Jack Tierney

When younger, I used to be terrible about placing a firearm in my gun locker at the end of season with the intent to do it next weekend when I’m not as busy, only to forget about it for several months. That wasn’t good, and I regretted my improper gun storage each time. In fact, I once lost a favorite shotgun to excessive rust because I put it in a metal gun cabinet where it sat for months.

Even if you have cleaned all of your firearms and other shooting equipment right after you used them, now is a good time to go over everything once again to be safe. Make sure they’ll be ready to roll next time you need them — even if that next time is months away.

A Thorough Cleaning

Here’s a straight-forward approach to cleaning your firearms for end-of-season storage:​

1. Disassemble: Just as when someone hands you a firearm, check it first to make sure it is unloaded, and then, if this is the first time you’ve disassembled your shotgun, rifle or handgun in preparation for a thorough cleaning, refer to the manufacturer’s manual. With a bolt action rifle, it may be as simple as removing the bolt and dropping a box magazine out of the bottom, for a semi-auto shotgun, it might mean pulling apart the barrel, the fore-end, springs, the bolt and even removing the trigger, an AR, it can be even more.
2. The Bore: Using a quality bore solvent, such as Hoppe’s No. 9, apply a solvent-soaked patch to a cleaning rod and run it through the barrel from the breech end, avoiding contact with the muzzle to protect the crown on a rifle. Repeat this process with dry patches until they emerge clean. For stubborn fouling, a bronze bore brush can be employed. Once clean, pass a lightly oiled patch through the bore to provide a protective layer against corrosion.
3. Action and Chamber Care: The action and chamber are prone to accumulating residue, which can impede performance. Utilize a nylon brush, toothbrush or even cotton swabs to scrub these areas gently, removing any debris. Follow up by wiping them down with a lightly oiled cloth to ensure smooth operation.​
4. Exterior Protection: Wipe down all external metal surfaces with a cloth slightly dampened with a high-quality gun oil to prevent rust. For wooden stocks, applying a suitable wax or linseed oil can maintain their finish and prevent drying or cracking. ​
5. Inspect and Address Issues: While cleaning, inspect your firearm for signs of wear, such as cracks, rust spots or loose components. If you encountered any malfunctions during the season, now is the time to consult a gunsmith to rectify these issues before they escalate.​ Don’t’ wait until a week before the season and try to get it fixed before opening day. That’s what too many other hunters do and the gunsmith might not be able to fix it in time.

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Optimal Gun Storage

Once your firearm is thoroughly cleaned, proper storage is the next important step:​

1. 

   Proper Storage: Store firearms in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust. A gun safe or dedicated cabinet offers both security and environmental control. Some states now require firearms to be locked up in the home. While I’ll just say that should be up to you to choose how exactly you wish to secure your firearms, it’s a good policy regardless of the handful of states that now have storage laws to secure firearms where they can’t fall into the wrong hands. ​

2. Humidity Control: In areas prone to humidity, consider using desiccants like silica gel packs or dehumidifiers within your storage space to absorb excess moisture.​
3. Uncase It: Storing firearms in soft or padded cases can trap moisture, promoting corrosion. Instead, opt for hard cases with proper seals or store them uncovered in a safe environment.
4. Regular Checks: Periodically inspect your stored firearms, perhaps every few months, to ensure they remain in good condition. This practice allows you to address any unforeseen issues promptly.​

Additional Tips for Gun Storage

• Ammunition Storage:Store ammunition separately from firearms in a cool, dry place. Ensure it’s kept in airtight containers to prevent moisture exposure, which can degrade performance and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight tends to wear everything in a bad way.​
• Use of Protective Sleeves:While storing in padded cases is not recommended, silicone-treated gun socks can offer an extra layer of protection against moisture and dust during storage.​

Proper gun storage might take you an afternoon or, if your gun collection is still a small one, only an hour or two, but the time is well worth the investment to keep your guns in good working order and ready to hunt whenever you are.

Read more about gun storage on iSportsmanUSA.