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Just wanted to post this after reading an antique box thread as I felt it might save someone "not in the know" some rusting issues in the future.
VCI paper or rust inhibiting paper is what many of the firearms companies use to wrap their guns in before putting them in the cardboard box. Every S&W used to be shipped with a sheet and unless I am way out of step, I believe they still are. This paper is very effective in preventing rust by displacing moisture and works well for a limited number of years. I am no Chemist, but have been told from people who use this paper to protect machine tools and instruments, the protective qualities only last several years. That is why I routinely replace the VCI paper on ALL my pistols and magazines stored in their original boxes (3-5 years).
If I have the original paper that came with the Revolver or Auto I will gently fold it up and just store it in the bottom of the box while using a fresh piece of VCI paper every 3 - 5 years. Not only does the VCI paper loose its rust inhibiting properties over time, but it also gets oil saturated and stained - you might not want that transferred onto an original vintage cardboard box.
Smith & Wesson used to sell their VIC paper sheets, and again, I believe they still do. The most economical way to buy the protective paper is by the roll or in bulk. They sell it on Amazon and used to be sold by Brownell's - don't know if Brownell's still carries it.
HINT: Don't buy a 25 year supply of it because it does not keep its protective properties for that length of time. Buy what you will use and just replace it every 3-5 years.
Some do not care about this because they don't store their guns in the original box or case - I get that. I like keeping all my vintage revolvers and pistols in their original boxes but obviously don't want them to become damaged. Therefore, this is an important issue to me and I wanted to pass it along for those who did not realize the VCI paper doesn't have an unlimited life of effectiveness. I use this protective paper for other things as well such as magazines, small parts, steel machinists instruments, valuable tools, etc. Hope this helps at least a few here.
VCI paper or rust inhibiting paper is what many of the firearms companies use to wrap their guns in before putting them in the cardboard box. Every S&W used to be shipped with a sheet and unless I am way out of step, I believe they still are. This paper is very effective in preventing rust by displacing moisture and works well for a limited number of years. I am no Chemist, but have been told from people who use this paper to protect machine tools and instruments, the protective qualities only last several years. That is why I routinely replace the VCI paper on ALL my pistols and magazines stored in their original boxes (3-5 years).
If I have the original paper that came with the Revolver or Auto I will gently fold it up and just store it in the bottom of the box while using a fresh piece of VCI paper every 3 - 5 years. Not only does the VCI paper loose its rust inhibiting properties over time, but it also gets oil saturated and stained - you might not want that transferred onto an original vintage cardboard box.
Smith & Wesson used to sell their VIC paper sheets, and again, I believe they still do. The most economical way to buy the protective paper is by the roll or in bulk. They sell it on Amazon and used to be sold by Brownell's - don't know if Brownell's still carries it.
HINT: Don't buy a 25 year supply of it because it does not keep its protective properties for that length of time. Buy what you will use and just replace it every 3-5 years.
Some do not care about this because they don't store their guns in the original box or case - I get that. I like keeping all my vintage revolvers and pistols in their original boxes but obviously don't want them to become damaged. Therefore, this is an important issue to me and I wanted to pass it along for those who did not realize the VCI paper doesn't have an unlimited life of effectiveness. I use this protective paper for other things as well such as magazines, small parts, steel machinists instruments, valuable tools, etc. Hope this helps at least a few here.
