Proper Pistol Storage

[McNally M.]

Hey guys, I've been re-evaluating my storage methods since discovering some rust on rifles I thought were safely stored away from the elements.

I'm curious now about properly storing pistols. Is it okay to keep a pistol in its holster? Many C&R pistols like that the Nagant revolver typically come standard with one and I personally like to keep mine holstered for the sake of not misplacing the accessories. I have heard that long term storage inside a holster can be bad for a pistol because of the oils and moisture within the leather. Is that true? And if so, does it apply to Nagant holsters since they are made of a pseudo leather/pleather material?

[mike415stone]

Never store in a holster. I keep mine in small Pelican cases in the safe with an electric dehumidifier

[razr]

Anything that could keep moister in would cause it to rust. Leather, foam etc... You'll need a barrier to keep the rust away. I wipe everything down 2/3 times a year and re oil. If you are storing long term consider removing grips and take out magazines as well.

[Chunky_lover]

there are pistol socks (brand name)
they claim to be silicone impregnated I would think thats a safe barrier inside a pistol case or safe

but wouldnt hurt to put oil over them before storing
and check on them once in a while

[Garv]

I use a small heater bar at the bottom of my safe and the top has a box of desiccant that I bake out about twice a year.

[eighteenninetytwo]

Large Z-Corr zip lok bags for pistols which are rarely used. They will keep corrosion away for 10+years and cost about $2 apiece.

[justin4fun]

I store them all, rifles and pistols in socks and well oiled. no cases or holsters. just in the safe with a golden rod. Never had any rust issues.

[Enfield47]

Put the holsters in a drawer and the keep the pistols stored in your safe. If you wipe them down with an oiled rag once a year you should be fine (if you live by the ocean wipe them down at least a couple of times each year). Most of CA is an arid climate so you'll be fine as long as you keep them out of the holsters.

[Tonymin]

Air flow around the pistol is important. I use these Armory Racks and love them.

http://www.armoryracks.com/

[McNally M.]

Whoa, I really like those racks. Thanks Tonymin, I'll look into maybe buying one of the 6 or 8 gun models.