Newbie question: storing a blued revolver

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Blade37db

New member
I recently acquired a Det. Special in the original box with the styrofoam. I have been keeping the gun in the box in a safe but I'm wondering if that is the right thing to do. Should the gun be taken out of the styrofoam?
Please let me know what the best way to store and preserve it.
Thanks.
 
Probably the best storage method in this case would be to buy some "Vapor Paper" and one of the special plastic bags for gun.

Wrap the gun in the paper, seal in the special bag, and replace the gun in it's box to protect it from bumps.

The Styrofoam Colt box does a good job of protecting against bumps and knocks.

The vapor paper gives off a rust preventing vapor that drives out moisture and surrounds the metal with a vapor that totally prevents rust for at least 10 years.

You MUST use the special bags, since ordinary plastics and plastic "baggies" allow moisture to enter, and allow the vapor to escape.

The paper and bags can be bought from a number of sources, but Brownell's is the easiest to do business with, AND upon request with an order, they'll send you a free copy of the best, most useful catalog in the gun world.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1197&title=GUNWRAP? PAPER

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...1154&title=TRIPLE+TOUGH? PREMIUM STORAGE BAGS
 
Doggone! Do you really think a Dick Special is worth archiving like a Matisse collage? That's some nice packing stuff from Brownells, but it's priced that way too. I'm certain it will work well.

For a low buck works in humid Louisiana solution, here is what a lot of folks here do. Get an old basketball sock. Soak the sock in your favorite oil, Breakfree, Ballistol, or PennzOil, anything but WD40 will do. Wring out the sock. Insert gun.
 
Depends

No, not the product "Depends"! I mean it depends on the environment. If you glop it with lots of oil it will run off and make a mess of the box eventually. The oily sock sounds like something you would need if you lived in a swamp. If you have a reasonably dry climate and a modern home, you would not need that extreme measure, if it is say, in a closet or lockbox. If it is in a dry place with regulated temperature, a silicone gun cloth might be sufficient. Wipe it down well and remove any fingerprints. You should occasionally inspect it and rewipe it. The box will keep dust etc. off of it. A gun can last for decades with no rust if cared for likewise. Handling it alot might cause rust from fingerprints and it should be very well cleaned if fired, before storing it for long periods. You could even get something that evaporates and leaves just a film on the gun to protect it. Several companies make that. But any handling will affect the coating. If you are gonna keep it in a damp basement or garage or under the truck seat, maybe the more extreme measures will be needed.
 
Was getting rust on blued revolver

I clean my guns after each trip to the range and oil any moving parts.

I then store the ones I do not carry daily in a safe in oiled paper.

I was noticing a little rust on one blued gun in an out of the way spot and the next time I cleaned it I applied a little Hoppes gun oil on that spot (after removing the rust).

No more rust.

I have taken to not only oiling the moving parts but now I apply a light film of oil over the entire gun. I put a few drops of oil on a paper towel and wipe the entire surface with the towel. I then wipe of the oil with a dry towel. I use so little oil that I really can not feel it when I pick up the gun, however, it is enough to prevent rust.
 
Try this drill

Leave it out, admire and fondle then wipe. Take it shopping, admire and fondle, then wipe. Bring to range and shoot, clean. Put in the safe for a couple days in Xavier's oily stock. Repeat every week. Will never rust.

Oh one more thing... post pic on TFL (out of sock)
 
Leave it out, admire and fondle then wipe. Take it shopping, admire and fondle, then wipe. Bring to range and shoot, clean. Put in the safe for a couple days in Xavier's oily stock. Repeat every week. Will never rust.

Oh one more thing... post pic on TFL (out of sock)
Click to expand...



Good post. That they way it should be done. I think I have too many though.
 
I have a number of old blued handguns. My oldest is an 1851 Colt. Even though I live in Miami, I do not have rust problems.
Simple, but thorough care is all thats needed. I never leave finger prints on the gun, I wipe down with a very lightly oiled cloth after handling. I keep the revolvers in a safe (with a GoldenRod heater), and I clean thoroughly after shooting.
 
Foam

I assume you are speaking of a styrofoam insert in the Colt box? Not foam rubber! That usually has open cells and will soak up the oil on the gun, moisture, etc. and is not too good for long term storage! But styrofoam is usually non absorbant of moisture, like a styro. cup does not leak coffee(hopefully) and will not soak up moisture from the air to damage the gun. But any strong solvents or excess dripping oil may discolor or even dissolve the styrofoam. That is why just a good wipedown with a silicone cloth or very thin layer of rust preventive is recommended if you choose to keep it in that.(Don,t forget to put some on a patch and coat the bore and chambers) Otherwise, if you decide to use a stinky old sweat sock soaked in Valvoline:eek: or another method, you should not put it back in that box. Get a plastic box or something. I can't imagine doing that myself. There are too many better ways to protect it. It is an investment, being a mint Colt. Invest a little bit in the TLC for it.
 
Recently bought a NIB Colt 1991A1 in the usual blue plastic box and it was in an unsealed plastic bag with a light oil that appreared to be some sort of spray. I have used G96 spray that is a cleaner/preservative for several years (if you can find it, smells good too) and also keep a rag sprayed with it in a ziplok for wipe downs after handling. Some guns that I seldom use are wiped with the rag, wrapped loosely with the S&W type oiled paper and kept in a cardboard box. Have never had a speck of rust.
 
I wiped the outside down on a Ruger Blackhawk with one of those gun cloths and tossed it in my sock drawer for 8 years.
No rust or even a hint of it.
 
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