3underpar
Single-Sixer
Need opinions on the best method/way to store revolvers in a safe. On hangers? In the box? Any and all advice appreciated
Long term storage
- Thread starter 3underpar
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bigbillyboy
Hunter
Some I keep in original boxes , some in a rack . The one in the racks are the ones I shoot more . But they all get oiled at least every 6 months and sometimes more often. Never any rust . 
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
I've been wondering about keeping them in the box because I've seen revolvers with pitting on one side of the cylinder and barrel,I assume from just laying in that one spot too long?
Pál_K
Guns. I has it.
When I bought my S&W M29 and Ruger Mk II in 1988, they both came in a cardboard box with some sort of "oil paper" underneath them so the metal doesn't touch the cardboard - for the most part.
I don't know what this paper is - it is smooth and auburn in color. Anyway, I stll keep them in the safe in those original boxes with the paper.
However, they do get a light coating of oil, as mentioned above.
Another thing I've done is use a Kleenbore polishing cloth, the yellow one - make sure it doesn't have anything to harm bluing, and sometimes wrap a firearm in those. I use those cloths so much when oiling and polishing that there is always a light coating of oil in them.
However, I see you are in the Tennessee Free State, so maybe you have higher humidity than here in Worsington state. The humidity in my house averages about 43% year-round - so rust has never been a real issue even for un-oiled things.
I don't know what this paper is - it is smooth and auburn in color. Anyway, I stll keep them in the safe in those original boxes with the paper.
However, they do get a light coating of oil, as mentioned above.
Another thing I've done is use a Kleenbore polishing cloth, the yellow one - make sure it doesn't have anything to harm bluing, and sometimes wrap a firearm in those. I use those cloths so much when oiling and polishing that there is always a light coating of oil in them.
However, I see you are in the Tennessee Free State, so maybe you have higher humidity than here in Worsington state. The humidity in my house averages about 43% year-round - so rust has never been a real issue even for un-oiled things.
contender
Ruger Guru
While many guns may not SEEM to get moved around or whatever,, even when stored in a safe,, there is often what is called "box burn" or "box rubbing" that has worn places on a gun from where it was stored in it's original box. Worse cases are when any kind of cloth material or foam material is in the CLOSED box. As it has caused moisture to wick in from humidity or whatever & ruined otherwise pristene guns. (Think of the Mahogany boxed Supers here.)
Personally, long ago,, I chose to clean guns, coat in a light oil, and then store in a silicone gun sock. Later on,, I switched to just oiling & hanging them in the safe.
In short,, I prefer to NOT keep them in their boxes.
Personally, long ago,, I chose to clean guns, coat in a light oil, and then store in a silicone gun sock. Later on,, I switched to just oiling & hanging them in the safe.
In short,, I prefer to NOT keep them in their boxes.
Factory boxes are made for shipping, not storage.
Granted, a lot depends on the climate in your area, where your safe is located in the house and your attention to the items in it.
The heavy duty black plastic coated wire racks sold in some gun stores only hold 6 guns and ( around here ) cost 3 or 4 times what this one pictured sells for.
Granted, a lot depends on the climate in your area, where your safe is located in the house and your attention to the items in it.
The heavy duty black plastic coated wire racks sold in some gun stores only hold 6 guns and ( around here ) cost 3 or 4 times what this one pictured sells for.
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
Free so far but I have to wonder for how long....I have a dehumidifier in my safe that keeps it around 50% .Thanks for your input. And good luck in that "state " your in
^^^^^^^^^
As said above.
A light oiling, humidity control & not in a closed box.
JAYDAWG
As said above.
A light oiling, humidity control & not in a closed box.
JAYDAWG
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
Thanks for that,it's kinda what I was thinking because I've seen those worn places on revolvers that you wouldn't think should be there
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
Thanks for your input,,good advice
Pal,
My Vault will jump 20+ % humidity if I don't have my dehumidifier on for a day or so.
AND its 8 inch thick concrete!??
You have a heat pump in the house?
Curious why I have to keep on top of it. Maybe since I'm on the water?!???
JAYDAWG
Pál_K
Guns. I has it.
That is crazy!
All I have is gas heat and regular A/C. I monitor humidity because I have a violin (my father's violin from when he was a kid, so easily 120+ years old) and I have over 100 cameras and 100 lenses - and I don't want fungus to form on them (when humdity approaches 60%).
I may see some days where the indoor humidity gets to 54% if I've left windows open in rainy weather.
I keep the house between a low of 62 and a high of 68 in the winter; and a low of 68 and a high of 77 in the summer (a bit hot in the afternoon but it naturally cools to 72 in the evening). I don't work the HVAC hard: I don't want to have to spend a fortune to replace the gas furnace and A/C which are original to the house, new in 1994.
I am less than one mile from the docks and water, but maybe I'm in a rain shadow - which really shouldn't matter.
Maybe I'm crazy to keep all my guns in their original box or plastic container, but I can't just stack them up in the safe (actually three safes) - they and their magazines, etc., have to be in something. However, I do check them, as well as the camera lenses, and in 30+ years I have not a spot of rust or mold on anything. Light oil has been my friend.
I have a light coating of oil in the bore as well and I'm always careful to swab it out before shooting.
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
On the what? Maybe something a little stronger? Lol
Pál_K
Guns. I has it.
He is on the Olympic Peninsula - surrounded on three sides by water.
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
OK that explains it .... no it don't
I wrap guns in microfiber cloths and lay them in the safe if I don't plan on firing them anytime soon, both revolvers and semi autos. Maybe once a year I take them out and do a quick cleaning and lubricating and never find any rust at all. I do use dessicant in the safe but no dehumidifier.
KS25-06
Single-Sixer
I keep my pistols in their original boxes or zipper cases. Wipe them with Rig grease on a piece of sheep skin. Use it on all my guns and knives. Started doing this in the mid 60's. Never had one rust. Brownell's did a test years ago using every available product at that time for preventing rust. Used 12" squares of mild steel, coated them with each product and sprayed them with a salt water solution for two weeks. Best was cosmoline followed by Rig. Still have the same pint can I bought in 1966. Still got about a 1/2" in the bottom!!
powder smoke
Hawkeye
I wipe them down then oil cloth then put them on a shelf,. Never ever had a problem! Wipe then down
lightly from time to time! Stainless is even easier!
I have all my handguns hanging in one way or another. They all get wiped down monthly. My safe stays at about 40% humidity without a dehumidifier.
I like the door hanging as it makes for a good display, and the under shelf hangers make an efficient use of space.
I like the door hanging as it makes for a good display, and the under shelf hangers make an efficient use of space.
OP
3underpar
Single-Sixer
I like the door hangers for sure !!
What kind of hangers do you use on the doors?
Post in thread 'I swear I am done this time!!!'
https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/i-swear-i-am-done-this-time.315316/post-3210014
I have turned a walk-in closet/storage closet into a safe room with lined walls and a vault door. for space I use acrylic shelves.
It is “L” shaped ….. kind of tight but bigger than a safe!
I have two golden rods in it and several humidity canisters….. humidity is a constant 50-54* keep them wiped down. I watched the boxed guns real close!
It is “L” shaped ….. kind of tight but bigger than a safe!
I have two golden rods in it and several humidity canisters….. humidity is a constant 50-54* keep them wiped down. I watched the boxed guns real close!
chet15
Hawkeye
When we kept our in the box we put the oiled gun in a plastic bag which keeps wear off of the blue guns, and also put a small packet of rust inhibitor in the box.
Chet15
Chet15
The guns that I have with plastic boxes all have a plastic bag the gun was shipped in. The gun gets cleaned really well and wiped down on the outside and then put back in the plastic bag folded over and closed the box. They stack really well and I do not have a problem identifying what’s in the box when the label is sitting facing out. The cardboard boxed guns have parchment paper laying in the bottom of the box and folded over the top of the gun. They are clean wiped down. I’ve never had a box soiled and the guns stay in good condition. Any of my guns that don’t have boxes, unfortunately there are a few, get cleaned and then stored in silicone bags. It’s a bit harder to keep track of what’s in the bag, but the gun I feel has good safekeeping that way.
Pál_K
Guns. I has it.
Awesome vault.
When did you get the SAA? Have you shot it? I'm thinking of getting one from the Custom Shop - to shoot.
Thanks…. I'm mostly into (as well as Ruger's) the Colt Double actions (7 serpents) but wanted to at least have the 3 generations of Single action Armies. That one pictured is a 1st gen. from 1926. I have a second gen. from 1970 and 3rd from 1980, 71/2 inch. No, I haven’t shot them…. to some people’s chagrin they are safe queens… lol
contender
Ruger Guru
KWend54,, those Hawkeye boxes need a new home. They look out of place there! Send them to me for proper storage.
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