LONG TERM STORAGE-suggestions needed

[haris1]

When storing handguns long term, particularly smith revolvers is it better to store them in the foam lined cases and wrap pistol in a oiled cloth so they are not against foam?
also the newer smith boxes are so bulkly and take up a lot of room. I have heard of using plastic containers with no foam and maybe putting desicant inside.The foam may deteriorate over time and mar the finish. 6 in to 8 3/8 revolvers are another problem to find things to put them in . I am searching to maximize space, yet protect the pistol. The two piece boxes of old are the greatest but they arent around to be had.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?

 

[H Richard]

For long term storage, I would liberally coat the gun with Rig, then place in an original S&W paper wrapper and in the original box. Be sure to coat the bore and chambers as well as the exterior. It also helps to keep the stored item in a reasonably controlled environment. Not too hot or too cold, and humidity below about 50%. I was once told that the Ideal environment was 70 degrees and 50% humidity.

 

[Pointman]

I have seen a NIB S&W M14 in two-piece box wrapped in the rust paper with rust on the cylinder side it was lying on after many years. I don't believe the way they were shipped was intended for long term storage.

I oil them good then put them in a gallon ziplock bag (cut to fit so they are closed but not zipped) with a little rust block chip from Brownell's. This maximizes space in my safe plus I can see them thru the bag. This works for 2" up to 8 3/8", although the bottom of the grip on the longer barrels protrudes.

 

[murphydog]

If they will be stored in a climate- and humidity-controlled area where there is little chance of exposure to the elements, I would vote for thorough lubrication and Sack-Ups or a similar silicone-treated cloth cover to minimize the space needed for storage. If exposure is a possibility, I'd probably opt for some type of airtight storage (vacuum packing?) after lubrication; you'd probably want to remove the wood stocks before doing this.

 

[1066]

None of my collectible blued S&W guns go into "long term storage". They are far to valuable to me to risk any kind of rust. Why not just pull them out once in a while to check on them and enjoy them. Even the most diligent storage process might have left a fingerprint or small area of exposure, and depending on where you live this could be a small or a big problem.

Pointman's story happens far more often then you would think. I don't think that the factory didn't pack them for storage, I think that anything stored for a long enough time can rust under the right conditions.

I enjoy handling my guns on a regular basis and appreciate the satisfaction and peace of mind of knowing that I will be checking on them again before any rust can set in.

 

[bobelk99]

I agree with 1066. Most of my guns are blued, and I don't leave them alone for any extended period. I believe they should be checked and 'exercised' on a regular basis. I probably go over the ones I don't use 4 times a year.

You can build a small custom shelf storage unit (small shelf unit with cubbyholes) and cover it with felt, storing each gun in it's cubbyhole.
That avoids most of the mar and rust issues.

Enjoy them.

 

[haris1]

long term -srorage- thanks for the replies

I am using now Dillons 2 pc utility boxes which holds two pistols and i can put a label on the end of the box to identify them.these can be easily stacked as well. i put a sheet of bubble wrap to keep two pistols from scratching each other and lightly put some oil on them. I appreciate very much all of your responses. I didnt mean long term storage to mean as if it would be years, I look at them about every 3 or 4 months and then put them back. Thanks so much ,
Haris

 

[JSR III]

My guns are mostly blued as well. I use Renaissance Wax on them and they seem to hold up very well. Remember that oiled guns attract dust and dust attracts moisture. Moisture is the worst enemy of blued guns. When handling your guns, (and I don't mean taking them out to shoot) but when handling to inspect for rust, show to a friend etc., wear a pair of soft cotton gloves. This will keep your skin oil from getting on the steel and prevent any possibility of rust build. Nothing worse than inspecting one of your stored guns and finding one of your own fingerprints rusting into the finish.

This is the way that museums care for their valuable metal pieces and if its good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

 

[kennyb]

+1 on the renaissance wax...great stuff

 

[GF]

Or, you could check out these sites...

Hiding Guns -- Long Term Storage of Guns

Guns should last a lifetime a guide to their long-term preservation: How you prepare your fireams for storage determines what shape they'll be in when put back into use | Guns Magazine | Find Articles at BNET

Underground Storage of Firearms

Long term storage (Ed Harris)

... and I would add that a constant temp (55 - 70) and humidity (below 50%) helps keep the rust away.


GF

 

[HAM]

Z-Corr Storage and Preservation Bags

HAM

 

[Sgt 127]

I've had really good luck with Rust Pruf oil, Rig or Ballistol. Wipe the gun down really well, including bore and chambers, then wrap loosely in wax paper and store in a gun rug or box. I have a Goldenrod in my safe too.

Some of my guns are oiled and hanging on hooks on the door of my safe.

From what I have found, letting them "breath" works well.

I am really paranoid about ever wrapping them in any kind of cloth or plastic or against foam or carpet. I have had a bad experience with that. It seems anything porous will eventually find moisture and hold it.

 

[ttrotter]

My guns are mostly blued as well. I use Renaissance Wax on them and they seem to hold up very well. Remember that oiled guns attract dust and dust attracts moisture. Moisture is the worst enemy of blued guns. When handling your guns, (and I don't mean taking them out to shoot) but when handling to inspect for rust, show to a friend etc., wear a pair of soft cotton gloves. This will keep your skin oil from getting on the steel and prevent any possibility of rust build. Nothing worse than inspecting one of your stored guns and finding one of your own fingerprints rusting into the finish.

This is the way that museums care for their valuable metal pieces and if its good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

+1 here. This is precisely what I do and never any problem. I give them the white glove treatment when inspecting/enjoying them and wiping them gently with a microfiber cloth which has only previously been used for Renaissance wax polishes.
Regards,
Tom

 

[beemerphile]

Question for the Renaissance Wax guys. I have a can of it, but I am curious how you assure that you have reached into all the crevices with it so that 100% of the surface is protected.

 

[DON1937]

I wipe mine down with a silicone cloth and store them in gun rugs in my safe. I do take them out and wipe them down again whenever I think of it. I have a 28 that has no blue on it at all and in 6-7yrs. even it has never rusted. Living in West Texas where the humidity is low helps.

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Lubricate the gun, place in zip-lock bag, purge the bag with dry nitrogen..
No oxidizer, no corrosion...
If it can keep a 3000 year old mummy from rusting, should work for your firearm........

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

IMO, 2#pull is closest, although I don't have nitrogen handy. Touching cloth or felt long-term is asking for trouble. Even foam is questionable, and the RIG you should have on your gun may rot the foam.

I once had to store guns in a storage shed in Norfolk VA (hot damp summers, cold wet winters, no other seasons), for a few years. I sprayed the guns with WD-40 (probably unnecessarily) to displace any unknown moisture, wiped them off with a clean T-shirt, then RIGged every one, put each into a plastic bag so it wouldn't rot the foam, or rub off the grease on the box, and relaxed. A few winters later, out they all came absolutely unharmed.

RIG - don't leave home (or stay home) without it.

 

[TAROMAN]

Years ago, when I went overseas with the Army, I had to leave all my handguns behind, first with my parents, who then gave them then to my brother in law(!). I had cleaned them all well, greased well with RIG. Then I sealed them in some heavy plastic pouches from Brownell, along with (IIRC) vapor phase paper, that I wrapped them in. Similar to what new S&Ws used(?) to be wrapped in.

Many years later, when I was able to finally get them back. All were perfect.

 

[ttrotter]

Question for the Renaissance Wax guys. I have a can of it, but I am curious how you assure that you have reached into all the crevices with it so that 100% of the surface is protected.

beemerphile, this is a bit of a problem but Q-tips seem to do an OK job of getting into the nooks and crannies. I have even sharpened a popsicle stick and then used a small 100% cotton cleaning patch w/ the R wax over the pointed end.
Regards,
Tom