How do you store a gun long term?

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Pops1085

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I've got a hunting cabin in the upper midwest that I'd like to store a single shot shotgun in just in case I ever needed it. I was thinking about coating the whole thing in Mobil 1 grease but I'm not sure what to put it in, a plastic bag would just trap moisture wouldn't it? The cabin's unheated and not air tight so along with sub zero temperatures I have to battle high humidity. Is there a way to do this fairly cheaply?
 
A couple points to consider :

I assume you will be disassembling it to keep the wood out of the oil - right?

I would think about coating it in grease like you mentioned then putting it in a large, thick plastic bag with some desiccant to soak up and moisture that might get trapped in the bag.

Then you should have a canister with some solvent on hand to clean the gun off when you want to use it. Probably some rags as well.
 
Oh I know Vanya, it's good for you to mention that though :). I have a spot picked out where I am going to hide it and discretely lock it up too. Funny thing is, I actually leave the shack unlocked just for that reason. We've had multiple hunting/ice fishing shacks over the years and the one thing I've learned is that people who want to break in will do it reguardless of if it's locked and if it IS locked they will usually trash the place and break stuff. If you leave it unlocked however the majority of people don't feel the need to break the door in, trash everything, steal stuff. One time even had somebody fill our propane tank on our heater :eek:

The trick is to just to hide stuff really well and hide the locks as well.
 
unheated and not air tight so along with sub zero temperatures I have to battle high humidity. Is there a way to do this fairly cheaply?
Click to expand...

I know one way to do this that will absolutely protect the gun. However the gun will not be readily accessible. Not sure of the cost, but I wouldn't expect it to be too much...

Paraffin wax.

Around 40 some years ago, some folks I knew bought an old house in the Finger Lakes region of New York. An old house in that region means something built before the Civil War. In the course of renovations, they found an old trunk in the attic. Inside were some letters, papers, some old uniforms and a largish block of paraffin wax. The wax was too heavy to be just wax.

Inside the wax was a pristine, new condition Colt 1860 revolver. Encased in a solid block of wax, that gun had been perfectly protected for over 100years, in conditions of high humidity summers and sub zero temp winters.

I'd say that qualifies as long term storage.;)

I know that method will work. Whether it is best for your situation, I cannot say.
 
As above, a Zcorr Vapor Barrier bag is the best possible option.
The bag has a special material in it that gives off a vapor that drives out moisture and surrounds the metal with a vapor that totally prevents rust for at least 10 years.

This is how the military and industry now protect guns and equipment because it's better at preventing rust then any grease or other coating, you don't have to worry about areas inside where you can't get the grease in, and there's no messy degreasing before you can use the gun.

Best, all you have to do to use the gun is open the bag, wipe out the barrel and go shooting.

To store the gun, wipe it with a little CLP Breakfree to neutralize any finger prints, run a patch with some CLP down the barrel, and seal in the bag.
You're good for at least 10 years.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...-bags/vacuum-seal-storage-bags-prod42749.aspx
 
wax the wood, RIG grease on the metal, plastic wrap, rustproof paper around that and then seal with a vacum sealer with a fresh desicant pack and you'll never have a rust problem just make sure you have a clear label on the weapon instructing that the firearm must be cleaned before firing.

If you do this you'll need ammo too. Sealed bags with fresh desicant ( not vacum sealed) in either MTM boxes or milspec metal ammo cans
 
I've got a cabin in N. Georgia - I keep 2 guns there: 1) high-powered springer air rifle and 2) Winchester post-64 30-30. The Winchester is in cosmetically crappy condition - I don't do anything to it. The air rifle has a tough phosphate coating and it doesn't' need anything for protection.

However, I have been running a dehumidifier to keep the dampness down - that seems to work.
 
I have a cabin on a lake that is uninsulated and gets completely shutdown for half the year. I used break free CO (collector) to store a long gun and it's been there for three years no and not a speck of rust or corrosion on it.

I started a long thread about it a year or two ago, if I can dig it up when I'm on the computer tonight I'll post the link.
 
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