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Gun safe Cancer

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Sgt. D View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/07/2008 at 10:54
Just a reminder Alert!
 
As I'm sure many of you know condensation in gun safes can be a nightmare. Yikes
Since I've taken on the repair work for a local gunshop the majority of my projects has been cleaning or restoring pistols, rifles and shotguns for various reasons. This latest was so typical of someone thinking that a 1200.00 safe will not have moisture issues. Wrong!  Eek
The bad thing is I don't know of any reliable solution that will let you just leave a gun in a safe year after year and not touch it. And granted most people will go in once or twice a yr. and wipe everything down and maybe spray or wipe something on them. But I know less than a hand full of folks that check "everything". Sometimes I let it slip my mind and let too much time pass and find I am having to do a total recondition on some of my stuff. And trust me a regular complete clean and grease is much easier and faster than a recondition. So I wanted to post this "heads up" and share a few tips for anyone who has let alittle too much time pass since the last "time to protect my investments" day.
 
                       CAUTION!!
The following images may be too graphic for some viewers!
 
 
Before     311 Stevens     16ga.
 
 
 
After               There is hope! This one was found in time to save at 20.00 an hr. 3hrs.
 
 
Anytime you have a firearm that has enclosed parts that are difficult to or rarely accessed, use a medium grease. Here I used white lithum and will usually give 3 to 5 yrs. of protection unless the firearm is kept in high temps (90+) more than most people do. There are many good medium greases, Rig is very good and if I can find some that is what I will use. Rig is alittle heavier and does well in above average temps. It also protects for 5+ yrs. Something I like to use these days is a spray silicone lub to protect against the eliments when hunting in wet or damp conditions. But no matter what you use try to stay diligent with your go to guns because frequent handling will always remove oils and sealers. Honestly, as for my go to guns I'd rather see alittle oil soak or stain in the wood than that evil red cancer!Shocked


Edited by Sgt. D - August/07/2008 at 10:56
Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Bigdaddy0381 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/07/2008 at 11:25

There are a few options to keep the moister out as you know. I have a dehumidifier (sp) i just plug it into the wall and dump the water tray once a week. I know I get a few guns a week that a "safe rust". I charge 85 flat rate for the cleaning but if it has got to be blued/painted or something else the price goes up from there. The work comes in spurts one week 7 rust next week 10 triggers the next week i might get 20 rifle that have water damaged from a house fire. Anyways thanks for the reminder.

 



Edited by Bigdaddy0381 - August/07/2008 at 11:27
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cyborg View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/07/2008 at 11:35
There are also a number of other methods that can be employed.... DampRid is a good one... I have used Rice in stockings hanging in a sealed gun case.... These all work, still you should check on them at twice a month to be sure that they are working properly.
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Sgt. D View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/07/2008 at 11:50
Originally posted by cyborg cyborg wrote:

There are also a number of other methods that can be employed.... DampRid is a good one... I have used Rice in stockings hanging in a sealed gun case.... These all work, still you should check on them at twice a month to be sure that they are working properly.
 
 
Exactly!!
 
Do all you know to do to keep moisture in check, but don't think that rust can't happen. Especially for the folk that lock em and forget em. Of course as long as people do that We will have work to do.
Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rkingston Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/08/2008 at 14:44
For about 40 bucks or so, the Golden Rod humidifiers work pretty good. They come in different lengths and wattages, typically less than 25 watts, and keep the humidity down pretty good. I think every safe should come standard with that, and a freakin light inside it.
Still no substitution for a good oil down once a year.
RK
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/08/2008 at 17:43
Good reminder post, Sarge!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2008 at 00:54
That is a real bummer Sgt. Good luck with the repairs.
I have been using a Golden Rod for years and have had no rust at all.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2008 at 10:03

Originally posted by tahqua tahqua wrote:

That is a real bummer Sgt. Good luck with the repairs.
I have been using a Golden Rod for years and have had no rust at all.

 

I've heard alot of good reports about Golden rod. Wish it came with all medium and high end safes.

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2008 at 10:11
Since I have had this one for at least ten years I always check to see if it still works after a post like this.
Thanks for the reminder, and yes it is still warm as ever.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 284winguy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2008 at 07:36
 I think a lot of the road to the rust gets started after a hunt in rain,drizzle, or snow & the gun is not given a proper cleaning before longer storage. I have many guns, some have not been shot for 10yrs or more. I use a few for most hunting & give them a good cleaning after the season. I will do some better cleaning during the season if it was a very wet hunt. I usually go over the stored guns 1-2 times a year. I agree, a little oil on the wood is better than rust. I've seen a few bad guns that were put away & forgotten after a wet hunt. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2008 at 10:21
Originally posted by 284winguy 284winguy wrote:

 I think a lot of the road to the rust gets started after a hunt in rain,drizzle, or snow & the gun is not given a proper cleaning before longer storage. I have many guns, some have not been shot for 10yrs or more. I use a few for most hunting & give them a good cleaning after the season. I will do some better cleaning during the season if it was a very wet hunt. I usually go over the stored guns 1-2 times a year. I agree, a little oil on the wood is better than rust. I've seen a few bad guns that were put away & forgotten after a wet hunt. 
 
 
Very true! It only takes a couple times of forgetting to go inside one after an above average wet hunt and you'll have permanant damage. The shotgun in this thread showed signs of fine mud as if maybe dropped in the river or something. I didn't get a story with it other than it had been in the safe. The practices you mention will keep your collection in top condition for as long as you have them. Thunbs%20Up
Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/10/2008 at 14:09

I use Hydrosorbent Silica Gel Desiccant, it's an Aluminum Canister that absorbs mosture. Two or three times a year I pop it in the oven for three hours at 325 degrees and presto it's ready for service again! I have never experienced rust using this stuff.

Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/12/2008 at 20:29
I think I've seen those somewhere, but I can't remember where. Where do you get the kind you are using and do you remember what they cost? Thunbs%20Up
Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/13/2008 at 09:45

I think it cost about $39.00 at Gander Mountain. They vary in price based on how large your safe is. I've had it for a couple of years now with no problems.

Sam

 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mustang-PaPa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2008 at 09:15
I've been using the "GOLDENROD" for about 14 years with no problems. Yes i try and pull everything out and oil it down on a bi-yearly schedule. Have had not issues.
Reading this thread has made me aware of just how old that "GOLDENROD" is and may just purchase another one for added insurance.
I'd say at one time my safe was in the worst conditions possible. Have it in a storage closet in the garage. The dryer vent was always dumped into the garage and it realy was a pain for every reason. Finaly re-routed the dry exhaust up and out. The best thing I ever did.
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