Storing your firearms in between hunting seasons or for an extended amount of time requires a good cleaning after each use and placing them in a gun safe or cabinet. When you plan to store your guns for long-term safekeeping, it takes a little more work to keep them in good condition.
So, how do you prepare your guns for long-term storage? We offer tips for proper long-term gun storage that will help protect them for future use or as heirloom firearms. Of course, make sure any firearm is unloaded before starting.
1. Dismantle Your Gun
As much as you can, break down your gun (field strip it) the most you can without having to use tools to do so. This will make it easier to thoroughly clean major components. This is especially recommended for rifles prior to being stored long-term.
2. Wear Gloves
Find a pair of gloves that allow for dexterity but also enable you to remove fingerprints permanently prior to long-term gun storage. This will protect your hands from any cleaning solvents you use.
Although some forums suggest that oils from your hands can damage your firearms, it’s doubtful. Wearing gloves, however, will prevent damage to your skin or that element of surprise when you go to place a contact lens into your eye with residue cleaning solvent on your fingertip.
Another reason to wear gloves is that any unseen dirt on your hands cannot pose a risk of scratching your gun.
3. Clean All Parts Thoroughly
Use an ammonia-free cleaner and make sure all parts are thoroughly dry prior to storage. Apply a layer of lubricant to the bore and any other bare metal.
RIG gun grease by Birchwood Casey is a popular choice among gun owners for the preservation and protection of firearms.
For the stock: Rub a very small amount of linseed oil into the stock and let the wood absorb the oil. Do not get any oil near the checkering/grip. Let it dry before storage.
Check out this Stock Care & Storage Video for more information:
4. Pre-Storage Amenities
Consider placing a desiccant inside the gun cabinet to keep moisture at bay and help prevent rust during storage.
Gun storage bags and special gun socks can add another layer of protection for guns in long-term gun storage.
Gun socks with silicone coating can add rust-protection and help maintain the presence of oils on your gun. These socks typically are form-fitting and come in various sizes suitable for pistol, revolver, rifle, etc. They also help prevent scratches.
5. Gun Cabinet Options
For proper long-term gun storage, your gun cabinet should be in a dry environment with even temperature year-round.
We offer a wide variety of beautiful, USA-made gun cabinets, with options to display or hide your firearms while in storage. Since 1991, we have produced the highest-quality wood gun cabinets, ranging from smaller 5-gun hidden cabinets to large, customizable 20-gun cabinets, available in the area.
Browse through our Amish-made gun storage products to find the perfect solution for safekeeping your firearms.
