Store handguns in cases or not?

[ElDub1950]

I have several of these typical soft cases that I take guns to the range. I'll usually store the guns in these cases. I'm wondering if storing my guns in these is a bad idea. Do they retain moisture? Thinking maybe I should buy a handgun rack and store them uncovered.

Any thoughts?

cases.jpg

[teg33]

You mean to keep gun for a long period of time inside soft case ? That's bad idea, soft cases will retain moisture

[pterrell]

Get a handgun rack for your safe. Throw some industrial size desiccant packs in there with it or a dehumidifying rod.

[iluvmycolt]

Get a handgun rack like these....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_sc_0_11?k=lockdown+gun+rack&sprefix=lock+down+g

[roger1022]

You mean to keep gun for a long period of time inside soft case ? That's bad idea, soft cases will retain moisture

Agreed. Do not store guns in those soft cases as rust can develop. Had that happen to a shotgun after storing it for a few days in a soft case.

[North Bay Guy]

I don't store anything in cases. I've never really had a problem with moister in my safe until last year. We moved to a new house and I noticed a little bit of mildew growing on some slings inside my safe. I keep all my stored guns with a little oil on them so I haven't seen any rust but to play it safe I put one of these Damprid moister absorbers in my safe. http://m.lowes.com/pd/DampRid-21-oz-...emover/4586073

[bsg]

gun rugs are fine for transport of guns, but not for their long term storage. i run a GoldenRod inside my safe and keep oil on the guns that are stored inside. it's wise to check on the guns you keep stored and to do it on a schedule as a part of preventative maintenance.

[ElDub1950]

Thanks for the feedback. Storage is never more that a couple of weeks, maybe 3 at the most. But yeah, I'm going to get a rack to keep them out of the cases except for transporting.

[roger1022]

Thanks for the feedback. Storage is never more that a couple of weeks, maybe 3 at the most. But yeah, I'm going to get a rack to keep them out of the cases except for transporting.

Weeks? Yea definitely not a good idea to store in the case that long. I left a shotgun in a soft case for less than a week and came back to some rust.

[Fishslayer]

Blued guns get either a gun sock only or in addition to soft rug. Fleece & foam can hold moisture next to the metal and damage the finish. Socks also prevent handling damage going in & out of the safe... I know... "Tools" "adds character" etc etc. blah blah blah... That's nice...

[Garv]

It gets damp where I live. I store guns in racks with a heater bar at the bottom of the safe and desiccant in the top.

[kjv146]

borestore, ftw. 20% right now too, I believe

[L84CABO]

Thanks for the feedback. Storage is never more that a couple of weeks, maybe 3 at the most. But yeah, I'm going to get a rack to keep them out of the cases except for transporting.

Racks may or may not help. It depends on the quality of the surrounding air. Ideally you need a small fully enclosed area...like a safe or similar...that you can control the environment. A storage cabinet, cedar chest, foot locker, etc., can also work if you don't have a safe. The container should be as air tight as possible.

In the container you will place the gun rack/guns along with a golden rod, desiccant, and a humidity meter. This can all be had for $50 give or take. It's worth the time/money to protect your investment.

[ElDub1950]

Humidity stays low. Never had a speck of rust so I think my gun cabinet is ok and I keep desiccant in it too. I'll just make sure to not use the cases for storage and keep them outside of the cabinet in case they soak up moisture during a rainy range trip.

[whipkiller]

I don't store anything in cases. I've never really had a problem with moister in my safe until last year. We moved to a new house and I noticed a little bit of mildew growing on some slings inside my safe. I keep all my stored guns with a little oil on them so I haven't seen any rust but to play it safe I put one of these Damprid moister absorbers in my safe. http://m.lowes.com/pd/DampRid-21-oz-...emover/4586073

Careful with that Damprid.

I used to use that too, until I found out that it's actually VERY corrosive if it spills. It's basically salt water.

Once I learned that, I switched to one of the rechargeable dehumidifiers.

http://www.amazon.com/Interstate-Arms-Corp-19946-Mini-Dehumidifier/dp/B004NKU49K

(I don't have power in my closet, nor an outlet in my safe)

No, nothing in cases for storage.