I called Smith and Wesson technical support to ask them about keeping pistols in their newer foam lined boxes and the
representative said " DONT". He explained that the padding may break down over time and your finish will be damaged. If you have a gun safe, they also eat a lot of room quickly. Also its best to store your padded gun cases in a controlled indoor low humidity environment not a super hot high humid attic or a garage.

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The problem usually is that common gun oils and cleaning agents react with the foam. One gun that was notorious for being damaged by being stored in the foam lined case was the original .44 AutoMag. Larry Grossman had a small cottage industry for himself refinishing guns who's finish was etched by the foam in the plastic cases.



Bruce

Additionally, the foam can absorb moisture causing rust.

I store mine in socks in the safe. You can stack "em" this way with no damage or dings. Plus the socks let them breathe so no condensation/rust develops.

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S&W Accumulator

In general, the common attitude seems to be don't store any gun in any case for the long term. Take it out and put it in a safe/gun cabinet that isn't exposed to high humidity.

Fabric/nylon gun cases and any hard case with foam seem to be recommended only for short term transportation. Don

The hard plastic, foam lined, cases are intended for transport rather than storage. Storage in a gun safe or storage cabinet is far better and in a low humidity conditioned space is the best home storage environment. It is also a good idea to use the S&W paper (if you still have it), or you can purchase VCI paper. This special paper emits a vapor that adheres to ferrous metals, displacing moisture, and inhibiting rust. At very least a well oiled T-shirt or sock beats nothing. Remember that for every 10 degrees of heat, rust and corresion rates increase two fold! Don't let your guns get hot!