AR-15 Storage Question

[jcaliburr]

Hi guys. I'm looking into pelican cases to store my new AR-15 which I'll be picking up in a few days. This is my first rifle and I'm looking forward to learning from the members here. I feel that a square case would be more discreet than a long rectangular one and I'm curious on how you guys store yours.

Do you store your AR fully assembled or with the upper receiver detached from the lower? And why?

[Ribkick]

Complete or broken down, it's never a good idea to store any firearm in a case long term. Promotes rust. Better to put it in a sock like a BoreStore product that breathes. Even better is in a sock, in a safe.

[jcaliburr]

Complete or broken down, it's never a good idea to store any firearm in a case long term. Promotes rust. Better to put it in a sock like a BoreStore product that breathes. Even better is in a sock, in a safe.

Was hoping to use the case as a "locked storage" as I don't have a safe big enough to store a rifle.

Can you explain why a case promotes rust? The pelican cases are air tight and water resistant.

Thanks for the info!

[BenHa]

The foam would retain water which would promote rusting. But since the ar platform can be broken down to upper/lower you can find a somewhat small box to store it in.

[jonc]

learn something new everyday

[jcaliburr]

The foam would retain water which would promote rusting. But since the ar platform can be broken down to upper/lower you can find a somewhat small box to store it in.

Thanks BenHa. What type of material would you suggest that the box be? I'll stay away from foam.

[postal]

I disagree.

Pelican or storm airtight/watertight case with foam that is safe for gun finishes... can safely store long term- just get a large bag of dessicant, fill a sock with it, and store the sock inside the case with the rifle.

My pelican was at a relatives, for at least 6 months... when he checked on his things, he had humidity/moisture/mold issues- He checked the rifle in the pelican- no problems whatsoever.

Pelican or storm, or some other airtight/water tight will be fine. A regular cheap case would be a risk.

[jcaliburr]

I disagree.

Pelican or storm airtight/watertight case with foam that is safe for gun finishes... can safely store long term- just get a large bag of dessicant, fill a sock with it, and store the sock inside the case with the rifle.

My pelican was at a relatives, for at least 6 months... when he checked on his things, he had humidity/moisture/mold issues- He checked the rifle in the pelican- no problems whatsoever.

Pelican or storm, or some other airtight/water tight will be fine. A regular cheap case would be a risk.

What size pelican were you using? Was it large enough to hold your assembled rifle or was it smaller? Just curious.

Think I might give the dessicant idea a try.

[myk]

Dessicant, eh? I'll give that a try as well. But...as long as you keep the guns clean and oiled they should be fine, right?

[Beelzy]

The old moisture in foam lined cases bit is for the old school wood stocked firearms.
I have stored many a rifle in hard foam cases for years with no ill affect.

Soft cases are the real no-no, IMO

[postal]

Pelican 1750 for my bolt action rifle with 26" bbl.

Would easily fit 2 assembled ar's... 4 if you got creative with the foam cutouts...

I explained that it was at a relatives for an extended time, without any damage, however other items in the vicinity were moldy/moisture damaged.

That case/rifle is now at home. The rifle normally lives in that case in a closet.

Been that way for several years. I dont think twice about it, since I *KNOW* its a non issue.

Be well aware that not all foams are equal. Some foams contain residual acid that are harmfull. The foam *can* absorb moisture- I tend not to open it outside in the rain.... On really dry days, I air the case out once in a great while, and once or twice a year, I put the dessicant on alu foil and bake it in my toaster oven to rejuvinate it.

On the foam- I dont know what specific quality/feature/namebrand to trust- other than origional pelican and storm case branded foam. Until I knew specifically what foam that was, I would only buy those, and never use some generic foam. I had a generic foam eat blue off a handgun in about 2 months from the acids...

My 1750 is a 3 layer foam case. The rifle is *supposed to be cut to fit in the center layer.* Which it is... however some accessories and other storage are cut into the top and bottom outer layers as well. With how mine was cut out, the dessicant sock fits nicely in the bottom layer of foam, next to the rifle barrel. I also keep bore guide, cleaning rod, jag, brushes, snap caps, sling, rear sand sock, drop charts, mildot master, pen/pencil notepad in that case... It has tons of room for a single scoped rifle, as it's marketed as a double rifle case. I did origionally fit 2 rifles into it, but the riflescope was so close to the edge of the case, and it was ***SO*** heavy... I opted to just use it as a single rifle case. (note- the bolt action weighs about the same as 2 AR's...)

[postal]

Dessicant, eh? I'll give that a try as well. But...as long as you keep the guns clean and oiled they should be fine, right?

possibility of moisture build up in the foam itself. The dessicant is to pull moisture out of the air and foam in an airtight case. I am carefull to keep the foam as dry as possible. Living in socal, its usually low humidity- except the last few weeks... If I took the rifle to a comp and it was raining, Case open, rifle out- case closed as fast as possible. Same putting the rifle away when I leave. After getting home, dry out the foam with case open, and put the dessicant in the toaster oven. When I'm comfortable the foam is dry and not holding moisture, put the rifle and dessicant back in.

Winter is socal is particularly dry- especially on cold days when the furnace is running. Always a good idea to air out the foam for a few days in winter when the furnace is on. (obviously not when its raining!)

Short version- dont be stupid, and keep the foam as dry as possible, and take basic precautions to absorb any moisture.

I've had zero issues with this method as long as its a quality airtight case. I have other cases that are only used for transport- not storage. My rifle has lived in that case for -- I forgot-- 4-5 years.

[killmime1234]

Was hoping to use the case as a "locked storage" as I don't have a safe big enough to store a rifle.

Can you explain why a case promotes rust? The pelican cases are air tight and water resistant.

Thanks for the info!

Also, please be aware there is no legal requirement to store your firearm in a locked container.

[SanPedroShooter]

I never thought about the foam absorbing water... I have my Garand in the case the CMP sent it in, its the only place it will fit. Maybe I should put it in a sock with some dessicant then put it in the case.

[postal]

^^^ cheap synthetic sponges are foam....

I dont know what case the Garand came in, and the type/quality of the foam itself. Since the foam itself is in question, I'd go with the sock + dessicant. The sock will keep it away from direct contact with the foam which -could- contain acids.

Storm/ pelican, I wouldnt bother with the sock, but use dessicant.

Or, you can order pelican foam and cut it to fit. Easy with an electric carving knife (turkey knife) not hard with a nice serrated steak/bread knife. I would feel better about this myself- not knowing the chemical makeup of the foam, and if it's safe for gun finishes- IE residual acid content.

Just my opinion. Not trying to sell you stuff.

Heck, last year, my brother went to pelicans parking lot sale.... he said they wanted full retail price...
No, I dont work for storm/pelican. I'm dissapointed their prices went way up... I got my 1750 at a good price before they got really popular...