Preserving/Storing Firearms.

[Dez H]

"Does the velvet lining in firearm display/storage boxes cause pitting to the finish on a firearm?"

I was recently asked this question by a friend of mine, he has many firearms that came in wooden boxes with those foam/velvet linings in them. He had been told that if you leave your firearms in these original boxes that they came in, it can cause pitting to the finish of the firearm. Well I shrugged my shoulders and said I guess it was possible as the velvet may retain moisture from your fingers and the elements. It all sounded about far fetched to me, but I have been pondering this and I thought I would ask everyone here their thoughts and opinions on this matter. I suggested to my friend that if he was really paranoid he could rap his firearms in old shirts or rags after a good greasing down.


Regards

Dez

[Panzerschreck]

Dez, rust is possible with guns stored this way, altho much less so in a dry climate. The wood itself contains acids which can contribute to a problem.

Firearms supply houses carry airtight gun storage bags that will protect from moisture. Guns can also be treated with good ol' cosmoline if they're unused for long periods.

[Doug See]

As Panzerschreck mentioned, anti-corrosion plastic bags made for storage are your best bet. RIG Universal (a rust inhibiting grease) is great for for long term storage. Just don't wrap 'em in cloth or even gun cases for storage.

Cloth, foam, and leather, including gun cases and holsters, WILL eventually promote rust on your gun after a long period of time by attracting and holding dampness from the air. No joke; I learned the hard way.

[Dez H]

Thanks for the help guys, I am going to have to do some moving around of my own and invest in these bags as well.


Regards

Dez