Corrosion Inhibitors?

[Guest bkelm18]

Anyone use any sort of vapor corrosion inhibitors for their gun safe or locker? I want to get some for my locker since the area I have to keep them in is a little more exposed to the elements than I would like. I currently have a desiccant bag in there but it doesn't work well enough. Just curious to see what you use and where you get them. I'd prefer to get them locally rather than online. Thanks.

[molonlabetn]

As long as you keep it away from ammo, WD-40 works pretty well as a short-term moisture dispersant. It's great for cleaning up after shooting corrosive ammo, too.

[Marswolf]

I keep WD-40 at least 20 feet from my guns at all time.

For corrosion, I use Eezox as a metal treatment.

I know some people swear by some of the vapor type anti-corrosion stuff, but I've never used it.

[Guest GregRN]

Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter is 100% silica gel. That could be useful info if you need a larger amount of dessicant. 250 degrees in an oven for 2 hours and it is recharged. That along with oiling your guns seems to be the best idea to me.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

I used the red bags treated with the vapor stuff (don't recall the brand, but know they come in handgun and long gun sizes) when I stored my handguns stateside, before going overseas to Germany for 3 years.

Then I ended up here in VA for another 2 years, with the guns still bagged up back home.

So 5 years later, when they were pulled out of the bags, they only had the slightest bit of surface dusting. Quick wipe of the rag with a little cleaner and lubricant and it was back to normal. I don't think they're rated at 5 years, so the little rust that was present was probably my fault... but hey... they worked as advertised, IMO.

[Marswolf]

I might add that for long-term storage, they make anti-corrosion plastic gun bags. Here's one place that has them at a reasonable price:

http://www.exploreproducts.com/kleenboreanticorrosiongunstoragebag.htm

[edit] Oops, didn't see that you mentioned them Verbal....[/edit]

Here's a silica gel dehumidifier I use in a safe. Much easier to regenerate. Just plug it in instead of sticking in an oven.

Remington Model 365 Mini-Dehumidifier

http://www.remington.com/products/accessories/storage_&_safety/model_365_mini-Dehumidifier.asp

[Guest gcrookston]

Having lived in places like Mississippi, Louisiana and Houston, I have explored this topic in great depth. First, the weapons have to be properly treated inside and out with a Water Dispersing agent. For long term storage, WD40 is my choice. When my little brother was in the SEALs, they cleaned and lubricated there weapons with WD40.

For Short term storage, I recommend Breakfree CLP and for medium storage (months), I recommend Breakfree CLP Collectors. The later is great for neutralizing rust that has already started (as is WD40).

In my gunsafes I use electic dehumidifiers.

[Marswolf]

WD-40 works because it gunks up over time. That would be fine for long term storage. Just clean the pistol before firing it.

OTOH, Eezox is designed to prevent corrosion and lubricate the handgun. My personal feeling is that it is better as a non-gunking protectant than a lubricant but it will work in places that have fine blowing dust or sand. For other areas, I prefer a good gun oil or grease.

[Mike.357]

I am not sure about all this rust talk.

I have a model 60 that is near 25 years old and up until this year I never did the first thing to take care of it. It has little to no rust at all on it. My 1851 Navy was kept in the same manner, though I did clean it well after shooting. It is 20 years old at least and has no rust what-so-ever. But now since I have invested in a RSC I keep a can of rechargable dessicant inside. The dessicant claims to work for 6 months between chargings but I do it ever couple of months. So far no sign of rust on anything inside the safe. Before putting anything inside it and after cleaning/oiling they get a good rub down with a silicone cloth.

So now that I am over the top with taking care of my guns I figure they will rust to a pile of red dust within the next couple of years.

[molonlabetn]

The only rust I've ever seen on one of my guns was on the Mosin within a few hours of shooting corrosive ammo (yes... the bore rusted in the time it took me to drive from Oak Ridge to Tullahoma). Every other gun I have ever owned was just fine, even left a couple days without cleaning after a range session.

For long term storage in a damp environment, I could see the need for something better than some WD-40 or Rem Oil.

[Guest bkelm18]

Well the only reason I ask is that I checked on my guns the other day and some of them did have some fine rust on them. It wiped right off. I oiled them down again, but clearly the bag of desiccant isn't doing enough. I used vapor corrosion inhibitors a lot in the Navy and was wondering if anyone else was using them in their storage areas.

[Mike.357]

I am amazed Eddie that your Mosin rusted that fast. I am trying to think how long of a time frame mine has sat between shooting and cleaning, but I doubt it has sat as long as yours did on the drive home. I still would have not thought even a few days would much matter. I guess it does.

[DaveTN]

I keep WD-40 at least 20 feet from my guns at all time.

No kidding. Don’t use WD-40 on a firearm.