Most gun owners will say they take great care of their firearms, but a surprising number of guns show signs of rust after being in storage for a while, which can ultimately damage the gun.
So how can you store your guns to prevent rust? Special oils and rust prevention products can help thwart rust but maintaining a good storage environment is also important.
Read further to learn about rust inhibitors and proper gun storage options.
Ways to Prevent Gun Rust in Storage
Rust is oxidized iron. Moisture causes iron to oxidize so humidity in the storage environment is the most common culprit. To mitigate oxidation, thoroughly wipe down your rifle or other firearms prior to storing them. This is especially important if they’ve been used in rainy or snowy conditions. And we mean THOROUGHLY.
When dried, keep them in a location where you know room humidity is controlled. This is one reason our Amish-crafted wooden gun cabinets with glass doors are such an attractive option for gun storage. You can keep your guns nearby, secure, and in good condition while they remain in a humidity-controlled/monitored environment.
Even our hidden storage gun cabinets provide a secure place to keep your guns. They’ll be nearby, unseen but easily accessible, and in your home’s living space where humidity can be monitored and controlled.
Rust-Prevention Products for Firearms
We don’t think there’s a gun owner in this nation who doesn’t know about Hoppe’s No. 9. It’s been around since 1903 and is arguably the most trusted rust remover available. The scent alone can evoke memories of successful hunting seasons.
After a day of shooting, we recommend using Hoppe’s, along with a rust remover cloth, to wipe off action, chamber, and muzzle to remove any lead, carbon, and potential rust before storing your gun inside your gun cabinet. (Gun owners have had good results using the Birchwood Casey polishing cloth to remove any unwanted residue.)
Be sure to read over How to Remove Rust From a Gun Without Damaging Bluing to learn the three methods for gentle rust removal.
What’s the Ideal Humidity Level for Gun Storage?
The idea humidity for gun storage is 40-50% humidity at 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
A cordless gun safe hygrometer will enable you to monitor humidity levels and the inside temperatures of your gun storage cabinet. There are many affordable options available online. Also, if you store your guns in a cabinet, consider buying a small dehumidifier that uses silica gel and is battery-powered, to place inside for added protection against humidity.
Ready to display your guns? Browse our inventory by gun cabinet size.
