Proper Gun Storage

Man, I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this post. I've owned and kept guns here in Texas since I was 12. The thing to keep in mind is that moisture is your enemy, period. If you put your gun away with any moisture on it, it will rust. Period. Even stainless guns will rust if neglected.

What I do is clean the gun thoroughly before putting it in the safe for long term storage. I like to keep a good oily rag in the safe to wipe them down periodicly too. If I take one out to shoot or handle it I ALWAY'S wipe it down with an oily rag before placing it back in the safe. For long term storage I will also run an oily patch through the bore after the thorough cleaning. Using this method has kept my guns rust free for many years. I still have the shotgun, a .22 rifle, and a deer rifle that I got when I was a kid. The method works.

I do store ammo in my safe as well. I have not had any trouble with that at all. There are some things to be cautious about. And, that's moisture. Again, moisture is your enemy. I had a box of .270 that got wet one time. I thought nothing of it and put it back in the safe in the wet cardboard box. When I went to shoot it a few months later. The brass had turned greenish on me. I cleaned it up as best as I could. Then I tried shooting them. Most would not fire. The moisture had somehow contaminated the powder. So, alway's make sure any guns or ammo you put into the safe are dry. The guns should have a coat of oil. The ammo should be completely dry, no oil at all.

Something to keep in mind about moisture is that it can seep into the smallest of places and wreak havoc on your guns. If you hunt in the rain and get your gun wet be sure to break it down and get ALL the parts dried and oiled. Or, you'll have small inner parts rust and possibly break on you.

I live close to the coast and these methods have worked well for me over the years. I hope they help you too.