Author Topic: Long-term rifle storage  (Read 3203 times)

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Offline Chris

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Long-term rifle storage
« on: February 16, 2010, 03:27:42 PM »
A silly question... I remember reading stories about Garand's being dipped in cosmoline and put away for storage after WWII.  Ditto for eggs and bacon, but you'd have to ask my dad about the food at Parris Island.

Does anyone have experience with vacuum sealing?  Specifically, AK-style rifles.  Could one, theoretically, shove an AK through a food-grade vacuum sealer and leave said rifle in the trunk of their car or (under the seat of) a truck?
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Offline Thor

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2010, 03:55:30 PM »
IF you could find one big enough, I'd lube it up and seal it up. Moisture & oxygen are a metal's worst enemies. Although, I fail to see WHY you would want to do this. I'd rather perform periodic maintenance on my weapons and have them ready to use at a moment's notice. Texas law allows me to have a weapon in my glove box at all times. No special permit required.
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Offline Chris

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2010, 04:03:03 PM »
I was wondering if it was feasible option.  Some states aren't as permissive at TX.  If I want to keep a rifle/handgun in my car in TN, the bolt has to be open at all times, and the ammunition has be kept separate from the rifle.
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Offline LC EFA

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2010, 04:08:38 PM »
I understand that after suitable application of preservatives, PVC pipe is a suitable container for long term storage of firearms.

Offline Chris_

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2010, 04:11:27 PM »
IF you could find one big enough, I'd lube it up and seal it up. Moisture & oxygen are a metal's worst enemies. Although, I fail to see WHY you would want to do this. I'd rather perform periodic maintenance on my weapons and have them ready to use at a moment's notice. Texas law allows me to have a weapon in my glove box at all times. No special permit required.

I kinda agree, especially with an AK......I dropped mine in the creek last fall, and just toweled it off, blew out the barrel, and stuck it back in the truck for several days before I got around to cleaning it properly, and it was fine.......the AK is built for a lot of abuse......

For a "trunk gun" I think that if you lube it properly, it can be stored for a long time without adverse affects.

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Offline DumbAss Tanker

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2010, 05:27:15 PM »
If it's a pistol, get a Pelican case or equivalent to keep it in, do not assume the manufacturer's case will protect it at all.

As far as long arms go, there are...reasons...for such questions, particularly where particular types of weapons are concerned.
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Offline Thor

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2010, 11:03:33 PM »
PVC pipe big enough to fit something like an AK would have to be an 8" inside diameter. I measured my L1A1 for such storage potential and the home vacuum sealer bags(rolls) aren't big enough for it. MY SLR95 MIGHT fit into the home size.

I was wondering if it was feasible option.  Some states aren't as permissive at TX.  If I want to keep a rifle/handgun in my car in TN, the bolt has to be open at all times, and the ammunition has be kept separate from the rifle.

That's a standard transportation law, fairly common throughout the US. When I was up in MN, I had to do the same until I obtained my carry permit.
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Offline asdf2231

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Re: Long-term rifle storage
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2010, 08:06:41 PM »
I've used a food sealer on handguns that went into long term storage. thourough coat of oil and they came out after two years in wildly varying temps pristine.  I also have some friends that prepared a cache on their property with Mosin Nagants (and ammo) lubed up, shrink wrapped w. the food sealer and buried in capped and sealed PVC pipe. They dug one up after 4 years buried and it was pretty as a picture.




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