Long tern shotty storage

smokelaw1

smokelaw1

INFI member
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
264
Hey all,
If someone was going to seal up a shotgun, either a pump or a coach gun in a vault, or in one of those PVC bury-it-in the backyard kits, how would they prep the gun for potentially very long term storage such that it would still be ready for immegiate action after being taken out?
Related question, any ideas as to the shelf life of shotgun ammo?

Thanks! I looked around, but couldn't find any really good info.
 
Well, my gut reaction would be the same way I always do. Clean it real good, oil it up inside and out, maybe stick it in a gun sock or a gun case and put it where-ever. If this was meant to be 10-50 year storage without even a chance to wipe it down every year I'd maybe so some research into good rust inhibitors and such, but otherwise I've been using hoppes oil since I was a kid on my shotgun, and my father has been using it even longer. And neither of our firearms are complaining!
 
I dunno much about this stuff, but what about that technigue they use to seal grains in poly buckets for long-term storage" I believe they toss a very small piece of dry ice in for oxygen absorbsion before sealing the container. I dunno brother...just an idea.

I also found this that gave me the idea that you may want to consider the types of materials the weapon is constructed of synthetic stock vs. wood, stainless vs. blued steel. Just some thoughts (and very little experience) to get you started...

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2001_Annual/ai_63922928

http://yarchive.net/gun/long_term_storage.html
 
Clean thoroughly, apply thin coating of RIG grease .Wrap in VPI [vapour phase inhibiter] paper, put in plastic bag [or good gun case]. A few silica gel packages too . The gun will be ready to shoot without cleaning.
 
Related question, any ideas as to the shelf life of shotgun ammo?
Click to expand...
No clue about shotgun ammo, but in 2005 (or 2006), I shot some .30-06 made in 1957 (Yugo surplus). Properly stored, ammo can have a very long shelf life.
 
Clean it then oil then get an extra large vacuum seal pack an seal 'er up (maybe add some silica gel packs). I have ones that are large enough to fit an entire shotgun, and since there is no oxygen in it there is no chance of rust.
 
If you use silica gel packs, be sure that you bake them first.

They're not magic; they don't make the water go away. They absorb the water. But, under the proper conditions, they will release that water back into the environment. As a result, they can do more damage than good if you don't use them right. They can literally be the source of the water that leads to the rust you want to avoid.

I would consider using Ren wax.
 
WD-40 works well as a coating -- just keep it away from plastic parts and ammunition.

Lots of silica gel.

Cover the outside of container with several large plastic bags.

Weapon will need to be wiped down, assembled, and loaded prior to use.

I wouldn't buy a kit through the mail -- get what you need locally, and pay cash.
 
I am considering the same thing for a rifle. I plan to clean it really well and then oil it and seal it in a really long Foodsaver bag. If don't know what a foodsaver is it sucks all the air out of a thick plastic bag and then seals it by melting.
It is usually used for food(hence the name foodsaver)but it is incredibly usefull.
I use it for first aid kits and dry clothes like socks.
 
Thanks everybody. I have a good idea of what I am going to do.
Now, I just have to decide which gun is going into "the kit."
 
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