Parker Storage Question

[Steve Kleist]

I have heard some mixed advice about gun storage moisture in general and Parker storage specifically.

My question: Is a desiccant or dehumidifier needed and/or advised in a gun cabinet that exists in a normal midwest household environment?

I have also heard that an atmosphere that is too dry can cause stock and forend issues.

Can our members shed some expertise on this topic?

Thank you. Steve Kleist Ely, MN

[C.O.B.]

Steve I have kept my guns in a cabinet with the glass door for many years with no problems just keep them lightly oiled. For the last 15 years or so I've used a gun safe. I have two one of which has a humidity rod in it as it came with the safe, the other I use a can of cat litter to draw any moisture and change this about twice a year. All guns have a very light coat of oil on the metal surfaces. I have had no rust problems. The guns get a complete wipe down after use and all the guns get it done twice a year as most of them arn't used much.

[Smoothebore]

I highly reccomend a humidity rod, or golden rod, or other brand names. They put off little heat, but keep the humidity down. I keep guns in two closets, one in the house, and the other in the workshop that is only heated if I light a fire in the stove. Each location has one of these rods and I've never had a problem.

Dave

[OH Osthaus]

i use one of those small tubs moisture absorbing crystals in my safe. It keeps things rust free here. I didn't need it in the previous house, but after a few months here I noticed a spot on a gun. put the stuff in there and no issue since. I do wipe them down a couple times a year.

the idea of drilling a hole trough a fire proof safe for a cord didn't make sense to me.

[todd allen]

My guns are stored in a safe, muzzle down, lightly oiled/re-oiled at each handling.

[Eldon Goddard]

Where I live has very low humidity around 3% during summer and I have never had a problem with rust. However my .458 lott is on its 3rd stock due to spliting. Whether this is from recoil or from the dry climate I am not sure. I have not had a problem with any other gun in my safe.

[Roundsworth]

Steve, I live about 70 miles from you, so we share the same climate. I have a dessicant filled unit in my gun locker that cost about $20.00 at L&M Supply. When the beads turn pink, I plug it in for a few hours to dry it out. I don't leave the locker hanging open for extended periods, but moisture still manages to invade the inner sanctum.

[Dennis]

Steve I can add a comment regarding wood drying out though not necessarily from the gun being in a safe. I once moved from the California coast to Colorado. Deer season began 2 months later and I eagerly looked forward to shooting my first mule deer with my favorite Model 70 in 270 WCF. As luck would have it the first morning I hunted I saw a mule deer walking about 40 yards from me. Using a steady rest I fired all 5 shots at the deer and missed every time. With my gun now empty the deer nonchalantly walked away. He didn't even give me the good feeling of running as if he had something to fear. I had just sighted the rifle in prior to leaving California so had no idea why I had missed. While walking back to my truck I happened to lift the rifle by the barrel. It was then that I noticed a decided wiggle in the gun. When I stopped to look at the rifle I could hold the barrel with one hand and the stock in the other. The stock simply shook loosely on the barreled action. Later when I got home I tightened the guard screws and shot the rifle. It was centered as I had left it when I drove from California to Colorado. the dry air of Colorado had shrunk the wood leaving the stock loose. I haven't had that happen before or since but it can happen.

Dennis

[Autumn Daze]

In Connecticut we get some pretty humid days in the summertime. My guns are wiped down with Ballistol and put away. Never a problem...No muss...No Fuss.

[BRDHNTR]

A humidity rod is great insurance inside your gun cabinet. Like the other members who've posted on this thread, I hit all the metal surfaces with Rem Oil. You can also use it on wood surfaces a number of gunsmiths have told me without any concern.

But get a humidity rod first. They work.

Colorado has something like 5% humidity - great climate for storing guns.