Long-Term Storage For Your Guns

Guns Magazine, Annual, 2001 by Carolee Boyles

If you don't check them regularly, then you need to put them in a Cosmo-line-type product. "It's kind of a gun wax or grease," Fuller said. "The military and gun manufacturers use products like it, because they don't know how long a gun will sit in the supply chain."

New guns will have to be cleaned thoroughly to get this grease off. "If the gun shop hasn't cleaned it off for you, the gun will be sticky when you take it out of the box," Fuller said. "Especially if it was built overseas, you'll have to clean the gun thoroughly before you can use it. But, generally, gun shops will clean it for you."

Even when coated with these heavier greases, Fuller still warns against placing guns in cases. "I strongly recommend against putting a gun in a gun case," he said. "Any moisture that's in there will immediately migrate to the metal surfaces."

For this kind of extended storage, wooden stocks also need special attention. "We sell a product called Stock Finish," Fuller said. "It's a good idea to put it, or a polish or wax similar to it, on the stock. It seals the wood and prevents any moisture from causing the stock to swell. The only concern about waxes is keeping them out of the checkering. They tend to build up and turn white after a while."

Guiliano recommends preparing a gun for long-term storage with a thorough cleaning. "You should disassemble the gun just so you can clean every aspect of it. Make sure that you get all the residue and all the fouling out of the firearm. Then make sure everything is well lubricated with oil."

For the most part, Guiliano recommends reassembling the gun and putting it in a gun sock before placing it into a gun safe with a dehumidifier. The exception to that is over-and-unders, side-by-sides and firearms such as H&Rs that are designed to come apart for storage. Store the separate pieces in one or more gun sock in a safe or gun case.

In the case of semi-autos, if you know they're going to be in storage for a long time, you may consider removing gaskets and seals before you put them away. "It's inevitable that they will start to break down," Guiliano said. "I would just remove them and then buy new ones when you're ready to use the gun again."

Protecting Your Investment

If you take your firearms afield, they work hard for you. In order to keep them in good condition, it only takes a little time to clean and store them properly. This will protect the firearm, even when they're stored for years. Given the amount of investment you've made in a firearm, it makes sense to provide the best possible protection and storage.