Long Term Gun Storage.

[bsg]

I have guns that have been sitting in various safes (some fired and some not) for more than 25 years. I use Goldenrod's to keep the safe's dry, and the guns all look great. I don't store anything in their boxes. I have a few rifles in gun socks, but mostly to prevent scatching.

i also keep a GoldenRod running inside my gun safe. the best feature of the GoldenRod is that it is maintenance free. i periodically check to ensure the rod is hot and that's it.

[galaxius]

Desiccant packs + hoppes gun grease. My oldest never fired rifles still look new after almost a decade of storage.

[deckhandmike]

disassemble and lube once a year.

[Citadelgrad87]

They retain moisture

Mine are not up to spec then

[Litespeeds]

Definitely make sure they are well lubed and like others have said, avoid contact with your skin. You can also store them inside a Bore's Store silicone treated gun sock.

[Litespeeds]

Inside your safe, you should use a Dry Rod but if there is no hole drilled in the back of you safe, then you need to put a box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda or Corn Starch inside the safe to absorb moisture. Should be replaced every 6 months.

[Wykyd]

Mine are not up to spec then

Better get some new ones!

In all honesty I have not used them. I have read they pull away the oil and retain the moisture and I have read they are the best thing since sliced bread. I think its all about "Your" climate and how you maintain your safe. I personally do not use them because of what I read so I will respectfully bow out to those who use the product.

[5ZS]

Definitely store them with the grips off.

Long term storage in the years, I would go the vacuum seal route with eezox (generous amount) as my protectant of choice. If you do vacuum seal, do not put any desiccant/silica-gel in with the sealed bad with the gun (more harm than good in the 20 year long run).
I would also seal the magazine separately, with generous protectant as well.

With the grips, I would keep them dry and of course a separate seal.

I would store them in a air tight tupperware and this is where I would put desiccant/silica-gel. This way as you open your safe for normal use, the environment is not really not disturbed.

Overkill, but you wanted least maintenance as possible.

Just think spam or wine, air tight food last longer (or preserved) than food that has been open and exposed to the air. Gun sock will not protect as well in the long run as it is not air tight, so yes it can traps air and moisture (as you put it in the sock). Air is your number one enemy in this case.

[Libertarian71]

http://borestores.com/order_online.php?cam=product_details&prod_id=5076

You might consider a Bore Store, which is silicone treated. As stated above, you should also treat the pistols with a synthetic grease. TW25B, Slip 2000 EWG Grease, or Weapon Shield Grease are all decent options. Check them once a year.

[tileguy]

20 years sound like a long time but it goes by fast. i bought my son a colt 1991A1 when he was born 20 years ago and it still sits in the safe never fired still in factory oil in the colt blue plastic box.

[Tiberius]

I'm not familiar with the Colt boxes, but from what I've heard, storing in a foam-lined box is a bad idea, as the foam will attract and retain moisture. With a plastic only box, obviously that's not an issue.

[FeuerFrei]

My long term keepers go in ZCORR bags or silicone gun socks inside the safe with a goldenrod plugged in.
I remove all of the oil/grease/prints before storage.
If you have to fondle them use clean cotton gloves. That's what she said anyway!

[onelonehorseman]

Whatever you do, I would plan to inspect them once annually just to see that everything is storing well.

[drunktank]

Cosmoline... make them work for it!

This is perfect.