Editor asks: removing guns from storage

[martywinston]

If a gun has been in storage for several months - for example, I understand that some gun owners like some motorcycle owners prepare and store their guns over the winter - what's important to do or use in order to help the gun transition from being a stored weapon to being one that will be seeing more regular usage (in practice at the range if no other way)?

What challenges are there to address? (For example: cleaning, lubrication, degreasing, oxidation - you tell me).

What products or practices have you found useful?

(My context is a handgun-specific variation on the old "spring cleaning" theme - and specifically, I am looking for suggestions of great products that I can chase fown for review).

Thanks again for your help - this place has proven to be a valuable resource.

 

[sophie]

I have put some thought into what you are asking and I don't have a gun that is not ready to shoot.
If you want to pull them out every once in a while to just hold and admire then that is natural.
I don't have a gun that is not ready to shoot.


_____
James

 

[Babalooie]

I keep a cotton rag (old t-shirt) in a small tin. It is lightly soaked with Remoil (a light oil made specifically for firearms; it contains a small amount of teflon). Before my guns go into the safe, I rub a VERY light coat of this oil on all external surfaces to help reduce the possibility of rust forming.

Also, there's a "heater bar" that I've installed at the bottom of the safe. This helps to eliminate rust also.

 

[Stu Honea]

Marty,I really don't do any long term storage per se,but I do have firearms that are not likely to see much use during certain times of the year.

I normally just use a decent gun oil or any gun lubricant,a light coating,and keep desicant packs in the safe also.
My routine is such that I am able to check them often just to make sure there is no rust forming. That's about all I can advise,but it's worked for me for a long time. I use Miltec,Remoil,Slip 2000, Breakfree.Tetra Gun(both grease and oil).
Some may offer better lubricity than some others but I've had no problems with any corrosion or discoloration with any of them.

 

[martywinston]

Stu, Sophie & Looie -

I seem to have misled you - perhaps I can clarify.

My question is not about what to use or do when storing a gun (and I recognize that there are many shooters who never will)...

My question is what to use or do when bringing a gun out of storage.

 

[Harrison]

Run a patch coated with Rig through the bore, and wipe the outside down with my Rig pad. Living within yards of an ocean environment, Remoil, etc. will not prevent exterior rust over the long haul.

 

[Gunslinger808]

If I haven't shot one for a while I'll just do a regular cleaning.
Unless it was stored in a hostile enviorment I can't see a need to do more than that.

 

[SMSgt]

Simple: clean and lube just as if it were an everyday shooter. Then make it one.

 

[special44]

Amen, on the use of Rig, I've used Rig for over 40 years and never had a
firearm rust on me. Also, it's good as a lubricant in many applications. I
run a clean patch through the bore, to remove any excess, prior to firing,
as well as revolver chambers. After firing, clean & re-Rig the firearm for storage.

 

[Stu Honea]

If I haven't shot one for a while I'll just do a regular cleaning.
Unless it was stored in a hostile enviorment I can't see a need to do more than that.

Marty,this is pretty much the answer for coming out of storage. If it is in a hostile environment,the rig grease could apply for storage,with cleaning as described upon removal.

 

[martywinston]

Thanks, everybody.

I have Rig and a Rig-Rag coming in for review.