Gun rust is a big problem for those who store their firearms in gun safes. In fact, corrosion tends to happen at a higher rate and more rapidly in a gun safe than out of it. The reason has to do with basic chemistry.
A safe will give your gun a layer of protection from the elements, theft and little ones' hands. Storing your gun in a safe is the first step to prevent rust, but you also need to consider the temperature and moisture control of the environment around the safe. We suggest storing your firearm in your home if you can.
Guns will rust in a gun safe if they aren't regularly cleaned and condensation isn't controlled with a dehumidifier. Condensation and rust can ruin your guns even if they're locked up. Guns should be cleaned after every use to prevent the build-up of dirt and condensation that contribute to rust.
Keeping a safe in your garage would be much less of an issue if it was heated. However, the cold isn't the problem that directly affects your guns. It's the humidity that develops from frigid weather. Moisture is the mortal enemy of firearms because it causes them to rust.
A gun can start to rust while in storage if you don't properly take care of them over time.
Clean Your Oft-Used Guns After Every Use
As a general rule, it's a good idea to clean your gun after every trip to the shooting range. Defensive firearms that don't get used very frequently should also be cleaned on occasion. Try to give them a deep clean and inspection about once a month.
Firearms must be stored unloaded and in a locked location, separate from ammunition. The storage area should be cool, clean, and dry. Storing firearms in closed gun cases or scabbards isn't recommended because moisture can accumulate. Store guns horizontally, or with the muzzle pointing down.
The dampest area in your home can be your basement, which makes it a less-than-favorable place to put a safe. More gun safes experience problems because of humidity and moisture than from burglaries or fires. Even when a safe is kept closed, humidity can still get inside and damage firearms and other items inside.
The garage is particularly appropriate if you have a large gun safe and want to keep your firearms out of the house. However, putting a gun safe in the garage makes your firearms less accessible if you need to access them and keeps them further out of your purview.
The premises where the firearms are stored must be a permanent structure with secure locks on all openings (structures such as garden sheds would not be considered a permanent structure). Level 2 Security Recommended Minimum Storage Requirements for Licence Category C, D and H Firearms.
When a gun oil does its job, it effective in preventing gun rust and corrosion, enhancing gun performance, reducing the risk of fouling and heat damage, and making gun cleaning a breeze. (Note: Gun oil should be applied only after cleaning, to avoid the formation of greasy residue deposits.)
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
Stay out of bad weather: Ideally, you should avoid exposing your gun to rain, snow and other moisture outdoors as it causes rust and tarnish quickly. If you are outdoors and it begins to rain, try and place your gun in a covered area to keep it dry.
With a heavy safe on top of your flooring, you may not even notice the moisture accumulating. This is why we recommend installing your safe on a rubber mat. This will keep the bottom dry, and prevent moisture damage.
Can a Concrete Floor Hold a Safe? Obviously, concrete floors are strong. When used as a foundation for a home without a basement or crawlspace, these floors can withstand extreme weight, including the heaviest gun safes. They are an excellent choice for safe installation.
Unless you live in a very arid region, high humidity will be a recurring problem. Keeping your firearms away from humid conditions will inhibit the oxidation process and prevent your guns from rusting.
Statistics about having guns at home
A 2014 review in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded having a firearm in the home, even when it's properly stored, doubles your risk of becoming a victim of homicide and triples the risk of suicide.
A guest room or secondary bedroom with a locking door is a great choice. You should have a Fast Box or Agile cabinet secured in this room. However, in the case of home invasion, no matter where you are in the house you should always be within a few seconds of accessing your firearms.
Protect Firearms from Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of firearms is the biggest reasons many look to buy a gun safe. Unauthorized use can be: Theft – Safes help ensure firearms remain untouched in the event of a break in and keep them away from those who may want to use them in a dangerous manner.
Generally speaking, most home security experts recommend against hiding valuables in the master bedroom closet. This is one of the first places a burglar will look. Instead, consider placing your safe in the closet of a different room.
Store ammo where only you can have access to it. In order to prevent your firearms and ammunition from reaching the wrong hands, it's important to store both in a safe or gun cabinet. Not only does doing so help preserve your ammo, but it can also help prevent an accident from occurring in the home.
How to Hide Your Gun Safe in Your Closet. One of the best places to hide a safe is within home closets. Typically, the bedroom closet is seen as one of the most effective, as this will allow for easy access in the event of a nighttime security breach.
Storing Your New Gun
Gun rust is a big problem for those who store their firearms in gun safes. In fact, corrosion tends to happen at a higher rate and more rapidly in a gun safe than out of it. The reason has to do with basic chemistry.
Cardboard, sheepskin, and foam all attract moisture. A silicon-treated gun sock, gun storage bag, or any gun safe is your best bet if you are keeping your gun at home.
Gun owners can make their homes and communities safer by storing their guns securely. This means storing them locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Securing firearms protects children and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and gun suicides.