Storing barrels long term

[Samsquanch]

I have 5 rifle barrels I need to figure out how to store properly. Humidity is a huge problem where I live, and I'm constantly knocking rust off of guns, spraying stuff down with barricade, and have dehumidifiers all over the place. 3 of them are sealed in plastic bags from the factory so I figured those should probably be left sealed. The other 2 I'm not so sure about. They'll probably be stored for years before being used, so I'm wondering if there are any clever suggestions for how to preserve these.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Gentleman4561]

Lots of oil. When time comes to use just hit with brake cleaner.

Same idea as all the Mosins that have been stored in cosmoline longer than we have been alive.

 

[JohnCarter17]

There is a modern solution, I'll update this later.

Fuck cosmoline.

 

[GMZ]

I put all my gun parts and rarely used precision tools in appropriately sized VCI bags.

https://www.zerust.com/

 

[hlee]

If you need to go through those efforts to keep rust away, you need to consider the environment. Climate control is ultimately easier rust prevention than all of the oil in the world.

 

[Sogan]

I put all my gun parts and rarely used precision tools in appropriately sized VCI bags.

https://www.zerust.com/

Did not know these were a thing

 

[Charger442]

How about a roll of food saver vacuum bags, half a cup of SLP2000 per barrel bag, might get 2-3 barrels in a bag depending on bag roll width. Vacuum suck and seal.

You just made a barrel battle pack.

 

[bfoosh006]

Zerust also sells stuff for the bore.... https://www.zerust.com/products/vci-emitters-diffusers/zerust-ict-tube-strips/

You will still want a decently dry storage area... in case

I have used Zerust / VCI products for about a decade.

 

[Sogan]

Zerust also sells stuff for the bore.... https://www.zerust.com/products/vci-emitters-diffusers/zerust-ict-tube-strips/

You will still want a decently dry storage area... in case

I have used Zerust / VCI products for about a decade.

They are on top of their game. I need tk make some purchases

 

[shoobe01]

Practically everything industrial (tools, etc) that you can pick up and needs to be stored more than a few days is either encased in (strippable tool-coating) wax or just stuck in a VCI bag, basically depending on how much picking it up will hurt you.

I'd make sure no damage by also putting a capplug on each end, and maybe a plastic net around the length as well.

 

[MK20]

You can buy giant VCI rolls off of Amazon. Get those, and a vacuum sealer and things will stay pristine for decades. Put some desiccant in as well. Just make sure it doesn't touch the part.

 

[JohnCarter17]

I put all my gun parts and rarely used precision tools in appropriately sized VCI bags.

https://www.zerust.com/

That was it. I remembered it started with a Z, but forgot the name.

This is the link you want: https://www.zerustproducts.com/products/product-category/firearms-ammo-weapons/

You can get both weapon bags, and tube and barrel strips (by the foot) in different diameters.
I went with .20 and .25 diameter strips.

I haven't tried their rust prevention vapor capsules, but they sound like a good idea for the safe if you aren't bagging everything up.

 

[cas6969]

I suppose it depends on what you mean. Barrels you only need access to occasionally, or barrels you're not going to even touch for 5-10-15 years? If it were me and the latter, I'd make PVC tubes, fill them with oil and stick them in the corner of my basement for a decade.

(things rust or grow mold in my basement in a few weeks. Things out in my ratty old sheds rust less than in my basement. lol)

 

[Northman623]

Cosmoline for the win. I know it sucks cleaning them up but there is nothing better.

 

[GH41]

Boeshield T-9

 

[shoobe01]

Boehield (et al) is nice but maybe not for long-term, unattended storage. Say you spray down evenly, wrap in paper with some on that also, and then wrapping in plastic you will tend to get dry spots from where it rests or other reasons. Those are then not protected as well and can rust after all.

VCI (or other I presume) impregnated papers don't have that issues.

 

[AngryKoala]

That was it. I remembered it started with a Z, but forgot the name.

This is the link you want: https://www.zerustproducts.com/products/product-category/firearms-ammo-weapons/

You can get both weapon bags, and tube and barrel strips (by the foot) in different diameters.
I went with .20 and .25 diameter strips.

I haven't tried their rust prevention vapor capsules, but they sounds like a good idea in the safe if you aren't bagging everything up.

If the issue is moisture then tackle the problem (moisture). Plastic bags, even heat sealed allow moisture in. The thicker the plastic the lower the vapor permeability (still permeable).

Oil by itself is a very weak corrosion preventative. Oil with additive (over-based sulfonates, ZDDP, fatty amine ect) provides better barrier protection.

If you want long term storage then may I suggest the following:

1. Get a sealed container (should have some sort of elastomer seal).
2. Put color indicating desissicant packs in the container.
3. Coat the barrels in a rust preventative oil.
4. Put the barrels in a sealable bag.
5. Place that in another larger sealable bag and throw a color indicating dessicant pack in that as well.

Replace packs as necessary. Kind of overkill but it works.

Zerust products will work as well (keep copper components away) but just realize they have limitations. I know a fair amount about their products if you have questions.

 

[AngryKoala]

Boehield (et al) is nice but maybe not for long-term, unattended storage. Say you spray down evenly, wrap in paper with some on that also, and then wrapping in plastic you will tend to get dry spots from where it rests or other reasons. Those are then not protected as well and can rust after all.

VCI (or other I presume) impregnated papers don't have that issues.

VCI's have other issues:

Copper incompatibility (some not all).
Depletion (problem for non-hermetically sealed environments).
Hygroscopic (some not all).
Carcinogenic (sodium nitrite, VCI bags specifically)
Bad health ratings (amines)

 

[shoobe01]

Oh, good to know all. I haven't had to deal with those, no one gave me the MSDS. Will look harder for next time I have to use it!