Long Term Storage

[Onomea]

We occasionally have threads on solutions for long term storage, so I thought I'd relay the following experience:

I left five guns in Hawaii, two rifles and three handguns, in a non temperature controlled, indoor environment, unattended and untouched, for five years. They were in a steel gun cabinet stored in anti corrosion storage bags by ZCOOR. (ZCOOR seems to no longer be making these, but I assume they are similar to other makers.)

Hawaii, as most know, is a humid environment.

The anti-corrosion bags worked perfectly. I just had the guns shipped to me here in Oregon. They arrived two days ago. There is not a speck of rust on them anywhere.

I had assumed, when I left them, that I would return in a few months, but that did not happen. While hoping for the best, it was something I worried about. I am pleased that the storage bags worked as advertised.

 

[Nohi1566]

Storing pistols for a year or two. Wiped them all down with Eezox in the bore as well. Put in Tupperware (close to airtight ) put the guns in silica gun sock and then put 40 grams worth of silica in the Tupperware. Putting it in the basement in a locked closet (no other place). Any thoughts ? Good or bad ?

 

[hittman77]

Hawaii, as most know, is a humid environment.

Like Oregon is not? LOL!

Great news on their condition, I'd say continue to use them now!

 

[arjay]

That's impressive! Mine have mostly been in storage for about the same length of time using either oil or renwax in borestore bags with no problems though colorado is a tad drier than Hawaii ;-)

 

[Onomea]

Storing pistols for a year or two. Wiped them all down with Eezox in the bore as well. Put in Tupperware (close to airtight ) put the guns in silica gun sock and then put 40 grams worth of silica in the Tupperware. Putting it in the basement in a locked closet (no other place). Any thoughts ? Good or bad ?

Nohi, I think your approach should work out okay. I would choose the storage bags I mention over your approach because I am sure it would work, but your approach should be okay, I think.

I have left well oiled pistols in ziplock bags, wrapped tight in rubber bands, in another zip locked bag, wrapped tight with rubber bands, for a year successfully. Did that a few times in Hawaii in years past.

 

[H Richard]

Just be cautious, as most basements in most parts of the country have some below ground humidity. Be sure are properly protected by one of the above methods which have worked.

 

[max503]

I have left well oiled pistols in ziplock bags, wrapped tight in rubber bands, in another zip locked bag, wrapped tight with rubber bands, for a year successfully. Did that a few times in Hawaii in years past.

I did that for longer periods using WD-40. The bags were stored in bank safe deposit boxes. Worked for me. They just required cleaning. That WD-40 turns to cosmoline after a couple years.

 

[marinevet]

I've used Zerust VCI bags for over 10 years now, and am very happy with them. You can buy them from their website, or there is a vendor at the Tulsa gun show twice a year.

Zerust(R) ICT(R) VCI Bags | VCI Poly Bags | Zerust(R)/Excor(R)

 

[stansdds]

I did that for longer periods using WD-40. The bags were stored in bank safe deposit boxes. Worked for me. They just required cleaning. That WD-40 turns to cosmoline after a couple years.

WD-40 certainly turns to something that is sticky and gooey!

 

[H Richard]

I would think WD40 would be the least desirable method of long term storage. I have used Rig grease, rubbed a quantity into a rag, and thoroughly wiped down the guns and placed it in the rack. Excellent rest barrier.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

A friend had some long and hand guns for long term underground storage. Using a truck inner tube cut in half at least 8" from stem also two radiator hose clamps and RTV silicon. This provides a water proof soft container for a proven 10 years when buried in the Australian out back.

Note on relocation: Use GPS coordinates and lands marks both near and far. Trees die or get logged. Phone poles and fence posts get relocated.

Thompson Center Bore Butter is an excellent cosmoline substitute! Non toxic, protects against corrosive priming, sulfur, and lite moisture. Comes in squeeze tubes so is easy to fill barrel bores and coat all surfaces. Has successfully protected for 18 years inside ammo cans underground in US.

Ivan

 

[JM4151]

Rig rust preventative

I have been using RIG for over 50 years and I works great.

 

[diyj98]

I keep all my long term storage firearms covered in a light coat of RIG.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If I had just a few guns long term storage would not be an issue but I have LOTS of guns and many of the handguns are stored in gun rugs or gun socks in my safe or elsewhere around the house for very long periods of time and most of the rifles are stored "bare". I don't know if this part of North Texas is unreasonably humid or not but my HVAC keeps everything dry and rust free for years and years. That includes a blued Ruger Security Six that I have kept stored (loaded) in a gun sock in a lower drawer in the master bathroom for a couple of decades, the obviously most humid room in the house. I just checked it - it's pristine.

What do you have to do to actually cause rust on a gun?

 

[JohnHL]

What do you have to do to actually cause rust on a gun?

Nothing...

John

 

[Nohi1566]

Ok you all convinced me I purchased some rust proof bags(not sure the correct term) my question is this , can silica gel bags( the tiny 3 gram packets ) touch metal or will it harm it? I want to put one in each bag.