Storing firearms in a foam lined case.

[BigPimping]

Are there any dangers to storing guns in foam lined gun cases? I have a few sitting in those cases that have like the egg crate foam.

[DaveInOroValley]

I have seen certain types of foam that condcut moisture from the air so those are not great. I'm not sure if egg crate foam is closed cell foam. I don't think it is so maybe not advisable.

I would suggest looking into the type of foam they use in Pelican cases. At least then you can be more confident it was designed for a specific purpose.

[Powder_Keg]

Definitely not a good idea for long term storage. The foam can hold in moisture and cause your firearm to rust. The cases are great for transporting to and from the range, but not storage.

If you do a search, I think another forum member posted up pics of the damage that was done.

[TheExiled]

If you cant afford a real safe, at least get one of those cabinets please. Otherwise not only are you risking rust, but also you've provided a nice shopping cart for the thieves

[bombadillo]

I recently saw a really nice Anschutz .22 that was virtually destroyed because he left it in a foam case for about 15 years and it came out a big rusty stick.

[CessnaDriver]

I always had plenty of lube on my guns that got soaked up by the foam, so really the only issue I've seen is some foam breaks down over time. These days I don't store them that way anymore.

[bacon_lover]

If I recall correctly, don't use open-cell foam as it retains moisture and can cause rusting; egg crate foam, I believe, is open-cell. Closed-cell foam is what you want. Whatever you go with, it can't hurt to include a desiccant pack.

[Divernhunter]

Rust. I left a 22 in a case while I was at college and came home to a well rusted rifle. I had oiled it before storing. I did not want to come home to a dirty/dusty rifle. I did not. No dirt/rust but plenty of rust. I suggest you do not do it. For long term(or short) storage I use Poly-Bags now and no trouble. The good thing is I do not need to grease or oil them all up before using the Poly-Bags.

[russ69]

Are there any dangers to storing guns in foam lined gun cases? I have a few sitting in those cases that have like the egg crate foam.

Just about the worst way to store a firearm. Dry, open air is the best way.

[CALI-gula]

Absolutely bad; not only does the foam retain moisture, from what I've seen it tends to invite that moisture to collect around whatever it touches, rather than staying in the foam, as it seems to be semi-permeable so the surface of the foam is most affected by collecting that moisture as the portion available to open air.

And it's also somewhat like the surface of old canvas tents when raining; fine and the tent won't leak even in a hard rain, but as soon as you touch the inside of it with your finger you invite it to run all the water in wherever it was touched.

If ever I am using a case with egg-crate foam (such as on picking-up/transport of a gun) I ALWAYS use put the gun in a cotton gun-sock (or even a regular old cotton sock if a pistol) or flannel cloth, and often dampened in gun oil.

.

[G-forceJunkie]

I you must store it in a foam lined case, wet it down with gun oil and slide it in a plastic bag. You notice that is how most guns in foam lined cases come from the factory.

[tpuig]

You'll eventually have egg crate shaped marks on the finish of blued firearms if stored in a case. Best bet is a silicone sock or plastic bag if possible. I've kept guns in my safe in a sock for 30+ years and no problems whatsoever...

[negolien]

Just about the worst way to store a firearm. Dry, open air is the best way.

Yeah I agree mostly. I do lube the crap outta my firearms and don't store them in cases or foam containers unless in transport. I either have them accessible or in a safe. I always always wipe em down with a silicone cloth before putting them down.

[mjsweims]

You'll eventually have egg crate shaped marks on the finish of blued firearms if stored in a case. ..

+1
Get yourself a cheap Stackon cabinet. Then you can clean and oil your guns and put them away where they can breathe. No rust, no patterning from the foam, and lockable.

[IVth Horseman]

I keep my pistols in foam lined cases, but each pistol is covered in oil and placed in a gun sock.