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I’ve read a Forum post years ago about storing high condition guns in a safe, with or without the silicone gun sleeve like WACA Store sells.
Anyone have a strong opinion on one way or the other ? Pro’s/Con’s ? I don’t recall a definitive answer to the question.
Bill
I am interested in this question as well… Currently, I keep my ‘collector guns’ in those big fluffy Bore Stores (silicone-impregnated polypropylene fabric) gun sleeves in a safe that is within a temp/humidity controlled space. Limits the capacity of the safe a bit, but really protects from dings from handling. Drag them all out from time to time and so-far-so-good.
I’ve considered the lighter weight sleeves insufficient protection from mishandling. What do y’all use???
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
I have mostly .22 rim fire rifles, considered to be “non-guns” by most of you. I keep them in the standard silicone impregnated gun socks and in a safe. I am in the southwest where the average relative humidity in the summer is about 6-7% and it is a bit drier in the winter. My problem is not with rust as I have not had any in 35 years but the problem is with wood shrinkage and checking. I know higher humidity would help that, I am just hesitant to introduce artificial humidity to an enclosed safe….
I have also heard “scientifically” negative things about the silicone gun socks and stock finishes but have not experienced any of it first hand. They do reduce the dings on the guns (unless you swing them like a baseball bat) and, of course, the higher end stuff is double socked.
Looking forward to everyone else’s experience and input also.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
I have been using the silicone socks for 25 years on all my guns in the the safe. I use them to protect them from scratching and I like them since they don’t take up much space since I’m stuffing many guns into a limited space. I have seen no evidents of the socks affecting the guns.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Do any of the Cody Museum archivists follow this site?
There must be data on the relationship between temperature and relative humidity when it comes to optimal storage conditions for firearms. Our gun vault is kept 65-68 F year round, and we keep it at 50% humidity (which is relatively low given the cool temperature). The same humidity at higher temp would mean more water in the air (like going outside in Charleston SC in the summertime!!!).
Professional museum archivists must know what conditions are considered optimum. Care to share?
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
I guess a lot of it depends on where you live. Since I moved to New Mexico in the 1970’s I’ve stored my guns in nothing and haven’t had a speck of rust develop on anything; bore, action, exterior surface. Even had a few rifles I “forgot” to wipe the bores for over 20 years and nothing save a cobweb or two.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
I run about the same for temp and humidity as Louis. I’m in Wisconsin so I have a heater to keep the temp up.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Lou,
This book might answer your questions. ( A How-To Guide For The Gun Collector buy Stuart Mowbray) Some museums wax there stuff. I agree on some and disagree on others. Here in the Southeast humidity is the enemy.I use Old West Snake oil, as it works steel and wood. I also use a Golden rod and silica tabs that can be recharded in an oven.
Walter
I’ve been using the silicone impregnated gun socks for over 25 years now and had 100% positive experience. I keep my guns in a couple of safes and use golden rod heaters in both. Not so much for warmth but to guard against excessive humidity.
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
Walter-
Amen to that. Anything left outside around here (Charleston SC) in the summertime would be covered with surface rust in no time.
There is a fixed relationship between absolute humidity (actual amount of water per unit volume of air), relative humidity, and temperature. For example 68 F air at 50% relative humidity would have far less water in it (lower absolute humidity) than 90 F air at 50% relative humidity. Of course here in Charleston today we’re enjoying 100% relative humidity in 90 F air!!!
My presumption is that museums seek a certain absolute humidity (combination of temperature and relative humidity) to optimally limit rusting while at the same time keeping wood from drying out. Anybody know what combination of temperature and relative humidity CFA keeps its firearms storage facilities?
Our room sized “gun vault” is in a basement (which keeps the temperature pretty constant 65-70 degrees). We run a dehumidifier unit in the room, which keeps the humidity at 50% (where I have it set at present). The dehumidifier does produce a little heat, which keeps the room temp from dipping too low in the winter. I keep most of my guns in a safe in that room, and haven’t bothered too much with trying to additionally climate control the inside of the safe, as the air in the room is what I want the safe to be.
Just wondering whether I should change the humidity setting on the dehumidifier. Would, say, 40% relative humidity at those temperatures be better than 50%? There must be a physicist or museum curator handy…
Lou
WACA 9519; Studying Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters
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