Storing blued gun in S&W foam-lined cases?

Trooperdan · Jan 6, 2015

S&W sells the blue plastic gun cases pretty reasonably

Handgun Cases - Smith & Wesson

and I've bought several for my old Smiths that didn't have a home. Lately though I've began to worry that it might not be the thing to do. I've previously believed that it was a Bad Idea to store a blued gun against foam or cloth as it would encourage rust. Here in south central Florida that is always something to consider. What does the forum think about this method?
Edit to add:
Obviously I was speaking of just storing guns in the foam cases without any protection such as VPI paper. I think I'll see if there is a source for that paper somewhere on-line and keep a careful watch on them.

Onomea · Jan 6, 2015

I am with your previous idea. I don't think it's a good idea to store a gun in foam. I think that is a major no no.

amazingflapjack · Jan 6, 2015

I am in North Central Florida, and store my guns in S&W plastic cases, but I clean them with Flitz first, and then wrap them in clean, old, t-shirt material before putting them in the box. The house is air conditioned. Absolutely no problems now for several years.

W.E.G. · Jan 6, 2015

I've been storing them that way for decades.

Wipe blued surfaces with your favorite oil before storing.
I use Break-Free.

No rust.

Hapworth · Jan 6, 2015

The conventional wisdom says don't do -- the foam holds moisture and can contribute to rusting, can break down over time and stick to the gun, etc...plenty of horror stories I'm sure are true.

But...

I do it. Climate controlled room. Regularly inspected, cleaned and re-CLPed every month or so. I think you can get away with it almost indefinitely if you take adequate, consistent care and don't live in a high humidity, open windowed dwelling.

Laketime · Jan 6, 2015

All of my guns regardless of finish are stored in Halliburton aluminum air tight cases before they go into the safe. Remington oil on the blued steel and stainless steel guns.and Kel brand pure silicone on the Nickel finish.Silicone won't break down the foam as the oil can over time,that's why all my cases have been re lined with white chair cussion foam pads.Thes are less pourous than traditional foam and seem to resist breakdown from the oil.I replace my foam in every case yearly.

rwsmith · Jan 6, 2015

Whoooooooeeeee!

Laketime said:
All of my guns regardless of finish are stored in Halliburton aluminum air tight cases before they go into the safe. Remington oil on the blued steel and stainless steel guns.and Kel brand pure silicone on the Nickel finish.Silicone won't break down the foam as the oil can over time,that's why all my cases have been re lined with white chair cussion foam pads.Thes are less pourous than traditional foam and seem to resist breakdown from the oil.I replace my foam in every case yearly.

Now that's doing it right. Camera components used to stay in Haliburton cases forever with affect. I think you are right about oil breaking down the foam. Replace every year???
Gol-lee!

doublesharp · Jan 6, 2015

Wipe them down with RIG and store in a t-shirt bag. For added ding protection wrap in a microfiber towel.

Laketime · Jan 6, 2015

rwsmith said:
Now that's doing it right. Camera components used to stay in Haliburton cases forever with affect. I think you are right about oil breaking down the foam. Replace every year???
Gol-lee!

To me it's worth the $40.00 to replace the foam in all the cases,keeps them looking new.The two things I'm anal about are my guns and my watch collection.

hsguy · Jan 6, 2015

I store some guns in those cases, but I oil or wax them first and then put them in a food storage bag with as much air squeezed out as possible before putting them in the case. The case prevents physical damage and the oil, wax and bag eliminates corrosion.

snowman · Jan 7, 2015

Many members here over the years have decried this method of storage, but as one can see from several posters here, the concern is way overblown, as long as reasonable care is taken. I store all my Smiths in foam-lined cases, and NONE have any rust on them after as many as 10+ years in storage. Of course I shoot them periodically and clean and re-oil them before putting them back in the case. Nevertheless some go many, many months between range trips.

The one thing you want to avoid when using a foam-lined case for storage is leaving the case opened for any length of time, whether at the range or at home. This is how the foam absorbs moisture from the air, which is then deposited on the gun. Leave them closed and you're OK. I learned this once when I left a case open in my house for a number of hours while I had the gun out. The morning after I put the gun back in the case, I opened it again and there was a little bit of rust on the rear sight. A little Corrosion X removed it, and it was OK after that.

Regards,
Andy

curt1950 · Jan 7, 2015

Dang guys... I just toss mine in the underwear drawer, makes them smell better .

wnwitzell · Jan 7, 2015

What smells better, The underwear or the guns?!

armenius · Jan 7, 2015

I bought a "new-old stock" Model 57 a couple of years ago.It was an early model.It arrived in a wooden presentation box.Upon opening the box I almost stroked out...the interior looked as if it were filled with tar,completely enveloping the gun.Unable to cock or open the cylinder and not a trace of a glint.Just before searching the yellow pages for a lawyer I decided to try to clean it.After removing the grips and 2 cans of brakes cleaner a pristine M57 appeared.I have been afraid of flocking ever since.

e3mrk · Jan 7, 2015

I always spray My Guns down with Gun Oil before I put Them away except for the One I carry.
The only drawback for Me is I have to clean whatever one I want to take to the range before I go.

doublesharp · Jan 7, 2015

Here's a link for vci paper. Cut it down to 12"x12" pieces and sell for $.25 each. A sure ticket to EZ Street.

Amazon.com: Daubert Cromwell 40PCF12X200 Ferro-Pak Polyethylene Coated Corrosion Inhibitor VCI Kraft Paper Roll, 200 yds Length x 12" Width: Industrial & Scientific@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y1QD3AKIL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Y1QD3AKIL

W.E.G. · Jan 7, 2015

curt1950 said:
Dang guys... I just toss mine in the underwear drawer, makes them smell better .

I keep a 915 in my underwear drawer.

Doesn't everybody?

Old Corp · Jan 8, 2015

I have a scattering of different foam lined cases. Instead of the gun having direct contact with the foam, I wrap the gun in t-shirt material that has been thoroughly sprayed down with silicone spray and allowed to dry.

Never had an issue.

williamlayton · Jan 8, 2015

Never store a gun---shoot the snot out of 'em.
IMO !
Blessing

Storing blued gun in S&W foam-lined cases?

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