Carefull with Storage-Regular Inspection Required.

[kaunda]

Due to long absence have only now been able to check guns stored in the cabinet.All oiled before locking away and stored butt down.Obviously overdone the oil on my Over and Under as it is now locked solid and cannot ( by me at least) be opened.So a (long) trip to the gunsmith is required.

 

Moral - very lightly oil, store muzzle down to ensure any surplus oil goes away from the action, and INSPECT REGULARLY !.

[loriusgarrulus]

Normal gun oil shouldn't set like that. Are you sure you didn't get any stock oil onto it as that is a setting oil.

[kaunda]

Thanks for this point.

The gun was purchased new some four years ago,only out of the cabinet once or twice,no stock oil used by myself,only the usual proprietry gun oil.Could it have been manufacturers ' finish ' from the fore - end that had run down ? Rather think that was too thick to get into the very tight works.Have to wait until the implement is stripped and hear what the gunsmith makes of it.

Salutary lesson learnt.Such is life.

[loriusgarrulus]

My guns are all out every week, so not normally a problem. Hope its ok.

[kent]

I assume it because the wood has soaked up oil and tightened the fit?

[kingo15]

Nice heads up for some people. Mine are out and used about 3 times a week so I think im good.

Once or twice in 4 years thats a long time.

[figgy]

A lot of so called gun oils dry up to a varnish like substance. Can't be just oil must have other stuff mixed with it.

 

If I want to protect my guns like that a wipe down with a rag damp with clean engine oil is perfect.

 

Figgy

[loriusgarrulus]

Most specialist oils for guns have a thinner component often spirit based that eventually evaporates over a long period leaving the thicker components behind, even the ones for the mechanical parts. If you want to know what's in the oil your using Google the COSSH sheet for them.

 

Engine oil will set eventually. That's why cars being stored long term get drained and filled with parrafin which doesn't set. Just don't smoke near it. B)

 

The oils for woods are designed to set. That's how you get the hard finish with some oils like Danish oil.

[kaunda]

My Thanks to all for their coments and suggestions - Lessons learnt - almost a case of ' Use 'em or Lose 'em ' !

[Westley]

 

Can I suggest that if you go in for 'long storage' that you invest in one (for each gun) of the silicone impregnated storage 'socks' available on fleabay. I have one for each of my 7 guns and one or more of my guns are out every week. The bag does protect the gun during prolonged storage so copious amounts of oil are not required. My reason for buying them was to protect my guns from minor damage when coming in and out of cabinet. The ones that I have are by Remington and are superb.

[JohnfromUK]

I have some guns that are only handled every few years (and some weekly) - I've never had any additional stiffness let alone any seizing, so I'm not sure what has happened in your case. I use Young's 303 in barrels, Rangoon oil on the outside metal/barrels and Phillips walnut oil on the wood (all VERY sparingly applied). Guns are stored muzzle up in a steel cabinet in an upstairs room.

 

Never had any problems or any corrosion despite living in a large old and sometimes rather damp house.

Edited July 22, 2014 by JohnfromUK

[Duckman91]

Can I suggest that if you go in for 'long storage' that you invest in one (for each gun) of the silicone impregnated storage 'socks' available on fleabay. I have one for each of my 7 guns and one or more of my guns are out every week. The bag does protect the gun during prolonged storage so copious amounts of oil are not required. My reason for buying them was to protect my guns from minor damage when coming in and out of cabinet. The ones that I have are by Remington and are superb.

+1 they are great and only cost about 6 quid

[steve_b_wales]

I use VP90 vapour sachets in my cabinets, which last for approx 1 year. My shotguns/rifles are very lightly oiled with Ballistol.

[ashcmt]

I throw the odd silica sachet in the bottom of my cabinet too when I come by them, just as a back up against moisture

[activeviii]

bit late now but wouldn't it be better to store broken down. you don't see many new shotguns come assembled.

 

take stock and forend off. spray with wd40 of gt85, leave to soak and then very carefully blow outwith airline. this will dissolve the old oils down. then once you have it open. oil with a good gun oil. load it up with it. then blow out with airline again.

to re-oil i use a cocktail stick with a split in it. dip in oil and put a tiny amount on the bearing surfaces.

 

for storage. Remington gun sock of ebay. £7.50 each. oil a rag and wipe finger prints of metalwork, put in sock and tie top. i have rifles, with scopes, stored this way too. but i think for long term you cant beat breaking the gun down.