[Lintonswcc]

What is the best way to prevent rust? I have to store my rifles in pelican cases. I live in an apartment; and I can’t justify buying a safe when I move every 1 to 2 years. Would putting silicon packets in the case along with the moister seal of the case prevent from rusting the guns? Do they make small dehumidifiers that will fit in a pelican?

 

[jbkf1003]

How many rifles are we talking about? Can you do one of those cheap stack-on sheet metal cabinets? They are cheap and can usually fit in a closet. If so I would put the rifles in gun socks, and then use a dehumidifier rod like goldenrod in the bottom of the cabinet. A Desiccant can would also be a good idea.

http://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/s...mpaignId=T9A&gclid=CI2Fsvmeh7oCFQkSMwoddQYA4Q

The idea is to deal with the moisture in the air (humidity). You want to lower the relative humidity. The golden rod will warm the air in the cabinet, which will lower the humidity. Or you can remove the water, which the desiccant does, and lower the humidity that way. You can do both with a golden rod and can of desiccant.

There are also rust preventatives you can put on the guns, but probably is not needed if you do the above.

If you are going to do the pelican cases, put them in gun socks and put a 40gram silica packet (or 2 or 3) in with them. Just watch and make sure you recharge the silica gel when it gets full.

Justin

 

[Sweets]

The foam in Pelican cases is said to retain moisture and I've been told by a pro to never store firearms in them, long term. You could always remove the foam when storing yours, but silca packs would seem to be another possible solution. I've posted this a dozen times, but you can buy the stuff in bulk at hobby stores- just go to where they sell it for drying flowers, and never let it touch metal.

As far as protectants go, I like Barricade for blued steel and there are the more modern waxy protectants. But the first thing to do is to get moisture out of the picture. I echo JBK's recommendation to buy a metal cabinet- you could get the kind that come apart for transport, if they still make them.

 

[geeck]

+1 for the GoldenRod type dehumidifiers, in SE Louisiana rubber will rust. All my guns have maintained rust-free in my safe with very little maintenance using a Goldenrod.

If your budget will allow, for security sake, you might look into a knock-down safe like the ones Zanotti sells http://www.zanottiarmor.com/safes.htm These safes are easy to move into tight places and up and down stairs.

 

[Dire88]

Storing inside a case is a crappy situation. Any moisture stuck between the foam and rifle will increase the chance of rust building up.

Without a safe, I store mine loose in the closet. It keeps air circulating, and easier to check once a week to make sure everythig is good to go. I wipe everything down with a rag with CLP on it, then a dry rag, and run a lightly oiled patch through the barrel (a drop or two, don't want it to be runny). Any dust or pet hair gets brushed off with a paint brush.

I've done this for 20 years on my (blued) .22 and never had a problem. Also do it with my Garand and SOCOM for over a year now. Parkerized weapons you shouldn't have to re do except every few years. Blued need to be rewiped every few months.
-----
If you HAVE to keep them stored in the case, and it's for long periods of time, you can vacuum seal them with a coat of oil on them. Kind of like the military stores them packed in cosmoline.

In any case, the trick is to put a very light coat of oil on them.

 

[Lintonswcc]

I have six rifles and two shot guns and a couple of hand guns crammed into 4 pelican cases. I don’t know if this is good or bad, but oil the guns really well. I try to get the entire exterior surface with frog lube, and I have been using fire clean on the barrels before I put them away for a extended period of time.

 

[Lintonswcc]

+1 for the GoldenRod type dehumidifiers, in SE Louisiana rubber will rust. All my guns have maintained rust-free in my safe with very little maintenance using a Goldenrod.

If your budget will allow, for security sake, you might look into a knock-down safe like the ones Zanotti sells http://www.zanottiarmor.com/safes.htm These safes are easy to move into tight places and up and down stairs.

those safes might be a option. I didnt see any prices on their website, do you know what they go for? My girlfriend has been getting on me to get a safe with my expanding collection. this could be a good excuse to buy one.

 

[Dire88]

I have six rifles and two shot guns and a couple of hand guns crammed into 4 pelican cases. I don’t know if this is good or bad, but oil the guns really well. I try to get the entire exterior surface with frog lube, and I have been using fire clean on the barrels before I put them away for a extended period of time.

As long as you check them relatively often (say every 2 weeks or once a month) you should be fine.

As far as storage, what's your biggest concern? Theft, Fire, Rust? Pelican cases really aren't ideal for any of thise situations. I only really see them as a transporting option. If you have some basic wood working skill and a little bit of room (say under a bed) you can make a storage case that is breathable and lightweight. Hell, you could even buy a Spacesaver weapons rack to use. They're small in size, and still heavy enoughto be a 2 man job to move unloaded.

 

[Dire88]

those safes might be a option. I didnt see any prices on their website, do you know what they go for? My girlfriend has been getting on me to get a safe with my expanding collection. this could be a good excuse to buy one.

Last prices I saw were from 07, and the smallest model was $1200-1400.

 

[Lintonswcc]

My biggest concern is rust. I also lack space. I live in a 1000sq ft apt with my girlfriend who occupies must of the free closet space. Under the bed is a good option, I current keep two of the case under it. I get out to the range at least once or twice a month, so I do check on them. I was looking for a something to do with the guns that I don’t shoot that often.

 

[Dire88]

If you're getting into them that often, the pelican cases should be fine. Just do a quick once over on any that you're not using when you're putting everything away after the range.

 

[CAVman]

If you're getting into them that often, the pelican cases should be fine. Just do a quick once over on any that you're not using when you're putting everything away after the range.

Of course that's correct...but if the OP does only that instead of buying ANY level of gun-safe(obviously the better ones protect...better!)then he is actually helping out potential burglars....all they have to do is pick up The Case...and walk away!

IMHO!

CAVman in WYoming

 

[Dire88]

Of course that's correct...but if the OP does only that instead of buying ANY level of gun-safe(obviously the better ones protect...better!)then he is actually helping out potential burglars....all they have to do is pick up The Case...and walk away!

IMHO!

CAVman in WYoming

I agree, but sometimes it's just not a viable option. For example, I simply can't afford $1200 for a collapsible safe, and because we rent and have 2-3 more moves over the next 6 years it's not viable to purchase an actual safe.

I do eventually intend on purchasing one when we have our own home. But until then, my closet has to work.

Another option being, as I mentioned, making a wooden chest or case of some sort. Built properly, it will atleast require some work to move/break into. Built deep enough you can add weights to make it harder to move. But being wood, it woukd be flamable and still easily destroyed compared to steel.

 

[neiltus]

+1 for the GoldenRod type dehumidifiers, in SE Louisiana rubber will rust. All my guns have maintained rust-free in my safe with very little maintenance using a Goldenrod.

If your budget will allow, for security sake, you might look into a knock-down safe like the ones Zanotti sells http://www.zanottiarmor.com/safes.htm These safes are easy to move into tight places and up and down stairs.

I will also second the zanotti....just to keep others hands off your stuff.

These can be moved by one person.

 

[CAVman]

I will also second the zanotti....just to keep others hands off your stuff.

These can be moved by one person.

My 'Cure' for that problem is---Fill It Up!

GI2

I have moved my full-size Liberty around a basement room by myself(on carpet)---EMPTY!!!
I have tried to move it like 1/2 Inch when FULL...No Go!
Stuff it full, the weight has to be doubled!?

(I realize bolting it down is the best practice...I just have to wait until a re-model of the basement is complete!)

CAVman in WYoming

 

[dsdmmat]

http://bedgunsafe.com/

with one of those you do not need closet space.

 

[geeck]

My shop is in an air conditioned room I built in my garage. However, a window unit does not provide as much dehumidification as central A/C. I was seeing some slight rust issues on blued guns, none noted on parked guns. So I started using silicone impregnated socks for guns left in the shop for more than a couple of days.

The socks seem to prevent any rust from forming and is a pretty cheap option. You can buy them in a bulk pack, they also provide some bump and scratch protection.

 

[Lintonswcc]

My shop is in an air conditioned room I built in my garage. However, a window unit does not provide as much dehumidification as central A/C. I was seeing some slight rust issues on blued guns, none noted on parked guns. So I started using silicone impregnated socks for guns left in the shop for more than a couple of days.

The socks seem to prevent any rust from forming and is a pretty cheap option. You can buy them in a bulk pack, they also provide some bump and scratch protection.

Do you have a link?

 

[mossyoakscout]

Got this tip from Hammonje, http://www.zerust.com/product/film/ict-weapon-protection-bags

Mossy,

 

[jbkf1003]

Could always do this with a Goldrenrod. I hear it's a hit with the Ladies.

http://m14forum.com/foreign/146425-how-create-mosin-nagant-crate-coffee-table.html

Otherwise:

As I said before I like the gun socks. They make all different sizes, but they prevent scratches and dings from handling as well. They do get snagged on scopes though sometimes. Put the rifle in these with a little desiccant you'll be fine in a plano case. I stored my AR for years like this.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/93...gun-case-46-scoped-rifles-polyester-dark-gray