Gun storage in damp location questions

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FLINT
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Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by FLINT »

Hey guys. Two years ago we bought our first house. Its in a hollow on a forest road at the bottom of a in mountain in Western VA (I'm about 20-30 miles north of Hobie). We only have a little over an acre, but we have two streams and a spring on our property. Since we are in a hollow, we don't get a ton of sunlight, especially in the winter and being at the bottom of the mountain, we seem to get more rain that the Valley does. All this makes our property property and subsequently our house pretty darn damp. We don't have central air/heat or anything, and the wood stove dries it out some in the winter, but Its never below 50% humidity and I'd say on average our house is probably 65% or so and in the summer its usually 80% in the house.

We have a small house and don't have any 'extra' rooms - in fact our two boys are sharing a room. I've currently converted one of the closets in our bedroom (which is actually the dampest room in the house) into a 'gun closet'. I'm worried about my guns rusting as the humidity in that closet is probably usually 60-65% - even with a big canister of silica. So far, I haven't had any rust issues. I try to keep them wiped down well.

We constantly get mold under our bed and in the bottom of our closets, but i've elevated the guns off the floor of the 'gun closet' and haven't had anything mold yet either.

I've been thinking of keeping them individually stored in plastic cases - and have a small dessicant bag/can in each case. Alternatively there are things called gun socks and bags.

What do you think? any suggestions for keeping my guns rust free in the long term?

Thanks!
C. Cash
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by C. Cash »

Dilligence and a good oil will work. Aerosol spray oil for the interiors work good. I now use Ballistol much more than Hoppes as it does not harm the wood and is non-toxic. Several of my family guns made it through humid Puerto Rico with just regular cleaning and wipe down. They still look good. Other than that a good safe with a dehumidfier.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
oic0
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by oic0 »

Pretty humid here in Louisiana too, and I live near a lake. With my guns it has so far depended on the quality of the bluing the most. The well blued ones like my colt python never rust. They hold their finish. My old sears and roebuck shotgun and ancient S&W revolver require constant watching and maintenance and I keep them wet with oil. Every now and then a bit of rust sneaks on to one of them. My pellet rifle and old sport master .22 rust to pieces no matter what I do... Inside my gun cabinet with four HUGE bags of silica pellets (probably a gallon worth in each).

When I buy new guns, I look for stainless ;) Ton of moisture in the air here but it isn't salty or overly acidic.
madman4570
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by madman4570 »

One thing is your lucky your house is small.
What I would do if your place was my place????????????????
First thing during the spring/summer you probably have 90-100% humidity outside from what you describe.
So leaving windows/doors open only makes your problem worse.(meaning open your windows and let the 95% humidity into your home and wonder why you have mold.(problem is the outside/not inside)which you already know.

Fix------ Spend the money and purchase a very effcient large programable DE-Humidifier and set it to like 40% Humidity.(leave windows/doors closed. I know--not what you want to hear.
Also if possible get rid of wall coverings like wallpaper/also old rugs etc.which are contaminated with mildew.have either plain wood or some type of composite flooring down and sheetrock walls/ceilings if possible otherwise repaint what you do have with a good Mold Growth Inhibitor additive in your paint and I would repaint both your walls/ceilings with it after first wiping down lightly with a mix of white vinegar/water mix 30/70% mix.Let that dry good using your NEW BIG DE-Humidifier.
Control your indoor enviroment that way/because you cant do nothing about the outdoors.
Good Luck! I would be more concerned about health issues than the guns! This should fix both.

http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=34 Only costs about $2.50 each
Pete44ru
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Pete44ru »

I would suggest running a 110v line into the closet-cum-gun cabinet, and plug in a Golden Rod (google is your friend) gun safe de-humidifier ($30) - ILO relying on some silica/disseccant, and being available to ( and remembering to) oil/wipe the guns down.

If you're able to DIY the 110v line, the material shouldn't run more than $20.

.
Nath
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Nath »

A light bulb gives some heat off too!

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Hillbilly
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Hillbilly »

Light bulbs, heat rods, dessicant all work wonders. In Florida, I'd run a fan in a room too... a flow of air into the closets and under the beds keeps the mold out...even with central AC

I like Oklahoma... it's drier than a popcorn fanny burp here.
always press the "red" button--- it's worth the effort and the results can be fun
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Ysabel Kid
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Ysabel Kid »

I purchased a room dehumidifier when we moved here, and have it near the safe in the basement. Figured that for what I have invested in the guns, this was the best idea. It drains directly into the exit line for the air conditioner, so now I don't have to empty the bucket. When I did though, during the height of the summer, it would fill up in a day or so! The basement is dry now - even during the hot, humid months of summer. Best investment I've ever made!

But, as Chris notes, keeping the guns oiled is a must. I also keep some of them in silcone-impregnated "gun socks" (more to keep them from scratching one another in the safe, but also for another layer of rust protection), and have one of the rechargeable dry-packs in the safe too. It is the kind that changes color when it needs to be dried out, and you simply plug it in for a few hours to do so.

Y2K's safe has a Goldenrod Dehumidifier bar.

Yes, I detest rust!!! :lol:
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stretch
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by stretch »

When I was stationed on Okinawa, there was a light bulb in the closet
of my apartment. It was enclosed in a metal can with holes in it, and
was there to prevent clothes from mildewing/molding. It worked!

Try wiring up a light bulb socket on the wallin there, and put a tin
can with some hole in it over the light socket in such a manner that
if something fell it would break the bulb and start the house afire.
As I recall, the wattage of the bulb was very low 15W maybe? (Sorry,
but it's been a couple or three decades........) :cry:

-Stretch
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AmBraCol
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by AmBraCol »

I've lived in hot and humid places most of my life. Other than a dehumidifier the only thing I've found for long term storage that works is some kind of rust inhibiting oil/grease. RIG is a pain to clean off so I use a mixture of ATF and Lanolin. Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent rust inhibitor and the Anhydrous Lanolin mixed in it helps it stick. This is the only thing I've found that keeps my carry gun from rusting. Also, an old Hanael pellet rifle I was given years ago was always rusting until I started wiping it down with this mixture.

Take an empty 2 ounce glass bottle and fill it about 2/3 with ATF. Place it in a shallow pan with water and bring it to a boil (the water, not the ATF). Once the water's boiling start dropping pea sized bits of anhydrous lanolin into it and stirring. I got about an ounce of the lanolin mixed into the ATF and got a nice, thick oil. Once it cooled I put it in a small squeeze bottle. I apply a couple drops and wipe it all over. Works great. I also keep an old piece of flannel soaked with this mixture in a ziplock bag. I take it out and wipe my guns down with it before storing. I'm just north of the Equator in the ultra humid coffee belt and have zero rust problems when I wipe my guns down with this mix. If they are not handled then the coating lasts for months with no problems.

Another thing that helps is to have some air circulation. If you have a safe then I'd suggest you get one of the dehumidifiers designed for such. If you use an old style gun cabinet then think about how you can keep the air from concentrating the humidity in there. A 20 watt bulb goes a long way towards keeping damp out of such an enclosure.
Paul - in Pereira


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jerry b
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by jerry b »

I agree with C.Cash. Ballistol has worked well for me for years. I wouldn't store guns where air could not circulate unless that area is dehumidified in some way. Dehumidified safe is the way to go for several reasons, IMO.
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Nate Kiowa Jones »

I live on the Gulf Coast. Besides the humidity we have the salt, too. To stop condensation inside the safe or closet it needs to be about 5 degree warmer than the out side. I use two things to do this. I use the equivalent of the golden rods. I had a electrician friend give me some heat trace wire. With this wire I made heaters to go in the gun safes. This wire generates 5 watts heat per foot at 110volts. Each safe got 3' pieces (15watts total) wired to a cord routed out the bottom of the safe to plug in. (for a small closet 15 watts is plenty)
Here's a link to buy the HEAT TRACE WIRE. It comes as 20'. You will need to cut it to 3' and insulate the cut end. This will leave you 17' so if you need more than one just cut 3 foot pieces and wire on a cheap extension cord and insulate the other end.

I also use the Desiccant bags for when the power goes off. About every two or three years I put them in the oven at about 250 degree for a couple hours. This recharges them.

I do use a lot of gun oil. I buy WD-40 by the gallon. Some folks don't like it but I even use it for my water displacing oil bath when bluing.
Steve Young aka Nate Kiowa Jones Sass# 6765

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mod71alaska
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by mod71alaska »

I have used this combination with total rifle protection from rust in similar environments as yours:

"Rust Guardit"...I can't recommend this product enough:
http://www.pistoleer.com/kleenbore/chemicals/

A Bore-Stores protective gun case for EVERY rifle:
http://www.pistoleer.com/borestores/

A dehumidifier in the room, which also will help you and your wife, too.
Mutt
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Mutt »

Don't forget to bake your silica when ever the site shows pink. At least that's what my silica boxes do . I use the oven to do this and it takes a couple of hours , maybe longer according to the instructions on each of the 4 boxes in my safe .............I live in Texas about 25 miles from the coast as the crow flys.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Mutt
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Swampman
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by Swampman »

I live in FL and my guns are stored in the bathroom closet. I've had good luck with Bull Frog Emitter Cups.

"Stop rust for a year in any enclosed space up to 5 cubic feet. Use in tool chests, gun cabinets and electronic cabinets. Used by the world's largest companies to protect their critical assets from rust and corrosion."

Google them.....
"I have reached up to the gun rack and taken down the .30/30 carbine by some process of natural selection, not condoned perhaps by many experts but easily explained by those who spend long periods in the wilderness areas."~Calvin Rutstrum~

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PaulB
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by PaulB »

Mold is not good for your health. So I've heard, anyway. Get some plastic down in the crawl space. If you have a basement, there are vapor-barrier type paints you can use on the wall. Think about improving drainage around the house.

There are probably internet resources out there for these kinds of problems if you google for them.
JFE
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by JFE »

Try to get hold of some Rangoon Oil made by Parker Hale. It was designed for long term storage and humid climates.

Gunsocks are also a good thing too. I used to simply put my firearms in the safe and always had problems with rust & mould even though I used silica gel. Ever since I started using gunsocks there hasnt been a problem.
FLINT
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by FLINT »

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for all of these recommendations. I'll try one of the oils you mentioned and I think what I'll do is install a low power light bulb in the floor of the 'gun closet', which I elevated a foot off the actual floor of the closet - that that will make it easy to install the light anyways - I've already rewired some of the house and I know where all the wiring is, so it won't be a problem moving a wire into that closet. The light should generate a little heat which will rise and then maybe I'll put in a vent grate on the top part of the door to the closet, which will allow air to circulate - there is already a little gap below the door.

We do have a dehumidifier which we use periodically throughout the year when it gets over 80% in the house.

and yes, I've laid plastic in the crawlspace under the whole house. man, when we bought the house, there was standing water all under there and dripping off the floor joists. we removed all carpet and painted with a moisture barrier paint. We've come a long way, but have a ways to go.

Also, so are the impregnated gun socks good? or would they hold moisture next to the gun in a long term scenario?
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AmBraCol
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by AmBraCol »

FLINT wrote:Also, so are the impregnated gun socks good? or would they hold moisture next to the gun in a long term scenario?
Some folks really like them. I'd only use them for transportation purposes, but that's bias on my part. I recall too many guns that were stored in some kind of a case and were rusted up badly. That was before the new type, but old prejudices die hard. I don't see a need for gun socks if you've room for each rifle to stand vertically by itself. I'd personally prefer oiling well as I outlined above and letting them stand free. For truly long term storage I've had excellent results wrapping the metal in strips of torn up sheets then placing inside of a garbage back and pouring new motor oil (used 30 weight, I'd use ATF today) over the bundle. Then I'd roll the garbage bag up to remove air, wrap with box tape, place inside a second bag and wrap it tight too, following with a bunch of tape. The cotton wicks the oil all over the metal, the plastic and tape keep out air and moisture. The stocks I'd store separately in an air tight container. This method keeps the steel clean and bright. When removing from storage just wipe down, run a couple patches through the bore, ensure the chamber is dry and clean and you're good to go once you slap it back in the stock.
Paul - in Pereira


"He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion." -- John Witherspoon

http://www.paulmoreland.com
http://www.pistolpackingpreachers.us
http://www.precisionandina.com
FLINT
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by FLINT »

AmBraCol wrote: I don't see a need for gun socks if you've room for each rifle to stand vertically by itself. I'd personally prefer oiling well as I outlined above and letting them stand free.

ok, that sounds good to me. thats what I'll do. thanks!
madman4570
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by madman4570 »

FLINT wrote:
AmBraCol wrote: I don't see a need for gun socks if you've room for each rifle to stand vertically by itself. I'd personally prefer oiling well as I outlined above and letting them stand free.



FLINT,
AmBraCol is right on the money, I know mine was kind of a rant and included "a lot of work/cost involved" and is much more inclusive than just the guns,just be very alert of any mildew/mold of any type in your home. This stuff can really screw you guys up(health wise) Good Luck!
FLINT
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Re: Gun storage in damp location questions

Post by FLINT »

madman4570 wrote: FLINT,
AmBraCol is right on the money, I know mine was kind of a rant and included "a lot of work/cost involved" and is much more inclusive than just the guns,just be very alert of any mildew/mold of any type in your home. This stuff can really screw you guys up(health wise) Good Luck!

thanks man, yeah, my wife keeps after the mold pretty good. She gets depressed about at least once every summer. I don't really mind at all. I figure, all of our ancestry is from the british isles, where it has to be at least as damp - living in cold, wet, stone structures for centuries, we must have some kind of tolerance for it. or maybe not, but we seem to be doing fine so far. I'm actually more worried about our decaying floor joists - I'd love to slab the whole thing and be done with it!
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