07/07/2025
As I discussed in the previous post, I’ve been wanting to post some information about proper firearm storage.
First, we can’t even start to address this without mentioning care before storage after your last
shoot. The picture below shows what happens when you bring your hunting firearm in from the field without caring for it first. This is a Marlin 336 that was used in cold weather, placed in a soft case, and then put in a closet at the end of the season.
Never follow this example of just putting it in a case and throwing it in your closet.
-First, wipe it down with an oily (not soaked) rag, run a patch down the barrel (keeping in mind to ensure it’s unloaded first), then let it slowly get to the house temperature before storing in a case. Buy some silica gel bags (or keep them from other products you purchased) and put a couple in your case.
If you’re storing in a safe, buy yourself a large silica gel bag to throw in there or purchase a device that removes moisture. If not, what you see in this post will happen to you. I’ve shown only a few devices that you can use but there are many products out there at a variety of price points.
In the next post we’ll discuss another issue from long use without proper care.
