal application of ''Boeshield'' should prevent any problems. If you have any spare ''silica gel'' pouches - throw them in too.

 

[pbhome71]

I think "condensation" is the key. If you keep the gun case in a place where temperature does not vary very much, I think you will be ok. Garage is not a good place for storing firearms.

 

[Old Fuff]

There is a better way ...

Go to Brownells at: www.brownells.com. They sell plastic bags that can be sealed and airtight. After lightly oiling or waxing your gun you wrap it in a special VIP (vapor inhibitor paper) wrap and then seal it in the bag. Then put your bagged gun into the case. The wrap gives off a vapor within the confines of the bag that will prevent rust. Open the bag later and the gun is ready to go without having to remove a lot of heavy grease. The wrap is good for up to 5 years. Among others, this is what Uncle Sam's military services do.

 

[Bullet]

Old Fuff

Your post sure sounds better that cosmoline.

 

[Old Fuff]

Uncle Sam hasn't used the cosmo-stuff for years. It takes far too long to get a rifle (or whatever) cleaned and ready for service, and if any is left it will lock up an action or magazine in cold-country, and attract dirt and dust in the desert.

However few people looking at long-term storage in the private sector use VIP technology because they; (1) don't know about it, or (2) don't know where to buy the supplies. However various manufacturers (Smith & Wesson for one) ship they're guns wrapped in VIP paper - at least they used to when guns were blued.

 

[El Rojo]

We have always stored our guns in their cases and have rarely had a problem with rust. The one time I did have a rust problem seemed to be with this one particular case. It had a synthetic type liner vs. a cotton or cloth liner and it would rust anything I put in it. I got a good cloth lined case and haven't had the problem since.

 

[Gunnutz13]

My storage solution...

...has been to use ProTecht No Rust Storage Bags.

I've been using them for over 5 years now ( since February 2000 ) and have been very pleased with the results. These heavy guage polyethylene bags are treated with a special chemical whose vapors cover the item stored and protect it from rust and corrosion.. all you have to do is wipe the firearm or whatever dry of all grease and lubricants for the vapors to make contact with the "bare" metal. The bags come in all sizes and are relatively cheap. And they last up to five years if you are not constantly opening and closing the bag. I've had rifles and handguns stored all that time, and even though I must admit it was hard not to check them every 6 months or so, they have worked as advertised. I have full confidence in this product...here's the link...

http://www.norustbags.com/


Reminds me...gotta order replacements, as the originals are past the end of their projected life cycle...