You can store your guns in a way that makes them work better and last longer. When you store your guns properly, they won't rust, get damaged, or break down. Let's look at the most important things you need to do to keep your guns in great shape.
1. Control Temperature Between 60-70°F
Temperature control is the first important thing that must be done for good gun storage. We tell you everything you need to know:
Maintain a Safe Storage Range
Keep your guns somewhere between 15°C and 70°F (60°C to 21°C). This range of temperatures keeps rust from forming and keeps metal parts and wooden stocks safe. This range stays the same in most rooms inside, which makes them perfect for storing guns.
No Temperature Swings
Avoid areas where temperatures change frequently. Sudden shifts between hot and cold create condensation on your guns, leading to rust. This means keeping guns away from:
- Exterior walls
- Windows
- Heating and cooling vents
- Doors to the outside
Stay Below 86°F
Keep your storage area below 86°F (30°C). Gun oils break down in hot weather, wooden parts get damaged, and rust forms faster. If the place where you store your guns feels warm, it's too hot for them. Having a simple thermometer in your storage area will help you keep an eye on these temperatures. Make sure your guns are safe by checking it often, especially when the seasons change.
2. Maintain Humidity Levels Between 30-50%
The second critical condition for proper gun storage is humidity control. Here's what you need to maintain:
Keep Humidity Within Recommended Range
The National Rifle Association says that the humidity in a gun safe should be between 30% and 50%. This range keeps rust from forming and keeps wooden stocks from drying out and breaking. A lower amount of about 30% is best for preservation, but it should never go below that because wood parts can be damaged by being too dry.
Required Moisture Control Equipment
Three main tools help maintain proper humidity levels:
Electric Dehumidifiers
These gadgets make a gentle flow of air that keeps the air inside your safe about 3 degrees warmer than the air outside, which stops dampness. They are plugged into a wall source and keep the humidity level steady all the time.
Silica Gel Packets
It's easy to put these cheap moisture filters all over your safe. They change color to show when they've collected as much water as they can hold. Many newer models can be recharged; all you have to do is heat them up in the oven to make them absorb water again.
Digital Hygrometers
To keep track of the humidity levels in your safe, you need an automated hygrometer. These devices give you readings in real time, so you can quickly see and deal with any changes in moisture levels that are cause for worry. Put the monitor somewhere that is easy to check when you do your usual safety checks.
Moisture Damage Prevention
If the humidity values go above 50%, keep a close eye on your safe. When levels are above 70%, weapons can start to break down in a week. If temps rise above 86°F, stainless steel starts to rust in just four days. Regular checks and quick action when levels rise help keep your guns from getting damaged, which can cost a lot of money.
3. Choose Indoor Climate-Controlled Storage Spaces
To ensure your firearms remain in optimal condition, selecting the right storage space is crucial.
Indoor Rooms with Climate Control
Select an interior room in your home that maintains a consistent temperature year-round. These spaces are typically shielded from external temperature fluctuations, providing a stable environment that helps prevent rust and damage to your firearms.
Basements with Dehumidifiers
If you must use a basement, ensure it has a dehumidifier to control moisture levels. This will help keep humidity within the recommended range of 30-50%. Regularly monitor humidity levels to avoid any buildup that could harm your guns.
Closets Away from Sunlight
Utilize closets or enclosed spaces that are not exposed to direct sunlight. These areas protect your firearms from harmful UV rays that can fade finishes and damage wooden components over time.
Gun Safes in Temperature-Stable Areas
Invest in a quality gun safe and place it in a temperature-stable area of your home. Ensure the safe is located away from windows and heating vents to maintain consistent conditions.
Problematic Locations
Steer clear of storing firearms in:
- Damp Basements: High moisture levels can lead to rust.
- Hot Attics: Extreme temperatures can damage both metal and wood components.
- Humid Garages: These areas often lack climate control, exposing firearms to fluctuating humidity and temperature.
By choosing the right storage space, you can effectively protect your firearms from environmental factors that could compromise their condition.
4. Store Firearms Horizontally with Muzzles Downward
To maintain the integrity of your firearms, how you store them is just as important as where you store them.
Position Firearms Horizontally
When storing your guns, it's best to keep them in a horizontal position. This orientation helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents any undue stress on the components. Storing firearms horizontally also reduces the risk of parts shifting or becoming misaligned, which can happen if they're stored upright.
Point Muzzles Downward
Always store firearms with the muzzle pointing downward. This position minimizes the risk of accidental discharge if the firearm were to be bumped or jostled. Additionally, this orientation helps prevent any oil or lubricant from leaking into the barrel, which could affect performance.
5. Use Gun Cases Inside a Gun Safe for Extra Security
To enhance the protection of your firearms, combining a gun safe with individual gun cases offers significant benefits.
Layered Protection Against Theft
Using both a gun safe and gun cases provides an additional layer of security. While a gun safe protects against theft and unauthorized access, gun cases offer extra protection during transport and storage. This dual approach ensures that your firearms are secure both at home and when traveling.
Shield Firearms from Environmental Damage
Gun cases can help shield firearms from dust, moisture, and scratches while they're stored inside a safe. This added layer of protection is especially important for maintaining the condition of your firearms over time. By using gun cases within a safe, you minimize exposure to potential damage from the elements.
Organize Firearms for Easy Access
Storing firearms in individual gun cases within a safe allows for better organization. You can easily identify and access specific firearms without having to dig through a pile. This organization helps keep your collection tidy and makes it easier to find the firearm you need quickly.
Meet Safety Regulations with Dual Storage
Many safety guidelines recommend storing firearms in locked containers. Using both a gun safe and individual cases helps you meet these recommendations effectively. This practice not only enhances safety but also reduces the risk of accidents, especially in homes with children or visitors.
6. Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule
A regular maintenance plan is needed to keep your guns in good shape. This means that they need to be checked, cleaned, and inspected on a regular basis to make sure they work right and stay safe to use.
Weekly Checks
Every week, look over your guns for any signs of damage or wear. Check for rust, rusting, or parts that are coming loose and may need to be fixed. Make sure that all of the guns are stored properly and that the temperature and humidity levels stay where they should be. This easy practice helps find problems early on.
Monthly Cleaning
You should clean your guns well once a month. As needed, take them apart to clean every part, like the barrel and the action. To clean your gun and keep it from rusting, use cleaning agents and lubricants that are made just for guns. Pay close attention to places where water can gather. Before you store your gun, give it a small coat of gun oil to keep it from rusting.
Quarterly Deep Inspections
You should do a more thorough check of your guns every three months. This should include a full function check to make sure everything works well. Check for any signs of wear that could mean you need new parts. Make sure the safety features are working right by checking them. You can keep track of the state of each gun over time by writing down the dates of your inspections and maintenance.
Ensure Proper Conditions for Your Firearms!
Keeping your guns in the right settings is important for their longevity and functionality. You can protect your investment by keeping the temperature and humidity under control, choosing the right places to store your guns, using gun cases inside a safe, and keeping up with regular upkeep. These habits will not only keep your guns safe, but they will also make your home safer. Make these steps a priority to keep your guns in great shape and ready to use whenever you need them.