Rimfire Rifles: Long term Storage

rxanderq

rxanderq

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I recently received my Ruger 10/22 rifle. I will not be using it often (I expect to take it out once or twice a year to the shooting range) and have a few questions.
How can I properly store it for an extended period of time?
Should the bolt be left open or closed to relieve the springs?
Should I dry-fire the rifle (with a snap cap) before putting it away for storage to relieve the spring?
Do I have to take any precautions to keep too much dust from getting into the firearm? I currently store it in a Plano hard case.

Thanks
 
For a few months at a time I wouldn't do anything special.

Just make sure you wipe it down with an oiled rag every now and then, and if your really concerned an oiled patch through the bore.

Obviously keep it somewhere dry, and don't leave it in that case you are talking about. Standing alone in a closet is a better option.

Those cases are known to hold moisture and cause issues with rust.

And the 10/22 can be dry fired without issue. Close the bolt and pull the trigger to release the hammer when putting it away.
 
mlehtovaara said:
For a few months at a time I wouldn't do anything special.

Just make sure you wipe it down with an oiled rag every now and then, and if your really concerned an oiled patch through the bore.

Obviously keep it somewhere dry, and don't leave it in that case you are talking about. Standing alone in a closet is a better option.

Those cases are known to hold moisture and cause issues with rust.

And the 10/22 can be dry fired without issue. Close the bolt and pull the trigger to release the hammer when putting it away.
Click to expand...

Ditto. NEVER store it in a case. I have snap caps for every firearm I own so that I can safely pull the trigger when I put them away. If it's going to be more than a few months I do a complete clean. Save by not buying over priced "gun' oil. I use Dexron ATF. Do a google on ATF as a gun oil, Grant Cunningham, you will find an interesting article.

Do run a dry patch through the bore after the oil patch though as there can be enough oil left behind to cause a bullet to jam and blam.
 
Slap a trigger lock on it and keep it in a closet (perfectly legal). DO NOT store it in a plastic case. It will rust.

I'd take it out once a month or so and give a look over. Wipe it down with an oily cloth. Springs do not weaken under pressure, only under complete use (pressure and release), so just leave the bolt closed. Dont bother dry firing.

And finally shoot it more often then once or twice a year. You and the gun will be healthier :p .
 
You could always lock the gun in the case with the foam removed. This will reduce the ammount of moisture trapped inside.

A good coat of oil and a couple dessicant packages thrown into the case will go a long way too.

You may want to consider getting a small safe or locker though. You can keep more things in it than just your rifle.
 
dave37 said:
Ditto. NEVER store it in a case. I have snap caps for every firearm I own so that I can safely pull the trigger when I put them away. If it's going to be more than a few months I do a complete clean. Save by not buying over priced "gun' oil. I use Dexron ATF. Do a google on ATF as a gun oil, Grant Cunningham, you will find an interesting article.

Do run a dry patch through the bore after the oil patch though as there can be enough oil left behind to cause a bullet to jam and blam.
Click to expand...

Looked up the article by Grant Cunningham. Quite interesting indeed. I may actually take some of that article to heart. Seems reasonable and makes sense. Thanks for sharing that one.
 
Wipe the fingerprints off it with a silicone cloth, and put it someplace dry is all I've ever done. Most .22 ammo is waxy, so it coats the bore. It really doesn't matter if the action is left open or closed, but you can safely dry fire it just so you know.

Do not store it in a case! A gun sock would be a better choice.
 
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