Storage Solution: help me brainstorm

[BunMaster]

Here's my dilemma, I'm almost done building my rifle, and holy crap i forgot to calculate a storage solution into my costs. Well...more like I was in denial but its certainly becoming a reality.

Help me out and think of a way to store my rifle, with an electric dehumidifier. Security isn't such an issue. The more secure the better, but cost-effective & dry storage is priority.

I heard storing inside a pelican can lead to rust problems as the foam can hold moisture. That's obviously out.

My other solutions:

1) A gym-style locker, drilling a hole for the dehumidifier plug. That costs ~$100.

2) Craigslist a truck bed tool box container/chest and storing a gun that way. This is more expensive, but its inconspicuous, can be covered, and used as a bench! This is looking to be a ~150ish project.

I've considered a gun safe but the cheapest one I've seen is $300. I've seen zip-lock bags more secure then those things. I'd rather get a truck bed tool box, bolt it to the ground where you'd normally bolt it to the bed, and put in 200lbs in free weights.

What do you guys think? Any other creative solutions?

[Henry47]

if security is not a problem, why not just throw it under your bed or toss it in a closet?

[DirtRacer151]

Lol I agree...toss it in the closet if there's no kids around

[IsaacGlass]

Here you go.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=38581&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=599066

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=722362

[BunMaster]

Hm I'll look into that stack-on safe.

Ive considered the under the mattress thing, but the gun will not see the light of day for about a month in the summer. I'd like the peace of mind of it being dry (hence the electric dehumidifier). I'm not entirely sure how effective the dehumidifier would work just sitting right next to the gun.

[Richie Caketown]

how would the foam inside a Pelican case retain moisture? im a bit confused here...

[BunMaster]

From my understanding, I've heard stories that the foam (unless closed cell...in which case from what I understand, will reject moisture) will retain water. When conditions are right, the foam will impart that water into whatever wants it more, such as the oxidation of metal of the gun inside the container.

Then again, I've found contradicting evidence:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=19&t=290776&page=9

http://www.pelicanonline-ralphs.com/using-a-pelican-case-for-long-term-gun-storage.htm

[BunMaster]

In which case i just solved my own issue..

[Richie Caketown]

^i could see this case collecting moisture if you took it into the bathroom during showers , or you left it near windows on cold nights . If you keep it at room temp i doubt you should have problems

worse case scenario buy a mini dehumidifier pad

[Vtec44]

If security is not an issue then a soft case and afew desiccant packets. If your rifle is well oiled or being cleaned often, then moisture shouldn't be an issue.

[djleisure]

+1 on the Stack-On 8-gun storage locker. I got mine from Amazon for <$120 delivered to my doorstep. It took about 30 minutes to throw it together and it is now securely bolted to my floor. The only problem with the 8-gun is that it is really only a 6-gun, if you're talking about ARs and AKs (with a GSG-5 thrown in for good measure,) but it sounds like that won't be a problem for you... yet. Also, I live at the beach and don't even worry about humidity, but then again, I enjoy cleaning my guns and shoot them and clean them often enough so that it doesn't matter...

[ck867]

just keep your gun oiled well. I don't see why your so worried about humidity at room temperature under your bed?

[amurphy]

I have 4 rifles that were stored in the cheapy plastic 2 gun cases from big5. Now they are on the wall in my room or the living room depending on who is coming over...

[elSquid]

I know of an Armalite that was stored in a foam-lined guncase in a safe in a basement in a place with a real climate. No dessicants or dehumidifiers. It was taken out and sprayed with gun oil once a year and this went on for several years. No issues.

-- Michael