Gun storage

4 Scale · 11-01-2017, 03:31 PM

I don't trust my common sense when it comes to material properties. As an example, in this thread I see numerous collectors saying "don't store in foam". I think that is good general advice.

But - I have metal photo equipment that has been stored in foam-lined Pelican cases for decades. Pelican in a high quality case manufacturer. It looks like 'egg foam' BTW. I have never had a metal item in a Pelican case corrode, or seen the foam in them degrade.

I have heard that polyethylene foam is safe for long term storage. I think polyethylene foam is my Pelicans, but I'm not sure (they are decades old). On the other hand, I have had foam that crumbled after a few years. There seem to be many types of foam. What is the difference between them? Is it OK to store firearms in Pelican cases? I would guess so based on decades of experience but the truth is I don't know because I am not a materials expert.

One highly experienced collector says sweat shirt material can be used to make cases. My sweat shirts are 100% cotton. Several others say only synthetics should be used. Who is right?

I'd not pushing Pelican, nor am I criticizing fellow collectors or disputing the advice in the thread not to store firearms in foam. I am just pointing out that in this thread there are conflicts between collector experience. There are a huge amount of storage products out there, and I wish I knew more about them via an expert impartial source. Like probably many collectors, some of my Lugers are over 100 years old. I can tell you that based on inspection under a microscope, even the +90% blue ones have oxidation. What is the best way to prevent oxidation? I wish I knew, based on data.

11-01-2017, 03:31 PM	#20
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 490 Times in 251 Posts	I don't trust my common sense when it comes to material properties. As an example, in this thread I see numerous collectors saying "don't store in foam". I think that is good general advice. But - I have metal photo equipment that has been stored in foam-lined Pelican cases for decades. Pelican in a high quality case manufacturer. It looks like 'egg foam' BTW. I have never had a metal item in a Pelican case corrode, or seen the foam in them degrade. I have heard that polyethylene foam is safe for long term storage. I think polyethylene foam is my Pelicans, but I'm not sure (they are decades old). On the other hand, I have had foam that crumbled after a few years. There seem to be many types of foam. What is the difference between them? Is it OK to store firearms in Pelican cases? I would guess so based on decades of experience but the truth is I don't know because I am not a materials expert. One highly experienced collector says sweat shirt material can be used to make cases. My sweat shirts are 100% cotton. Several others say only synthetics should be used. Who is right? I'd not pushing Pelican, nor am I criticizing fellow collectors or disputing the advice in the thread not to store firearms in foam. I am just pointing out that in this thread there are conflicts between collector experience. There are a huge amount of storage products out there, and I wish I knew more about them via an expert impartial source. Like probably many collectors, some of my Lugers are over 100 years old. I can tell you that based on inspection under a microscope, even the +90% blue ones have oxidation. What is the best way to prevent oxidation? I wish I knew, based on data.