I've got my two rifles in an SKB 2 gun case that has locks on it. The case itself is hidden and the guns have trigger locks on them. I use this (for the time being) as a cheap alternative to a safe until I can drop the $800-1200 on an actual safe.

 

My question is will there be any issue with leaving my guns in there for long periods of time?

 

I've got one of those gun socks on one of them...just waiting to get another one. I take them out maybe once a month to shoot or just inspect...just wanted to tap the community wisdom to see if I'm hosing myself by leaving them in there. My question is purely from a firearm condition perspective, not from a "dude comes in my house and wheels himself out with my guns" perspective.

 

Thanks for any help!

Just put a good coat of gun oil on them inside and outside in the socks and your good. The only reason I mention the socks, is it's a small barrier between the gun and assuming the hard case has foam, thinking the sock will help keep the foam from getting damaged depending on what gun oil you use. You say you shoot them or check them once a month, thats good but not really needed unless you want to. Keep the case in the driest place you can in the house thats safe.

Eggshell style foam tends to absorb moisture. I would get a sock for both guns. Make sure they are the silcone impregnated kind that keep out moisture.

Definately a gun sock, you dont want long term eggcrate foam to metal contact.

 

Consider using an anti-corrosion product that is designed with long term storage in mind. I would use G96 Gun Treatment spray. I love the crap out of this stuff, and I use it as a CP (cleaner / protectant) for all my guns. For long term storage, there are 3 steps. Spray once, wait a bit and wipe, spray again, wait a bit and wipe, then spray a final thin coating wait 15min or so, then put the gun away with the coating still on it. It will not gum up and will protect the metal surfaces while in storage. Before shooting, just a quick wipe and you are good to go.

 

I learned about this stuff when I got my BCM upper in the mail and it had a light wetish yet dry feeling coating that smelled good on it. I called BCM to askt them what it was. They sometimes use it as a protectant before putting the parts in storage waiting for people like us to buy them up.

 

And they are a NJ based company!

http://www.g96.com/gun_treatment.html

 

edit: when you do get a safe, make sure you get a rechargable dessicant, and you can use something like a Bullfrog emitter that releases anti-corrosion vapors inside the safe to prevent rust/corrosion.

Awesome advice guys, thanks! I'll pick up another stock and get some of that spray too

 

Question: is it a good practice to just lightly spray some gun oil or silicone onto the interior surface of the egg-shell foam?

Question: is it a good practice to just lightly spray some gun oil or silicone onto the interior surface of the egg-shell foam?

 

I wouldnt do it. The egg-crate foam is made out of some kind of polyurethane or other type of polymer based foam. Petrochemicals and solvents in the carrier of the spray could attack or degrade it. If anything, a plastic protectant like armor-all or Aerospace 303 would be a better options. Personally , I wouldnt spray anything on it directly.

 

Stuff you spray on your gun shouldnt affect it after it has dried and the carrier solvents have evaporated.