There is a saying that goes, “If it’s time to bury your guns, then its time to dig them up.” Some say that if you hide your gun off-site, it becomes useless. Either way, if you plan to store your gun for the long-term, you need to make sure you have pre-treated it properly and prepared your storage area properly to prevent rust from ruining your weapon. Whether you’re choosing to store your hunting rifle at home until the next season, storing a gun collection or preparing for the future, preparing the weapons beforehand is done the same way.
First, you must make sure you have the proper storage container. Do not use the original cardboard box of your gun or any cardboard box. Further, do not use foam or sheep skinned-lined cases. Cardboard, sheep skin and foam all attract moisture. A silicon-treated gun sock, gun storage bags, or any gun safe is your best bet if you are keeping your gun at home. You can also wrap your gun in kitchen wax paper instead of a bag or a sock. If you choose this method, make sure no parts are sticking out, wrap it mummy-style and secure with masking tape. If you are going to be using a gun safe, store your long guns barrel down so that no oil can seep into the stock or other parts of the gun.
Break down your gun as much as you can. Keep the gun de-cocked to relieve tension on springs and other parts, or remove hammer springs, firing pin springs and recoil springs. Remove all fingerprints from your gun using Outer’s silicone gun and reel cloth or a cloth with Break-Free CLP. Copper, lead, plastic and carbon will all attract moisture, so completely clean your gun, preferably with products that are ammonia-free, such as Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner and Copper Terminator. Thoroughly clean out the bore of your gun and then apply a thin layer of lubrication, such as Break-Free CLP. Also apply a light coat of lubrication to other exterior metal surfaces. Birchwood Casey’s Barricade rust prevention contains metal preservatives that will leave a transparent coating to seal the surface with a protective film. Note that greases and other petroleum-based products will ruin plastic and synthetic stocks and rubber pistol grips, so apply lubrication and oils only to the metal parts of the gun.
Wood stocks need special attention. You will need to treat your wood stock with wax to prevent swelling and cracking. Birchwood Casey’s gun stock wax is safe to use on wood, metal and leather. Do not forget to wax inside the stock. Remove as much of the metal parts as you can, such as the receiver and barrel. Wax the wood under the metal and then reassemble the gun before storing.
Check your stored gun periodically, especially if you live in a humid area and re-oil if necessary.
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Reprinted – By CTD Blogger published on