What is the best way to store guns in the safe?

[ronjohn]

What is the best method for storing my guns in the safe?
In the factory box/Smith paper and sprayed with a little Birchwood Casey Barricade is how I've been doing it.

Thanks

 

[NE450No2]

I have "rubbed" some guns with RIG [Rust Inhibiting Grease], and left them in the safe for a few years with NO rust problems.

 

[sourdough44]

I am short of room. I have some in factory boxes,some in 'pistol rugs',a few in the open & some in holsters. I usually go over each at least once a year, oil cloth wipe & a damp patch down the bore & cylinders.

I'll add that at some time later in life I take the side plate off or get inside & clean/lube. I've seen some 15-20 yr old guns that are dry & a little gunky inside.

 

[murphydog]

If you have enough room in your safe, your method sounds fine. Having the safe in a climate-controlled area is essential. Be sure to put a dessicant (water absorbing) pack or dehumidifier inside. If the guns are stored this way, I doubt they need to be checked more than once a year.

If you get short on space, using gun socks (Sack-Ups or similar) instead of the boxes takes much less room. One of the more advanced collectors I know uses Sack-Ups and a case, but he must have a lot of room and worry about guns contacting each other.

 

[OKFC05]

It always bothers me when "best" is asked.

The "best" way to prevent corrosion for long periods is sprayed with preservative oil inside and out, and vacuum packed in plastic seal---but that is danged inconvenient to take out for a quick trip to the range.

If you can keep the humidity in the safe low and stable, then having the gun cleaned and range-ready is the "best" way to store it. Just grab it and your range bag and go!

If you're like most, and don't want to take time to open a plastic pouch and clean the gun, and you don't have a perfectly climate-controlled safe, then you have to deal with the conditiions in the safe you have. In a humid climate, you have more of a problem than I do in OK. I clean and lightly lube the inside, then wax the outside, and store the handguns hanging on rubber-coated hooks with no wrapping or sleeve on them. YMMV.

 

[chief38]

You were not clear on how long you intend to store them without using them. For short term storage (in a regular shooting rotation) I use a light coating of Remoil and store them in the original boxes wrapped in the light brown S & W protective barrier paper. If the papers get torn and worn out, S&W will sell you more by the sheet.

If you are looking for LONG TERM storage, I would disassemble the gun and coat both the inside & outside with RIG as suggested by another poster, BUT don't forget to do the insides as well. Again, wrap it up in the S&W paper, and sometimes I even wrap that up in some Reynolds Wrap so the RIG does not get all over the original box. Put a note inside the box so you (or whom ever is going to use the firearm) are aware that the RIG must be removed inside & out before shooting. This method will keep the gun in perfect condition for a long long time.

chief38

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I read a story (I think it was here years ago) that this guy would soak his revolvers. He had a 5 gallon bucket of motor oil using a clothes hanger loop it around the trigger guard. Then drop it into the oil for a day or two. After the oil bath he would remove it and let it drip dry for a week, then wipe off the outside.
Your results may very.

I just wipe then down 1-2 times a year with Breakfree. I never had problems with rust.

 

[SMSgt]

There is no best, only different. I've never done anymore than a normal clean and oiling prior to storing and have never had a problem. I recently "discovered" a pair of rifles I had stuffed into the corner of the closet, with no extraordinary measures taken other than be covered up by clothing. After sitting there at least ten years (in S. FL humidity!), they were fine--after I wiped off the coat of dust.

Take normal cleaning and oiling precautions and avoid dampness. Inside a safe should be fine. If it makes you feel better, toss in some sort of dessicant. Naturally, any firearm that's been in long-term (?) storage should be cleaned and lubed prior to use.

 

[TommyW]

Like the majority of people, I wipe mine down and inspect them periodically. I also use a "Golden Rod" in the safe along with a few large bags of silica gel from work.

 

[bountyhunter]

I wipe down and then spray a light coat of shooter's choice preservative.