Over the years, I've had the opportunity, sad though it has been, to handle and sometimes refurbish guns that have been damaged from improper storage and/or house fires. A good fire resistant safe, with the guns in socks, and rugs or cases as well, is a good bet. Try to use something natural next to the gun, plastics, polyesters, or other synthetic materials will melt onto the gun and cause pretty serious damage. Layers are your friend. just like dressing for the cold. Layers of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, are fairly protective. Complete coverage is best, as any exposed area will most likely be smoke damaged. The smoke in most house fires, when mixed with the water they spray, will be acidic, and remove the finish in a hurry. As far as storage goes, keeping them dry is a must, and off the carpet. As has already been mentioned, carpet carries a variety of chemicals, some of which apparently are not gun friendly. I've handled guns that had the carpet "glued" to the side, from laying under the bed or couch for extended periods of time, and the finish has been heavily pitted. There may have been water involved as well, but who knows. Neglect will always catch up to you. The foam used in the cheap plastic cases, I'm sure, will deteriorate over time as well, and as has been mentioned, will gas out chemicals along the way. Most likely not good.
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