Proper storage of older guns

[Androsynth]

I've been given my great-grandfather's old Smith & Wesson Model 10 and I have a question about storing it between trips to the range. It used to be his hunting side-arm and as such was kept in a leather holster which I also have. Will I be doing any harm to the bluing if I keep it in a foam-lined carrying-case or should I just let it rest in its original holster? I also have a few of his other hunting rifles, all with wooden furniture and blued finishes. My grandfather always wrapped his rifles in a cloth of some kind before putting them in their cases for a reason I cant remember. Modern finishes aside, is foam too abrasive for older bluing?

[heyjerr]

The foam isn't necessarily abrasive but it will hold moisture that will cause rust spotting. It's likely the cloth he used kept it protected from dust and even moisture to a degree. You may want to throw in some dessicant to keep moisture down....just keep recharging them occasionally to release the moisture.

Don't overoil a firearm and then leave it where it can collect dust. The dust will collect moisture and contribute to rusting.

[Dodahdude]

Yep. My shotgun barrel rusted in a foam carrying case. I left it in there for about a year. Now I give everything in storage a good oiling then into a silicone sock and a dry safe.

[Citadelgrad87]

But some silicone impregnated socks, they are perfect for long term storage. They prevent moisture from rusting, and they are soft and thick enough to absorb some bumps without damage.

[baih777]

I have had rifles in these since the 80's. no rust.

http://www.borestores.com/

[WartHog]

Do not store it in long-term the leather holster as this can damage a blued finish.

[Androsynth]

Thank you all very much for your input. I missed out on the opportunity to ask them these things personally, so I'm grateful there are others with experience that are willing to share.

[L84CABO]

General Rust Prevention:

You need an environment you can control. A safe is ideal. Absent of that, you could use a cedar chest, a cabinet, big foot locker, etc.

Then run a Golden Rod into the cabinet along with a box of desiccant and a humidity gauge. All three of these can be had off Amazon for $50 ish. Wipe down all guns with a silicone cloth and put the guns in the cabinet. Then monitor the gauge and check guns daily until you're sure your environment is stable. Then check and wipe down weekly.

As others have said, you do NOT want to store guns in foam. If these gun cases are your only option, at least remove the foam from them and wrap the gun in a silicone cloth or Borestore or similar as someone else suggested.

[sonofeugene]

Yep. No foam. No leather either. Soft cloth of some sort. A Boyt case of various sizes is what I use.

[Baboosh]

Put a light coat of break free collector and put in a Bore Store.

[Androsynth]

I think the Bore Store into a gun cabinet with some sort of desiccant is viable for me at the moment since I don't have a safe just yet. I'll pick up some of that Break-Free oil as well. Again, great info! I'll just use the foam cases for transport.

[geoint]

never seen bore stores before, but great advice! thanks guys

[bonusweb]

Eezox. Is the best long term stuff. Soaks into metal. Not realy a lube but partialy does that. Before it dries not all that great to breathe. So do it ventalted in garage or something. After an hour it dries and all the vapors snd smell go away. Best also when you strip down and clean off all the old oil first.(like with simple green)

Spray everything including cloth inside barrel, under metal hidden under stocks etc, let soak for few minutes. Wipe off excess. You can use other lubes on top for moving parts like normal afterwards.

I have used this in salt water environment still keeps rust out.

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html

http://www.6mmbr.com/corrosiontest.html

http://www.6mmbr.com/i/Reader%20Photos/Rust_Test_LongTerm_640.jpg

http://rs222.pbsrc.com/albums/dd220/Meadowmucker/Misc/Eezox/29Nov-Bottom.jpg~320x480

Steel wool seven months salt water environment, eezox treated.