Moving to the beach... how do I care for my guns?

[gobabygo]

So after living most of my life in the "Valley" I've finally decided to make the very big jump and am moving about a block from the beach.

When I was signing my lease this weekend I was looking around and saw rust on the fan by the window. That got me thinking... how bad is the salt air for my guns? I knew I'd have to put a de-humidifier in my safe, but what about all my ammo and brass and other reloading components? Am I going to have to put everything into sealed ammo cans with dessicant to keep them from rusting? Do I need to oil all my guns, top to bottom all the time?

And is there anything else that I haven't thought of yet? Thanks.

[Turbinator]

Just a thought, but the fan is actively moving salty air around. Your guns will not be. Keep them oiled, maybe buy those silicone oil socks, keep them in the safe, and you should be ok?

Turby

[.50DE]

eezox is your friend. Best thing out there for corrosion protection. I use it on all my weapons for that very purpose.

[Khram]

Salt air is horrible for guns. If possible I'd store the majority of them elsewhere if possible and take all measures possible to prevent rust.

[SCMA-1]

As already said, salt air is BAD for guns. I've lived a few blocks from the beach for most of my life and I'll tell you, you need to take extra precautions with your guns. I've had stainless steel guns develop rust underneath the grip panels. You need to always wipe down your steel/stainless guns with at least a silicon cloth every time you handle them. Better yet, wipe them down with an oily rag to get a thin film on all the surfaces. Don't leave/store them in cases where they are in contact with the linings. Keep them in a metal cabinet/safe and it's a good idea to use electric dryers (like Golden Rods) or silica desiccant packs (or both) to keep the moisture content low inside the safe. If you shoot corrosive ammo, try to clean your guns no later than a day after your shooting session.

I've never had an issue with ammo/reloading components. I keep my reloading components in the garage and because cars are constantly going in and out; the garage interior stays heated and dry. I try to store the majority of my non-sealed (not on factory cases) in air proof 50 cal cans although I have lots of boxed ammo inside and don't see any adverse affects of them just sitting on shelves.

SCMA-1

[Z ME FLY]

I would think maybe some silicone oil socks with a gun safe should be good.

[mrboma]

As already said, salt air is BAD for guns. I've lived a few blocks from the beach for most of my life and I'll tell you, you need to take extra precautions with your guns. I've had stainless steel guns develop rust underneath the grip panels. You need to always wipe down your steel/stainless guns with at least a silicon cloth every time you handle them. Better yet, wipe them down with an oily rag to get a thin film on all the surfaces. Don't leave/store them in cases where they are in contact with the linings. Keep them in a metal cabinet/safe and it's a good idea to use electric dryers (like Golden Rods) or silica desiccant packs (or both) to keep the moisture content low inside the safe. If you shoot corrosive ammo, try to clean your guns no later than a day after your shooting session.

SCMA-1

This.
I have been 400 yards from the ocean for more than 10 years. I have the little remington plug in device that works well in my safe ($25.00). I also get a weekly supply of silica gel packs from a buddy that I switch out bi-weekly.
Regards,
Mike

[dominic]

Silicone wipes are gonna be your guns best friend here. Make sure you wipe down your finger prints with a good silicone cloth after touching them too because the corrosion will start there.

[cassius]

keep'em lubed inside and out. And that means real oils, NOT WD-40.
dehumidifier / dessicant in the storage containers.
DON'T put your gun in socks inside your safe. All you do is trap moist salty air inside the bag against yoru firearm. You'll think you've done everything right then go to unsock something and find it rusted.
Keep the rest of your components and ammo similarly sealed and protected.
Resist the urge to 'play' with or overhandle the things you want to protect from moist salty air.
Check everything routinely, to halt damage before it can get too severe.
Even better, an interior room or closet, outfitted with its own dehumidifier. Then you can enjoy the see breezes in the rest of the house, without increasing the likely damage to yoru sensitive goods.

[Diabolus]

keep'em lubed inside and out. And that means real oils, NOT WD-40.
dehumidifier / dessicant in the storage containers.
DON'T put your gun in socks inside your safe. All you do is trap moist salty air inside the bag against yoru firearm. You'll think you've done everything right then go to unsock something and find it rusted.
Keep the rest of your components and ammo similarly sealed and protected.
Resist the urge to 'play' with or overhandle the things you want to protect from moist salty air.
Check everything routinely, to halt damage before it can get too severe.
Even better, an interior room or closet, outfitted with its own dehumidifier. Then you can enjoy the see breezes in the rest of the house, without increasing the likely damage to yoru sensitive goods.

Do you have personal experience with the gun socks?

I ask because I have heard the exact opposite from friends that live near the beach and manufacture. If you have evidence to the contrary let me know, I'll un-bag my guns ASAP.

I go to the extreme to protect my firearms, I have a golden rod, dessicant, and Damprid to keep down the moisture.