Proper Storage of a Firearm

[jak77]

Hello folks,

I had a quick question about storing a shotgun that I would like to ask you more knowledgeable gents and ladies. What is the proper way to store a firearm like this for an extended period of time? I have a mossberg 500, and I currently store it in a soft case much like this one when I do not use it But Im scared of moisture building up and rusting out my shotgun.

It is cleaned and oiled, but Im worried about rust accumulating on it over time. I dont shoot it that often anymore so I was wondering what steps I should take to preserve this firearm over time and not rust up on me. Should I buy a few of those little moisture absorbing packets and throw them in the case with the shotgun? Any other methods or solutions to clean it with?

Thanks for the input

-Jak77

[deputy x 2]

Make sure the firearm is completely cleaned, especially the barrel.
Coat it with good gun oil. They have gun sleeves you can put it in. Remington has a moisture guard oil for long term storage. Will it be somewhere in the house..garage??

[jak77]

It is stored above my closet in my bedroom. Do I coat the outside of the firearm as well?

[willbird]

There are a couple products used for long term storage, one is called "T9 Boeshield" and that can be found at some sears stores in a two pack with one being a rust remover (do NOT use that on guns) and the other a protect-ant. But even better is a product called eezox, I have seen some info from people that applied it to steel wool and lef that exposed to the air in places near salt water with no corrosion. I'm leery of any case like that, I'd rather see you keep the gun in something like a "gun cuff" if you need to prevent unauthorized access rather than sealed up in a case like that, I have seen far too many cases where people pull a gun out of a case like that and find it covered with rust.

[Blackdog F4i]

They BEST way to store it is well lubed and in a climate controlled safe.

If that is not possible, then a "locker" type storage container is next best. If you don't have room for a safe or locker, then storing them in a locked closet is better.

I don't like soft cases since they do have a tendency to trap moisture. You can get away with it, if you perform periodic maintenance and check for rust.

[135dB]

I clean mine monthly even when I don't shoot them (also another excuse to play with them. I have them in a locked safe and bought a large dessicant can from Bass Pro to absorb moisture (I live a mile away from the ocean). I do not use cases, as BD said it traps moisture, which there's plenty of in SE FL.

[jwise]

After coating every metal surface (inside and out) on your shotgun, stick it in a gun sock,



or other product made for long-term storage. It should keep your gun protected.

My dad has a shotgun and rifle from my granddad, and he has kept them for YEARS in his closet without rusting. They are well-oiled, and wrapped with oily t-shirts. That's how he got them from his dad, and that's how he keeps them to this day. I'd rather see them in a safe, but he doesn't have one.

[jak77]

if i stuck it in a gun sock (after being thoroughly cleaned and coated with oil) and put it in a gun case like this one,

do you think it would be a good way of protecting my firearms from rust and outsiders? The reason Im asking is because I need my firearms to be locked and secured, but cannot afford a gun safe at this time. A case like the one above can be locked to prevent unathorized access, but I dont want to pull my guns out all rusted up.

Thanks.

[SCV-Sop]

If you are in California I caution you about what you use to lock your fire arms up with.

One needs to use approved locking systems or safes.

That’s not to say what you use isn’t sufficient, just if it is defeated and it isn’t on the approved list of locks and safes then you’ve added to your whoas.

If children could potentially have access it’s all the more important.

You’re better off using an approved paper bag, than a non approved Bank Vault.

[jak77]

were can i find this list?

[exdrip]

if i stuck it in a gun sock (after being thoroughly cleaned and coated with oil) and put it in a gun case like this one,

do you think it would be a good way of protecting my firearms from rust and outsiders? The reason Im asking is because I need my firearms to be locked and secured, but cannot afford a gun safe at this time. A case like the one above can be locked to prevent unathorized access, but I dont want to pull my guns out all rusted up.

Thanks.

Don't store it in a case like that. A year later you'll open it up they'll be covered in rust. Store it in a room in your house that is generally temp/moisture controlled. For long term storage get a gun sock.

And if you're worrying about someone stealing your gun...they'll just take the whole case. Get a trigger lock.

[knoxLEOhopeful]

Okay, don't crucify me here, I'm a newbie...

I own an AR-15 and also a civilian variant of the M4. I keep the M4 in a moisture resistant case and will clean all the working parts every so often. I keep my AR-15 in a case that it came in. Nothing special. The room I store them in doesn't have any humidity problems... am I safe with these to keep them from rusting?

Thanks!

[davisac]

similar: I'm going to be storing my AR15 with my colleges public safety department and won't have any direct supervision over the gun except when I take it out shooting. I was thinking a lockable metal case to keep it protected and some moisture absorbing packets?

[jwise]

Don't worry too much about your AR-15. It is phosphate manganese coated, or chrome plated on all the steel parts. Aluminum doesn't rust, and neither will the polymer (of course).

You only have to worry about "sporting" firearms rusting, not combat arms...