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GENERAL => General Firearms Discussion => Topic started by: KingPolymer-III on September 05, 2005, 07:36:57 PM

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 05, 2005, 07:36:57 PM

I store many of my firearms in the plastic cases with foam inner lining,  and then place them in my safe.
  I visited a friend who has small packs of silica gel inside the plastic cases.  He highly recommends them.
  I want some addittional feedback.  I clean my guns very thoughroughly and always wipe them off before placing them in the plastic cases.  What exactly does the silica gel do chemically?

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Cig Zauer on September 05, 2005, 09:06:33 PM

Good question...doesn't it do something to control moisture?

www.dehumidify.com/FAQ.html (http://www.dehumidify.com/FAQ.html)

EDIT: found a useful site and it states something about storing firearms with it.  The silica gel packs help control the moisture to prevent rust and corrosion.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: BRASMAN on September 05, 2005, 09:51:20 PM

This is an excelent thread. I have been dealing with this myself and have not decided yet how to go about it. I need something I can put in a small safe with two handguns. My locker does not have this problem but the smaller safe with thiker walls has a real problem with corrosion. How long do those gel packs last before you need to change them? I guess you could just coat your pistol in grease but who wants to pick it up like that.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 06, 2005, 04:31:25 AM

Thanks for that link,  I really appreciate it. and also Brasman brought up a good point.
"How long do those gel packs last before you need to change them?"
  I have no idea am a seeking feedback as well, and also, where is a good place to buy them?  CDNN? Cheaper than Dirt?  etc?

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Grendel on September 06, 2005, 07:00:17 AM

If you take em out every couple of months and stick them in a warm oven for 30 minutes I believe they last indefinitely

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Dos on September 06, 2005, 09:35:22 AM

I bought a silica pack from Academy.  They keep them in the area where they have their gun vaults. (Logical)      I think my bag is 8 or ten ozs and cost about 6-7 dollars.   As for longevity, it depends on your location.  Here on the Gulf Coast we have high humidity. And of course, if your vault is in a climate controlled environment that is another factor.  My pack has been in the vault(which is about icebox sized) for 2 years and I have not yet had to recharge it (by oven heating).  I also have a night light bulb (7 1/2 watt) that I use in conjunction with the Silica Pack.  I think they are a good investment as I have no moisture problems and my vault is not in a temperature controlled environment.  Before I added the silica, I did have a slight moisture problem.  If I recall correctly, the instructions on the packs inform you to recharge when the pack weighs a certain weight (due to moisture absorption).  So far so good.  I reccomend them.   King in Florida you have high humidities like we do here.  Get yourself a bag and rest easy.  Cheap investment for a worthy cause.      
Edited to add:  Recharge silica pack when the crystals begin to "clump" together and the pack becomes firm and not pliable.  This indicates moisture absorption.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: BRASMAN on September 06, 2005, 12:21:46 PM

I think that is what I am going to do. I thought about one of those rods you plug in but I do not want cords and stuff running into it and my one safe is to small any way. Thanks for the information it is very useful.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Dos on September 06, 2005, 03:21:03 PM

Here's a scan of my silica pack from Academy.  It is @ 5"x7" and 1 1/4" thick.



(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2706/staydrypak7nj.jpg)

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 06, 2005, 06:58:33 PM

Very nice indeed, thank you for sharing it.  I will get them.
Can somebody link me to academy?

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: BRASMAN on September 07, 2005, 01:24:19 AM

Ditto. Linkage please.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 07, 2005, 04:37:38 AM

I am going to check with the local Sports Authority here and also in the Cabellas and Midway catalogs.  Out of the three, one has got to carry it.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 07, 2005, 04:39:18 AM

Ok, I have some links.

Opinions please?

www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=799452 (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=799452)


www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=322511 (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=322511)

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Dos on September 07, 2005, 09:29:54 AM

Here's a link that offers similar product:  check out the 450 gram packs that protect up to 33 cubic feet.   200 grams protect up to 15 cubic feet.    

www.utahsafe.com/Hydrosorb.html (http://www.utahsafe.com/Hydrosorb.html)

and this one   www.jakesmp.com/CSD_Silic...004_C.html (http://www.jakesmp.com/CSD_Silica_Gel/CSD_Silica_004_C.html)

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Dos on September 07, 2005, 09:46:20 AM

Quote from King:  "Opinions please"?

King, you need a minimum of @15 grams of silica per cubic foot of vault space.   Figure the cubic ft volume of your vault and buy accordingly.

Gee, I thought everybody had an Academy store.  Rest assured, they are in Florida, just not near you.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 07, 2005, 05:41:47 PM

Dos and other folks:
  Ok, so mine is the Sentry GS5251 and it says in the manual with the safe that I have, it has 11.19 cubic ft.,so thanks,  I just figured out what I need, and the ones inside the small pistol cases,  I will get the super small flat packs for.  Excellent, and much needed in the Florida humidity to protect your valuable firearms.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Thren68 on September 08, 2005, 01:49:42 PM

Most of the threads about firearm storage I've seen recommend *NOT* putting them in cases (especially foam lined) since foam traps humidity and holds it next to the weapon/fishing reel, ect.

The three methods I've seen to dehumidify a safe are..
1.  Silica bag.  Periodically dry out in oven.
2.  GoldenRod dehumidifier or equivalent.  Most safes have hole for power cord.
3.  A simple low wattage light bulb.  Heats up the interior a few degrees and prevents condensation from forming.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Dos on September 08, 2005, 02:20:13 PM

I think that by leaving the plastic factory storage cases open (unsnapped) while vaulted would eliminate any concerns about trapped moisture in the foam material.  If one is really concerned about it, just store the firearms in the vault and the factory cases elsewhere.   One thing for sure, you'll have much more room.  Also, consider installing a 7 1/2 watt night light bulb in your vault.  I drilled a hole in the rear of my vault to allow the power cord in.  Best move I ever made.  It only took mildew and initial rust formation on three long gun barrels to convince me to install the light and the silica bag.  Darn good insurance, especially on the humid & steamy Gulf Coast.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: lewisorde on September 08, 2005, 03:09:47 PM

My gun cabinet is in the garage (non-air conditioned), hidden away behind a sheet of plywood.  And I'm in north-east Florida, not exactly known for its lack of humidity.  Plus, I'm about a mile from the ocean.

For the two years I've had the cabinet in the garage, I've burned a 20-watt bulb on the floor of the cabinet, set in a small lamp base.  That keeps the cabinet warm, allows no condensation to form, and I've never seen a spot of rust on anything.  I check every few weeks, and give a quick wipe over with an oily rag.  But so far, touch wood, it works a treat.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 08, 2005, 05:52:59 PM

Excellent advise folks and I will implement it,  especially the regular checkups and a quick wipedown every couple of weeks.  I think that is also essential.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 09, 2005, 07:50:35 PM

Any thoughts on placing pistols in large ziplock bags to avoid scratching metal against metal in the safe and still of course using the silica, but to avoid scratching.
  Is the PVC inside the ziplocks dangerous to the metal surfaces?

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Thren68 on September 10, 2005, 04:26:22 AM

I'd worry about the condensation problem again, with body moisture from handling/shooting them not having a place to go unless the tops of the bags were propped open somehow.

Then the other thing I'd worry about would be if whatever you used to clean the weapon would start eating thru the bag.  Not terribly likely, but possible.

Depending on your safe's layout, you might consider putting in one of those desktop paper trays that hold paper/files vertical.  They usually have 6 or so slots.  Cut the height down with a saw if needed or score and snap.  Better yet would be to make something similar out of 1/4 plywood or paneling.  Something to keep the weapons vertical and only touching the wood or plastic.

Just some thoughts that might work for you.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 10, 2005, 05:48:29 AM

The desktop paper trays are an excellent idea!, thanks.
Glad I started this thread, its amazing to me how many people just plain don't care and throw their guns in the safe and have them all scratched up and very poorly cleaned and in some cases not cleaned at all.  
  My contention has always been that comprehensive firearms instruction cannot be limited to strictly safety, mechanical function, and ballistics,  safe and protective storage is also critical, not just protective from the literal sense, but protecting your investment as well.  Its amazing to me how folks will spend $600 on a gun, but treat it like a $5 flashlight.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Thren68 on September 12, 2005, 07:12:19 AM

Sleeping on it a bit, came up with another solution.

5/8 Plywood base cut the size of your shelf.  Drill holes for a 3/8 dowel rod sections (about 4") that you put in vertically, glue and tap in.  Two to three dowel rod pegs should offer good seperation between your toys.  Storage can be upright on mag well and slide tip, or upside down on top of slide.

If you have a particularly tall shelf, you can add one of these peg filled boards on the back wall (vertical board, horizontal pegs), and simply slide the handgun's barrel over the dowel.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: BRASMAN on September 12, 2005, 11:39:22 AM

Thanks for all the ideas. I am glad for once that I live in a desert place and I have no humidity problems. It is always good though to not have humidity for me. I think I am going to get some of the gel packs and later on do the light thing.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 12, 2005, 07:22:38 PM

"Sleeping on it a bit, came up with another solution.

5/8 Plywood base cut the size of your shelf. Drill holes for a 3/8 dowel rod sections (about 4") that you put in vertically, glue and tap in. Two to three dowel rod pegs should offer good seperation between your toys. Storage can be upright on mag well and slide tip, or upside down on top of slide.

If you have a particularly tall shelf, you can add one of these peg filled boards on the back wall (vertical board, horizontal pegs), and simply slide the handgun's barrel over the dowel."

Wow!, excellent idea for a Sunday afternoon project this weekend.  Thanks alot.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: ElectricEye on September 21, 2005, 09:48:58 PM

My OCD storage recommendations:

Hydrosorbent 40gr. Silica Gel Protectant  
 
 brand: Hydrosorbent Products    SSG40  
Absorbs excess humidity
Built-in indicator
Reactivates in conventional ovens
40 grams
4" x 2" x 1/2" aluminum canister protects 3 cubic feet

www.eknifeworks.com/webap...&SKU=SSG40 (http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Cat&Brand=&CatalogName=&PriceStart=&PriceEnd=&Feature=&Cat=2&SearchText=silica&list=10&range=191&order=Default&SKU=SSG40)

I use one of the candy bar size for every metal ammo box or rifle hardcase being stored long-term. All rifles or handguns being long-termed: wet mopped bores with Rig brand oil. Dry patches placed on bolts to absorb excess and keep the firing pins from getting gummed up. Exterior surfaces wiped down with silicone rag (yellow type that leave a heavy residue, not the gray Outer's brand that don't leave much behind). Safe stored in a room with a Sears brand dehumidifier set at 40% continual use.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on September 22, 2005, 04:04:49 AM

Rick:
  Welcome aboard and thanks alot for that link.  I am going to get a few of those as well.  Excellent price on them.

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: Arcticleo on October 08, 2005, 11:47:56 AM

KPIII,
I've been using those hydrosorbent silica gel packs in my safe also and they seem to be working great. I've never had any problems with my firearms showing moisture damage.

i5.photobucket.com/albums...C04958.jpg (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/arcticleo/DSC04958.jpg)

Here's an up close on one I pulled from my safe. I've had them for about 4 years in my cases and just continue to recharge them when the center turns pink, which isn't frequent. When I picked up my safe a while back I started using them in there instead of running a dehumidifier in my safe. I still do a field strip each month on my firearms and apply shooters choice rust prevent on the whole firearm before prolonged storage.
-Arc

Title: Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage
Post by: KingPolymer-III on October 08, 2005, 05:38:17 PM

Great help, thanks.
Also , there is an excellent anti corrossion firearms lubricant called Strikehold.  www.strike-hold.com

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v57/wingedliberty/strikehold.jpg)