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Joe_S
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temp and humidity for gun storage
Dec 23rd, 2021 at 3:55pm
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After the horrible tornados hit the Midwest recently I started to contemplate keeping some of my rifles in the basement. I realize a basement could be sucked clean but that does not always happen. I tis not a finished basement. 
Its usually cold down there, due to AC in the summer settling in the basement and naturally cold temps in the Winter. Right now temp is about 55 degrees and Humidity about 35%. I normally run two de-humidifiers, but I am concerned that the humidity is too low, so I am in the unusual position of perhaps needing to raise the humidity. 
I am contemplating a safe or upright freezer, not sure which route to go,  but until then I could store a few rifles in hard gun cases.

I do all my reloading down there and have kept  several gun stocks in the basement for years with no damage so far.
Is the basement storage a bad idea in my situation?
Thanks!
Joe S
  
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calledflyer
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #1 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 4:05pm
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Honestly don't know how low is too low, but 35 percent isn't it. I live in a place where that level is the exception, and we often reach single digit humidity. Good ol' Nevada. 
No complaints from anybody here about stocks moving around much, other than folks who bring 'em up from places that are as damp as a swamp.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #2 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 4:18pm
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Have had 3 safes full of guns in my finished basement for over 3 decades without a problem. It's 55-65 degrees all year round, and humidity is extremely low. No ill effects at all for guns, or powder.
  
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4570mike
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #3 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 4:28pm
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My Storage is in the lower level (basement).  It's finished and has vents for heat and AC although it tends to stay cooler that the upper floors.  Winter humidity runs around 40%; summers a bit higher.  I found two things that seem to help; nothing is directly on the concrete floor; the storage space is vented to the rest of the area so the air doesn't get stagnant.  Most items are in hard cases either horizontal or vertical with the barrels down.  Some on shelves (horizontal); some (vertical) on a slightly raised wood platform.  Have had no indications of degradation on metal surfaces or wood.  I do make sure the rifles are clean and wiped down before being put away.
Mike.
  
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JLouis
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #4 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 5:35pm
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If well sealed the wood is not a problem here either is any concerns about rust here.
My safe is out in the garage and it always has been and for several years. 
No insulation, humidifiers, no fire proofing and absolutely no problems over here. 
Right now it has been pretty foggy and raining as well and in the summer it does get well over 100 degrees as well.
  
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rgchristensen
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #5 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 5:56pm
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Corrosion has always been my big worry (central East Coast).   In areas where the humidity might rise, storage in cases can be a serious NO-NO.  The molded plastic cases, of which I have a few, are very apt to cause serious rust problems overnight.  The only cases in which I risk storage are home-made wooden ones with treated wool linings which are used for the serious competition rifles. I have not had any corrosion problems from these cases.  Owing to extra bulk of cases, and owning 3-400 rifles, I don't generally store them in cases.  Since wood movement is generally perpendicular to the grain, I have not had any serious problems in this regard.

CHRIS
  
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Joe_S
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #6 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 7:00pm
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Due to the fact that the temperature in the basement is quite a bit cooler than the outside temperature during the summer, when I am taking the rifles out to shoot, how likely is it that condensation would form due to the difference in temperature of say 50 degrees on the rifle and 85 degrees with some humidity in the air? I suspect this would be a major reason to NOT store the rifles in the basement unless I can install a heater in the gun safe or freezer.

Joe S
  
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marlinguy
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #7 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 7:41pm
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Only time I ever had an issue going from my cool basement to the hot summer weather was one time when a friend stopped by to head to the range with me. We put our guns in his open pickup bed, and it was mid 80's outside, with sun baking on those soft cases. When we got there our guns were wet, and fortunately I had a cloth with treatment on it for wiping my guns down before going home.
I wiped my guns off, and left the cases open in the sun to dry while we shot. Then put them away, and no problems going home. Only gun that didn't sweat was transported in a foam lined hard plastic case, which seemed to insulate the rifle from direct sunlight's heat.
Never had this problem with my Suburban, or in the trunk of my car, as they never get that hot.
  
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #8 - Dec 23rd, 2021 at 8:05pm
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Super-Sorb
Army Surplus, when they have those big steel missile containers for sale, the bags of Super-Sorb get tossed.
Re-charge in the oven, good for years and years.
Good enough to keep missiles dry, good enough for guns.
  
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #9 - Dec 25th, 2021 at 12:16am
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I've been successful using humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain 35% as best as I can without extremes.
But it all depends upon your natural environment and not deviating to other extremes, 20 -30% different than home environment.
  
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axman
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #10 - Dec 30th, 2021 at 10:45pm
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Golden rod type low heat and a light coat of Rig should take care of most, also periodic inspection.
  
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.22-5-40
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #11 - Dec 31st, 2021 at 12:01am
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I also store guns in basement..if it's going to be hot and humid for range day..I will case them & bring them upstairs the night before letting them slowly come up to temp.
  
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #12 - Dec 31st, 2021 at 5:59pm
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I store in a basement and no issues. If in winter guns have been in unheated car for lengthy time then coming is is a condensation issue. So wipe down and wipe with favorite oil/ rust preventative.
  
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ballardhepburnmich
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Re: temp and humidity for gun storage
Reply #13 - Dec 31st, 2021 at 11:17pm
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I would not store my guns where the humidity was that high. 
Lee Gibbs
  
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