Question about silica gel packs for firearms storage

[Thren68]

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.

[Dos]

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.

[lewisorde]

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.

[KingPolymer-III]

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.

[KingPolymer-III]

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?

[Thren68]

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.

[KingPolymer-III]

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.

[Thren68]

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.

[BRASMAN]

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.

[KingPolymer-III]

"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.

[ElectricEye]

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

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.

[KingPolymer-III]

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

[Arcticleo]

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

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

[KingPolymer-III]

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