Long Term Storage

[EddieB]

Should I loosen my action screws when storing my guns for an extended period of time?

I have done a lot of searching but have not found much info. Currently I wipe the stock down, put some grease\oil down the barrel and on the metal. Also make sure that the firing pin has been released. I there any thing else that I should be doing or something I should change?

Thanks for any input.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Where do these suggestions come from, where did you hear this? No need to loosen any screws. I've never even heard of this until just a couple weeks back when it was asked here... If you have time and are able, cleaning weekly would ensure they stay pretty. A bit of oil and leave the screws tight.

[EddieB]

No need to loosen any screws. A bit of oil and leave the screws tight.

Thanks Jim. I haven't heard it anywhere, but figured I should ask what others are doing. I noticed that the Swiss guns that I have purchased usually have the actions screws pretty loose, I figured this was because that is the way they were stored.

T

[Daan Kemp]

Ask the military. They store firearms for decades, sometimes with lots of rust preventative. Springs usually not under tension. No loose screws that can get lost.

Long term storage? Good oil cover on metal. Take it out annually for wood preservative oiling.

[EddieB]

Ask the military. They store firearms for decades, sometimes with lots of rust preventative. Springs usually not under tension. No loose screws that can get lost.

Long term storage? Good oil cover on metal. Take it out annually for wood preservative oiling.

Thanks Daan

[WarPig1976]

Long term storage? I shove'em in the freezer they last for years, no need to oil either. Make sure to wrap them in Duct tape though, keeps the freezer burn at bay..........

I would suggest whenever storing long arms for long or short periods is to store them muzzle down.
Keeps the oil from soaking into and softening and staining the butt/tang area.

[EddieB]

Long term storage? I shove'em in the freezer they last for years, no need to oil either. Make sure to wrap them in Duct tape though, keeps the freezer burn at bay..........

I would suggest whenever storing long arms for long or short periods is to store them muzzle down.
Keeps the oil from soaking into and softening and staining the butt/tang area.

Thanks WarPig, looks like I will be shopping for a large freezer this weekend

[Jonzie]

I keep my guns in bore stores or sackups silicone treated cotton socks

[WarPig1976]

sackups silicone treated cotton socks

Just be careful with those stocks. I've seen it where the socks have left their impression in the finish of sporting guns. Heat softens the varies varnishes an depending on where you store the gun..........

[Jonzie]

Thanks for the heads up, I mostly use the bore stores on my guns and store in a climate controlled room.