So I have a few Enfields, most notably a Matching, '43 LB, and I am looking into getting a mint '50 LB. I was wondering, since my collection is no doubt going to expand over the next few years, whats the best way to store them without damage? Right now, me and my dad are sharing a 10 gun Stack-On which is pretty cramped and not very friendly to delicate items. Whats the best way to store without scratching? I was thinking, when I finally get my own place, I would built a display room, but I am only 18 and hopefully be living at RMC for a few years.
Best way to store my valuable milsurps?
- Thread starter LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1
- Start date
Well, there are a few solutions, but the easiest would be simply to build or buy a wide, thin cabinet that will hold your guns vertically.
Easy to take the guns out without bumping, and does not take up much floorspace.
Here is a fancy example of what I am talking about. Obviously does not need to be this nice, but just gives you an idea.
Easy to take the guns out without bumping, and does not take up much floorspace.
Here is a fancy example of what I am talking about. Obviously does not need to be this nice, but just gives you an idea.
LENo4mkI, for what it's worth, if I'm going to store a rifle for a long time. Say the amount of time you're in the service or at home while overseas, I will make sure the rifle has a fine coat of cosmoline in and out, then wrap it in saran wrap. Works like a charm. I have a pristine mauser 98 that's been stored this way for 20 years and it still looks new. The saran wrap really protects the wood well from impact dents caused by other rifles being replaced/removed in the safe.
Suspend them in zero-gravity, dark, controlled climate (constant humidity / temperature). Ok short of that (I know there may be some technical challenges to my ideal solution): You want the rifle to be protected against (mostly) humidity - and fluctuation in its level. If the metal is well greased, it can isolate the metal from the air and even if water eventually condensates on the parts for whatever reason, it won't get to the bare metal.
I wonder what I'd do with the wood. I mean, what would protect the wood from the elements without affecting its look or surface finish?
Lou
I wonder what I'd do with the wood. I mean, what would protect the wood from the elements without affecting its look or surface finish?
Lou
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
Buy some gunsocks, slip them over your valuable milsurps (don't forget to remove bolts) and put them in a large model Stack-on or whatever safe you can put your hands on.
PP.
PP.
The last thing you want to do is to have any fabric in long-term contact with your gun. It will act as a moisture wick and do some ugly damage to the metal. I have a wonderful case-in-point in my junk drawer. A Swiss Vetterli with a nice shiny barrel except for a one inch section that is deeply rusted. That's where a cleaning patch was left for a number of years.
I you remove any active rust, lightly oil and keep the humidity to 50% or lower and check yearly, you'll be good for a long time. If you want to put it away and forget and accept fluctuating humidity, you'll need to use the accepted cosmoline route.
I you remove any active rust, lightly oil and keep the humidity to 50% or lower and check yearly, you'll be good for a long time. If you want to put it away and forget and accept fluctuating humidity, you'll need to use the accepted cosmoline route.
If you store vertically, store muzzle down so barrel oil does not migrate into the action and trigger. I made a small room in basement with rifle racks to hold 125 rifles. This style rack also has room for scoped rifles to have enough clearance so scopes don't touch te wall. Room has a de-humidifier for the summer, to keep air dry.
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
storage solutions
The answers are all here. Gun socks. Heavy oil (or Rust Inhibiting Grease). Muzzle down storage. Dehumidification.
The point I would add, is to attach copies of the registration certifiations or someother labelling to the outsides. That way you don't have to unwrap each one to find a particular serial number.
The answers are all here. Gun socks. Heavy oil (or Rust Inhibiting Grease). Muzzle down storage. Dehumidification.
The point I would add, is to attach copies of the registration certifiations or someother labelling to the outsides. That way you don't have to unwrap each one to find a particular serial number.
Thanks, But When I mean storage, I meant just storage when not using it. The Stack on case we are using is cramped and full of sharp edges just perfect to gouge a mint rifle. I was thinking of wrapping in cloth, but I guess the moisture would b drawn to it. We have a pack a desiccant in the case, but the case is not exactly air tight so it might not be working very well. As for humidity, its pretty dry round here, its been a little muggy these past few days but not nearly as bad as on say, the coast. But thanks for the input.
I was thinking of building a vertical rack and putting it in my closet and locking the door. I was also thinking of getting another safe, the Honeywell ones at Costco look good and are priced decent. They seem to be a lot bigger then the stack-on ones and they look a little more air tight so the desiccant can work better.
I was thinking of building a vertical rack and putting it in my closet and locking the door. I was also thinking of getting another safe, the Honeywell ones at Costco look good and are priced decent. They seem to be a lot bigger then the stack-on ones and they look a little more air tight so the desiccant can work better.
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
One of the most secure storage "containers" is sold by Crown Assets. Periodically 4-drawer filing cabinet safes come up on auction. They have a dial lock and locking bars. I know several guys who have bid and won them (about $300 to $400). Build a racking system inside and things are stored at the same standard as the government's secret documents.
The alternative is something like a sheet metal stationary cabinet with a suitable interior arrangement of shelves and holders.
The alternative is something like a sheet metal stationary cabinet with a suitable interior arrangement of shelves and holders.
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
No. It is a heavy grease that will soak into the pores of the wood and soften it artificially. If you are putting rifles away for a longish period of time, a slather of Boiled Linseed Oil hand-rubbed will replace the lost oils from evaporation and handling. If you aren't sure how much oil to use, think Swedish Bikini Team ....
