Long Term Storage

[Tedfs]

Did some searching here and did find some interesting options. The specific thread I was interested in was Long Term Storage for BCGs, which is what my interest was.
Last reply to that thread was 10 years ago. Just wondering if there are any better options for long term storage of gun parts 10 years later.

Vacuum sealers are fairly inexpensive now and there might be better options for the oil or grease today as well. My experience with oils and plastic bags has not been positive over the years.
It works for a while but must be checked on because the plastic will fail at some point, letting the oil or grease leak out. Wondering if using the plastic bag with oil/grease then vacuum sealing
the whole thing in a vacuum seal bag might work better ? PVC pipe is always an option but isn't very discreet or foldable to tuck away somewhere.

[ColtSeavers]

We talking time capsule prepper setup, which I think is what you're getting at, or just in the safe?

Long term storage is another of the reasons I've been switching over to nitride for about everything. Otherwise, out west, there's no salt or moisture/humidity to worry about, except snow.

I would hazard a guess at nitride products, spraying everything with that long term corrosion inhibitor specialty version of WD40 might be a good idea, dessicant packets, double vacuum bagged, capped and sealed PVC tube that doesn't allow movement within it, if I was to go the prepper route.

[ABNAK]

I have my 6 extra complete BCG's dipped in EWL, allowed to drip off the excess, and each one rolled up in it's own gallon ziplock. I would think it is sufficient for both above-ground as well as below-ground storage (below ground will need an exterior watertight container of course).

[Tedfs]

Time capsule, prepper setup is what I'm talking about, don't own or have the luxury of a safe.

EWL 30 has been my go to for use and storage from classroom experience but as stated, plastic bags eventually break down. They all break down, no matter brand or mill thickness.
Entropy is King it seems. Just looking for modern solutions but maybe the old ways are just as relevant today as they were 50 - 60 years ago ? Decade solutions are what I'm after.
Even I can keep up with checking conditions every ten years.

[ColtSeavers]

Are Mosins still shipped encased in cosmoline?

[Colt Carson]

I recently received a Bravo Company AR15 bolt to keep as a long term spare. It arrived in a small heat sealed plastic bag. I saw no liquid oil so emailed them to see if I needed to open the bag to apply oil to prevent rust (which would ruin the sealed bag). They responded that the part is sprayed with G96 Gun Treatment before packaging. To bag your own stuff maybe wrapping the oiled part in wax or parchment paper would help protect the plastic bag. Many years ago I used to receive ordered parts that way.

[ghideon]

I recently received a Bravo Company AR15 bolt to keep as a long term spare. It arrived in a small heat sealed plastic bag. I saw no liquid oil so emailed them to see if I needed to open the bag to apply oil to prevent rust (which would ruin the sealed bag). They responded that the part is sprayed with G96 Gun Treatment before packaging. To bag your own stuff maybe wrapping the oiled part in wax or parchment paper would help protect the plastic bag. Many years ago I used to receive ordered parts that way.

Thanks for that. I received a spare BCG from them a few months back, and stuck it in the safe in the bag it came with it.

[Monkeydo]

I recently received a Bravo Company AR15 bolt to keep as a long term spare. It arrived in a small heat sealed plastic bag. I saw no liquid oil so emailed them to see if I needed to open the bag to apply oil to prevent rust (which would ruin the sealed bag). They responded that the part is sprayed with G96 Gun Treatment before packaging. To bag your own stuff maybe wrapping the oiled part in wax or parchment paper would help protect the plastic bag. Many years ago I used to receive ordered parts that way.

I’ve noticed a lot of manufacturers using G96. Didn’t realize it until I bought some G96 a few months ago. It has a distinct smell and an appearance when on metal. Boiled linseed oil is also a good option.

OP - The key is the container you store them in. You could dip it all in cosmoline and still run the risk of parts of it all rusting due to water getting inside your container. Invest in a quality, waterproof container, oil the parts well with something like G96 or boiled linseed oil, and store some desiccant packs inside the container to catch any moisture that might get in.

[mark5pt56]

http://www.g96.com/products/gun-treatment/

G96 “Triple Action” Gun Treatment ® is the finest most complete firearms product made. It Cleans, Lubricates, and Protects your gun in one operation. No solvent or preservation necessary.

Available in 12 oz. and 4.5 oz. aerosol spray cans.
G96 stock # 1055 (4.5 oz.) and 1055P (12 oz.)

Cleans Your Gun: Contains solvents which will completely remove all traces of rust, gun powder, leading, and corrosion in seconds.
Lubricates Your Gun: Contains lubricants which will not freeze, oxidize, or evaporate (the result of missile research). Leaves no gummy residue. Keeps firing pin and all moving parts working as low as -50F below zero; insures perfect firing every time.
Protects Your Gun: Leaves invisible magnetic film over all metal parts which protects your gun against rust under all weather conditions, even salt water spray. Protects frequently handled guns against “fingerprint” damage. This is the single and best gun care maintenance product ever designed to solve a gun owner’s cleaning, lubricating and corrosion protection problems. A unique formulation of active lubricants will not freeze, oxidize or evaporate. Designed with a pleasant odor, this gun treatment is assured perfect firing from 50 F below zero to 350 F.
Safe for use on polymers.
Directions for use:

If necessary, clean firearm first using G96 Bore Solvent or G96 Crud Buster. Spray evenly over area to be treated. Allow to set for 60 seconds. Wipe with clean cloth. Apply to all metal surfaces, inside chamber and inside barrel. Wipe after application. When treating gun for first time or for long term storage protection, spray three times, wiping dry after first and second application. Note: After treating gun allow solvent contained in the oil to evaporate for 10 minutes before placing gun in any airtight container such as a gun case, sealed carton, etc.

[SomeOtherGuy]

No experience with G-96, but Corrosion-X has worked 100% in my own use and in various third-party tests I've read. It also neutralizes minor rust, and while it's not a very good lube it would leave the weapon usable without any further cleaning.

Cosmoline remains a solid option but requires extensive cleaning before you can use the gun afterward.

On farm equipment that gets treated much, much worse than guns and sometimes lives outdoors, Dupont chain wax has proven to be amazing for both durable lubrication (waxy/near dry) and rust prevention. That's available from spamazon in various containers including spray and small nozzle. It has greatly outperformed, in my experience, Boeshield T-9, silicone spray and WD-40. I have not directly tested it against Corrosion-X because I use them for different purposes.

[recon]

Got some of this to try. Break-Free LP Lube.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31ePM6FCT4L._AC_.jpg

[DG23]

Thanks for that. I received a spare BCG from them a few months back, and stuck it in the safe in the bag it came with it.

I had thought those guys were joking about BCG's and storing them in their safes. :(

Guess not.

[99cobra2881]

When and if I need to stash parts or weapons this is my thoughts on what I will do.

Air holds moisture and that’s what corrodes and ruins firearms or ammo.

For a BCG a section of 2” PVC pipe with pvc end caps will work. Glue one end cap on be sure to use primer on both parts allow this to cure for 24-48 hours. Have both the tube and the other end cap primed and ready.

Argon holds no moisture and is denser than air so it displaces the air. Stand the tube on end and purge the upright tube with argon several times. Insert parts into tube and purge with argon again. Glue the end cap on.

The PVC tube can be buried for long periods. The argon is inert and won’t react with the pvc tube or the part inside.

Remove the cause of the corrosion which is moisture and the parts won’t rust.

[ghideon]

I had thought those guys were joking about BCG's and storing them in their safes. :(

Guess not.

It's so I can't lose it. I have a small shelf in the upper part for odds and ends, wife's jewerly, etc.

Plus, this being CA, who knows what's next.

[Colt Carson]

It's so I can't lose it. I have a small shelf in the upper part for odds and ends, wife's jewerly, etc.

Plus, this being CA, who knows what's next.

I keep my premium ammunition in the bottom of my safe simply because I have room. I guess some people would say that during a fire my safe could explode, but I figure if it gets that hot in the lower part of my safe the guns are probably compromised anyway. Anybody know the approximate temperature for a cartridge to “cook off” or ignite?

[ghideon]

Dunno, but the ammo is stored in the ammo safe...

[jsbhike]

Came upon this C.E. Harris recommendation for Alox while looking for something else and happened to remember this discussion.

https://yarchive.net/gun/long_term_storage.html

[tweakmeister]

I recently removed from storage some items that were stored for over 10 years. I put them away and didn’t know how long I needed them to be stored.

I used CLP, wrapped in VCI paper and then put into silver looking plastic storage bags from Brownells. I folded the ends three times and taped.

Everything came out great.

[robbins290]

back in 2005-2006, i hide am SKS in the ground with a bunch of spare parts that were steel. I double vacuum sealed them in transmission oil. and then put them in a ammo can with dry packs and used RTV silicone around the lid. Wrapped the ammo can in insulation and dug them 36" in the ground. in 2017 when i bought some land, i un earthed the package and the rifle and parts were just like i put them in there. I did the SKS the same way, but put it in a PVC pipe and wrapped in insulation.

[BuzzinSATX]

Lots of options out there. How aggressive you need to be with rust protection would be determined by the climate and environment you live in (AZ desert vs. Gulf Coast).

Regardless, if you really want to be safe, get some Brownells Rust Preventative #2, spray it down, stick it in a sealed ziplock bag, and it will store for years.


https://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/oils-lubricants/rust-prevention/rust-preventive-no-2--prod1124.aspx


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[markm]

(AZ desert vs. Gulf Coast).

This. For us in AZ, long term is a safe or a shelf.

[BuzzinSATX]

This. For us in AZ, long term is a safe or a shelf.

Or out in the middle of the desert. We’ve got a crap ton of airplanes just sitting out in the weather...they last for many years until they are stripped for parts or sold to some other country...


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_boneyard


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[robbins290]

I am not thayt lucky, northeast weather will ruin stuff quick. even under cover in a shed, stuff will rust.

[Fouled]

Did some searching here and did find some interesting options. The specific thread I was interested in was Long Term Storage for BCGs, which is what my interest was.
Last reply to that thread was 10 years ago. Just wondering if there are any better options for long term storage of gun parts 10 years later.

Vacuum sealers are fairly inexpensive now and there might be better options for the oil or grease today as well. My experience with oils and plastic bags has not been positive over the years.
It works for a while but must be checked on because the plastic will fail at some point, letting the oil or grease leak out. Wondering if using the plastic bag with oil/grease then vacuum sealing
the whole thing in a vacuum seal bag might work better ? PVC pipe is always an option but isn't very discreet or foldable to tuck away somewhere.

You could get some coated (np3, nano, etc) or nitrided BCG.

"Foodsaver" type bags are not ideal in terms of air / moisture resistance and don't even do a great job keeping grease from drying out.

I would get some cheap mylar bags. they come in different thicknesses. Thicker is better, you don't want to be able to see through them.

[maximus83]

Proven in one of the most humid environments in the lower 48 (PNW):
* Storage less than one year, even in a damp unheated garage: CorrosionX. Works on tools, firearms, etc, if just sitting there. If used and you're touching them, will need treatment more often.
* Storage greater than one year, with direct moisture exposure: WD 40 Specialist Long-term corrosion inhibitor. I spray this on stuff like padlocks that are on an external building, metal gate mechanisms, etc. Puts a thin clear film on the metal but less gunky than stuff like cosmoline or Rigg grease, which render the stored item unusable until cleaned off. I also spray this on the exposed metal of tools that get used outdoors during rainy season, shovels, machetes, anything with a blade that can rust. It seems to hold longer than CorrosionX. But unlike CorrosionX, this stuff is highly toxic both to skin and to inhale, so spray it outdoors, and avoid skin contact for sure.

ETA, here's 2 recent sets of tests that showed WD40 LTCI is the best at blocking long-term rust:
* https://ronkulas.proboards.com/thread/274/review-comparison-gun-care-products?page=1&scrollTo=711
* https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/corrosion-testing.1745859/page-3#post-20004204

I think coating with WD LTCI for something you still want to potentially access at a moment's notice makes sense. For something you plan to put away long-term and leave it there, like a cache, I think you still can't beat old fashioned cosmoline or Rigg and a container.

[JackHass]

VCI vapor bags. A company called ZCORR made them. I believe they went out of business. The bags are AWESOME!

[RonaldOO]

The same here!
I have a couple of little ones that are just getting to the age that they are starting to get into things around the house. Before my wife and I had children I always just kept a handgun in the top drawer of my nightstand, but with the little ones around I think I am going to invest in some type of small safe to keep a full-sized handgun in the bedroom. Consider getting this one https://www.bestlockguide.com/amazon-basics-safe-review/ . Seems to be a decent option

[wanderson]

Might help to define ‘long term’ and what conditions.

I keep my spare bolts lightly oiled in zip loc bags, in an ammo can with those plastic dividers. It gets opened frequently so when the bag leaks, I’ll replace it. Any plastic bag is gonna fail eventually.

I suppose any oil is gonna run off given enough time so if re-application after a few years isn’t an option, then submersion.


But if I was gonna bury a bunch of steel parts in the back yard for 20 years, I’d get a good condition ammo can and fill it to the brim with motor oil, til it overflows so no air gets in.

I’ve spent too many years scraping cosmoline off firearms to ever think of putting it back on something.

[El Vaquero]

I’m curious about the PVC pipe idea. But maybe use threaded ends and fill it with oil or preservative of some sort so there’s little to no air inside. Could probably just use a 1” pipe.

[utahjeepr]

Any airtight container gassed with Argon will eliminate rust. No oxygen, no oxidation. Argon is heavier than air and won't leak out.

So one could wrap parts, put them in an ammo can or gasketed 5 gal bucket, gas it, and seal it up. Of couse, I TIG weld so I always have a bottle or two of Argon around.

[czgunner]

Degrease completely and vac seal it? No oils to degrade the plastic?

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[davidjinks]

I have 2 BCG’s and 1 bolt that I bought new about 10 years ago. They’re stored inside my parts box, in a drawer. I haven’t had any issues with this type of storage.

Unless you’re talking about burying the parts or something?

[JoshNC]

Hornaday One Shot and VCI capsules. Spray with One Shot, store in your preferred container with VCI capsules. If you’re actually doing a completely sealed time capsule, I would vacuum seal each individually. Also, if you own firearms you should own a safe.

I store my spares in plastic parts bins with a light coating of One Shot and VCI cards in the bins. Swap the VCI annually.

OP, I’m assuming you’re somewhat young and new to this. The time capsule seems to be an idea everyone (including me) has early on. In practice, it’s not really such a great plan. I suggest you just store your parts normally and give up the prepper storage capsule idea.