Smith and Wesson oil paper

rlee1976 · May 13, 2009

Is the wax/oil paper that S&W firearms come wrapped in good for long-term storage? If I wrap my gun in the paper and then store it in the blue plastic box, is that okay, or will it trap moisture (or should I store it in the box without the paper)? Lastly if it is a good way to store the gun, does S&W sell the paper itself? Thanks in advance.

panamajack310 · May 13, 2009

Rlee, welcome to the forum.
When I store mt guns I always throw in a silicon absorbant pack. you can buy them at walmart.
I would put a light layer of oil on the revolver wipe it off and then store it in the box. throw a silicon pack in the box to obsorb any extra moisture. Make sure your safe is an a well ventilated area.

rlee1976 · May 13, 2009

Thanks Panama, so don't wrap it in the paper, just store it in the box with the dessicant?

Alk8944 · May 13, 2009

The paper is neither oiled or waxed. It is treated with Vapor Phase Inhibitors which are used because they do provide better long-term rust protection than most lubricants or preservatives and do not require extensive cleaning of the item stored in them before use.

The government uses VPIs for long term storage of firearms, optical equipment and parts of any description. They are used in industry for packaging of finely machined parts and tools that may be in storage for extended periods.

S&W wraps the gun in VPI paper before boxing because they have no idea how long the gun will be in storage and they do not want to have to go through thousands of guns to frequently check their condition and re-oil. Springfield is a fairly moist region.

1x2 · May 13, 2009

If I could venture a guess, this is the same paper that automotive wheel bearings come wrapped in-? It does hold up for years...

VM · May 13, 2009

Is the wax/oil paper that S&W firearms come wrapped in good for long-term storage? If I wrap my gun in the paper and then store it in the blue plastic box, is that okay

Based on my successful storage for years.....yes and yes

panamajack310 · May 14, 2009

Sorry I should have been more specific.
Yes, use the paper,that is what it is meant for...just clean the gun before storage and add a silicon pack to soak up any extra moisture.

Noah Zark · May 14, 2009

Originally posted by Alk8944:
The paper is neither oiled or waxed. It is treated with Vapor Phase Inhibitors which are used because they do provide better long-term rust protection than most lubricants or preservatives and do not require extensive cleaning of the item stored in them before use.

The government uses VPIs for long term storage of firearms, optical equipment and parts of any description. They are used in industry for packaging of finely machined parts and tools that may be in storage for extended periods.

S&W wraps the gun in VPI paper before boxing because they have no idea how long the gun will be in storage and they do not want to have to go through thousands of guns to frequently check their condition and re-oil. Springfield is a fairly moist region.

Originally posted by 1x2:
If I could venture a guess, this is the same paper that automotive wheel bearings come wrapped in-? It does hold up for years...

All correct statements given one condition -- that the container in which the VCI paper and the component to be protected is kept SEALED.

The VCI paper is only effective if it stays closed up in a container. Fresh VCI feels "damp" to the touch and is not "chalky." If VCI feels dry to the touch or appears chalky and covered with a white dust, its effectiveness is substantially reduced.

The same applies to the blue, green, yellow, and pink VCI-treated polyethylene sheets and bags. What's inside one of those SEALED bags is protected for years, and the same is true for a sheet of VCI poly is inside a closed container with the protected item. But let either paper or poly VCI out in the open for a couple months and it should be considered "spent." In that case, the Vapor Phase Inhibitor has mostly dissapated into the environment, leaving little to protect the item in question.

Noah

460v LAC du FLAMBEAU · May 14, 2009

What department at Wal-Mart are the 'silicon packs" available??

Thanks

jja327 · May 14, 2009

I believe they called "silica" gel packs. Silica gel is a desiccant which absorbs water.

1x2 · May 14, 2009

Thanks, Noah, for the added info.

Smith and Wesson oil paper

rlee1976

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