moisture remover disaster

[SocomII USN]

Guys I have a major issue. I had one of those moisture removers in my gun safe, and some how it exploded and leaked the chemical down the barrels of most of my rifles and shotguns. We are talking about roughly 8 to 10 thousand dollars worth of firearms lots of antiques and rare guns. This chemical took the blue off of the barrels the worst was my Interarms 7mm mag , it took about a 7 inch strip of blue off of that one. What do you guys suggest to fix this I am heart broken and in serious need of help any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ronnie gore]

safe

i would go back to the maker of the product that exploded, i would think they would be liable if the product is defective.

 

[Ken NC]

I do regret to hear that. Sounds like you were very careful and ran into a problem in spite of it. That stinks.

I would take lots of photos and call my insurance agent. Don't know that I would file a claim yet, but I would start a conversation.

And I guess I would get on cleaning them out/off asap, but others will have better tips on that, and referrals for restoration gunsmiths as well.

I have heard stories of guns "roasted" inside of safes during a fire, and some pretty successful restoration work after that. Hope things work out for you.

 

[GreenRiverBoy]

Hi,
Really sorry to hear about your misfortune. Could you tell me what type of moisture removal device was being used?

 

[jt185]

I've never heard anything like this. Man, sorry to hear about your disaster!!

GreenRiverBoy asked the right question. I'd like to know the exact brand and model of the failed unit. Does it have a warning sticker that says, "Don't place on top shelf in case of spontaneous explosion"? (expletive!) What chemical is used in that product?

I'd be reviewing thoroughly the instructions/directions for use of the product to see if I was at fault. If not my fault, I would seriously contact the manufacturer for help. Be very mindful what you say or write.

Barrels can be reblued, stocks refinished and safes repaired.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Very sorry to hear of this. I hope this turns out well for you.

 

[Kelly Green]

It appears you have a mess on your hands. I would find out what chemicals the moisture remover uses. This sounds like something that can happen when using DampRid. DampRid is basically calcium chloride, a non-toxic mineral salt. The calcium chloride turns to liquid as it absorbs moisture. In liquid form it can be corrosive on certain metals like steel. If you use DampRid never put it on a shelf, put it on the floor of the safe.

 

[vytoland]

contact your insurance company and the maker of the product that failed

 

[SocomII USN]

You guys are right I used damprid. Warning find something else if that's what you use now please!!!! I am so frustrated right now it almost literally makes me sick. My local gunshop is gonna try and tackle the repair jobs on my modern weapons. But what should I do about the WWI and WWII rifles and the Kentucky long rifle that I have rebluing would most definitely remove all patina? Advice please

 

[Magnumdood]

Product liability

You really should at least begin a dialog with your insurance agent and bounce around the idea of holding the manufacturer of damprid liable for the damage and restoration of your firearms. If there's anyone who would know where the liability would fall were it end to up in a court room it would be your insurance agent; and if they didn't they would refer you to an attorney. Almost all attorneys will give you the first visit for free just to asses your part in the damage vs. damprid's. Your insurance company may provide you an attorney if they believe a claim filed by you on your policy would be of considerable cost.

 

[Class III]

The first thing I would do, and hopefully you did, is get that stuff off of everything, gun metal, stocks, inside of the safe... by using LOTS of hot soapy water, followed by more hot soapy water followed by hot water followed by a good conventional cleaning.

As far as the WWI and WWII rifles go, they can be RESTORED to the period correct finish and then artificially aged to their pre Damprid condition. For the KLR, find a GOOD gunsnith with LOTS of REPAIR work experience on antique firearms (New parts artificailly aged to match the rest of the gun). The reason I said repair work vs restoration work on the KLR is that it sounds like you don't want it restored to new condition, only repaired to the condition it was in before the Damprid incident. The GS I use does SUPERIOR work on antique firearms, it's his passion. The only drawback to using him is he is a one-man show, AKA don't expect to get it back next week or even next month for that matter. If you want his contact info drop me a PM and I'll forward his info to you.

Class III