long term gun storage?

Question

i am joining the army as soon as i drop a few more pounds
i need to know how i should store my guns for about 3 years. i have a springfield 1911/mossberg 12ga shotgun/ar-15 .223 and a ak-47.

Answer 1

we all know that long term storage requires either cosmoline or other heavy rifle grease to be applied to all metal parts. Having said that, unless you are sure of being gone 3 years, I would clean each fiream thoroughly, then apply an extra thick coat of Breakfree CLP (which is what the military uses for cleaning firearms as it leaves a dry protectant on it) or another rifle oil of your choice, then purchase some of the plastic storage bags the military uses to protect firearms in harsh conditions. Slide your firearm into the bag, seal it and store it in a safe secure location. I prefer a gunsafe, but I have made due in the past by installing a solid core door on a closet, adding two dead bolts and making sure it is locked at all times.

Answer 2

Long Term Gun Storage

Answer 3

I wiped mine down inside and out with corrosion X heavy duty.. It's a greasy substance that wont run into the wood. I stored it 6 months in an unheated un ac humid storage unit with out any problems.
PS.. You probably wont need to store them three year. Unless you are deployed or in some overseas duty locations.
Once you graduate boot camp and get set up somewhere just bring your guns. I have been in the Army 22 years. One of the best parts is all the recreational shooting I do. From the weapons you allready mentioned it looks like you can get involved with 3 gun, CMP bullseye, IDPA or USPSA. When you get to your first duty station just ask your NCO's who in the unit is into shooting competition or hunting they can get you briefed on the local laws and storage issues.

Answer 4

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RE:
long term gun storage?
i am joining the army as soon as i drop a few more pounds
i need to know how i should store my guns for about 3 years. i have a springfield 1911/mossberg 12ga shotgun/ar-15 .223 and a ak-47.

Answer 5

with that type of humidity i'd look to see if mom and dad could keep them or a friend even behind a dresser or under the bed would be better than up there . If that isn't possible i would look for a army and navy surplus store or try on line it isn't that expensive to protect your investment a couple dollars of cosmoline ( military gun grease )is a lot cheaper than ANY gun . i just seen some areound me at a store and was like $ 1 contianer or try the net

Answer 6

in addition To all of the great replies to clean, lubricate, and store in a temp / humidity controlled environment (like a house, not attic ,etc)

I would add that placing them in a silicone impregnated "sock". These are available at cabellas and other on-line retailers. This keeps moisture from even thinking of getting to the weapon.

Adding desiccant material or a "heat rod" in the safe is also a good idea.

A decent safe from Walmart can be had for 300 and can store all you list and more. Get the 14 gun case. The extra room is worth it... and you can really only get about 8 in there, depending on length of barrel or scopes, and the AR / AK take up a bit more space base on the way they store in the safe.

Answer 7

First of all your going into the military not necesarily to war for 3 years. After basic and ait you will be assigned to permanet party. You are allowed to take your rifles with you. If your not married and have a place to live off base with your wife. Then you will live in the barricks. The Army will let you store your rifles in the Armory of the unit if you need them for hunting just let them know in advance and you can get them anytime you need them. If you decide to leave them with a friend or realitive then just lightly oil them. Wrap them with a cotton diaper and put them in the rifle case or gun locker. If you have a humidifier in your gun locker or safe then there will be no problem. If it were me I would take them with me after I get out of AIT. Just ask your Sergeant and he will help you.

Answer 8

Clean them completely and apply a light coat of oil inside and out, store in dark, humidity and temperature controlled environment. If you can get dye free cloth, wrap them in that and use the gun cases they came with, as long as they're in an ac'd and heated house, they';ll be fine.

Answer 9

Seperate the wood and metal as much as you can. You will want to coat the metal with a heavy lubricant-preservative and seal them well. There are sealable bags made just for this.....

Answer 10

cosmolene, or a good coat of Grease,