My case is soaking up my Ruger's oil

LloydXmas250 · October 11, 2009, 01:18 AM

After cleaning my Ruger I lightly oil the gun like I'm supposed to. Once I'm done, put it in my case, which is padded with foam, but the next time I use the gun I notice that the foam soaks up the oil from the spots it touches and the finish looks dull in that area. Is that a problem or just superficial? Thanks guys

drail · October 11, 2009, 08:44 AM

I wouldn't store it in the foam lined case. Those cases are designed more for shipping than storage. Some foam will absorb moisture from the air and cause the gun to rust. If you have nothing else to store it in you should get a heavy freezer zip lock bag and put some dessicant packs in with the gun and then place it in the case. Some oils will break some foam materials down and make a real mess of your gun. But definitely keep it oiled up. Is this a stainless gun or what?

45Gunner · October 11, 2009, 09:53 AM

Each and everyone of my guns is stored in the original hard case it came in and they are in my fireproof safe which has an electric dehumidifying device in it. From what I gather about your post, if you take a clean, soft cotton cloth and wipe the gun down after you take it out of the box, it should be OK. The important element is moisture...make sure there is none. The plastic bag is a good alternative if you do not have an airtight safe with a dehumidifier.

FishEngineer · October 11, 2009, 10:56 AM

If your case is causing a problem stop storing it in the case. I store most of my handguns on plate racks in the safe with a golden rod - works great.

woad_yurt · October 11, 2009, 12:35 PM

Really. Get a gun sock, Like Bore-Store, for about $5-$7, and use it instead of the case.

LloydXmas250 · October 11, 2009, 12:51 PM

It's a Ruger Mk III 22/45 that's blued so it's really noticeable. I wasn't a fan of the plastic case it came in, just all plastic and it doesn't hold the gun and magazines snuggly. If it shakes you hear every move and that bugged me so i bought a case lined with foam so it holds the gun in tight. I liked that about it but have now come across this problem. They didn't mention it being bad for the gun at the gun store I bought it at. And I definitely do not have the money for gun safe, let alone one with a dehumidifier. I may have to take a look at those gun socks. Thanks for the advice.

Slopemeno · October 11, 2009, 01:11 PM

I can't tell you how many guns I reblued that came into the shop with the waffle pattern of foam rusted into them.

lee n. field · October 11, 2009, 02:05 PM

If you're going to store it in that case, wrap the gun in an oily rag first.

sophijo · October 11, 2009, 02:16 PM

The dishrack; wire/rubber coated is a really good idea IMO. The racks I have will hold 6-8 handguns upright on a safe shelf. Air can circulate around them and you have relatively easy access. Keep em wet.

J A · October 11, 2009, 02:20 PM

Long guns will rust in a case just as quick as a handgun. Not too many years ago I picked up a very low round count Savage 110 that had one side from muzzle to receiver lightly rusted from being stored in a case. I bought it for a song and took it home and cleaned it up with some Rem Oil. The rust came right off. I made money on that one. Jim

LloydXmas250 · October 11, 2009, 02:45 PM

Placing it inside a gun sock would stop the problem and I could still use the case correct?

Coltman 77 · October 11, 2009, 06:08 PM

Get a quality gun rug, not one of the $8.00 ones but something more in the line of $30.00. They breathe. Look at the high end ones.

I've oiled up many pistols and stored them for months at a time in gun rugs with no problems at all.

You do need to check them about once a month but they are a great way to store pistols.

I'll stick one in my car quite often (I have a CCH permit) and it's a good way to transport a pistol with a few extra mags.

johnbt · October 11, 2009, 06:38 PM

When I was younger and poorer, I'd take the foam out of the plastic cases and spray it with silicone. I'd set the pieces on a board under the back porch and heavily spray both sides and let it soak for a couple of days.

That took care of the waffle patterns on stored guns. Barely had to wipe them down either.

One thing I discovered though; I hate silicone on me and I hate the smell.

I hate it almost as much as...well, did I ever mention the day my now ex-wife Armor-All'd the steering wheel and shift knob on my car?

John

Slopemeno · October 11, 2009, 11:41 PM

If you think THAT'S bad try the seat to a motorcycle. Just about came off that thing.

gyvel · October 12, 2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

If you're going to store it in that case, wrap the gun in an oily rag first.

Worst thing in the world to do.

Once the oil evaporates from the rag, it will start to absorb moisture from the atmosphere and eventually grow into the metal of your gun. Seen that many times.

(Not to mention that, under certain circumstances, oily rags in confined spaces can ignite due to spontaneous combustion and start a fire.)

LloydXmas250 · October 12, 2009, 01:10 AM

So was my investment, not a big one but still, in this foam case a waste? It seems a little redundant to have to have another fabric case inside. And if foam is bad for guns, why do they even offer them?

12GaugeLosAngeles · October 12, 2009, 01:27 AM

Same happened here with my case, that's like having foam for a carpet, the moisture just sits there, forget the finish... i'm worried what it would do over time the the ammo's primers, moisture is ammo's worst enemy, keep your guns in a nylon holster in a cool dry place... or the moisture monster is going to get ya!

Bill DeShivs · October 12, 2009, 01:41 AM

Those cases are for transport, not storage.
Oil your gun, and sit it on a shelf.

shortwave · October 12, 2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Oil your gun, and sit it on a shelf.

And not on a rag on a shelf.

jgcoastie · October 13, 2009, 12:34 AM

I use these to hold my handguns.

I just used regular wood screws to fasten it to the wall, with the mounting holes horizontal. Works good with full-size guns, something more along these lines might work well with a compact/sub-compact as the retaining strap is adjustable.

Chris_B · October 13, 2009, 12:28 PM

"Foam" is a very broad range of plastics. There are some that do not damage firearm finishes, and do not absorb moisture. I know many people don't want to hear that; to many people, 'foam' is foam, end of story

I think the problems in Lloyd's situation are:

1) You don't know if the foam in the case is open or closed cell
2) you don't know the type of foam used
3) there's probably no pressure valve on that case
4) there's no gasket on that case
5) there's no dessicant in that case

I have made people on this forum upset in the past by stating that 'foam', when chosen correctly, is non-damaging. Sorry. Pelican Cases for instance use this closed cell polyethylene foam, and it is non-absorbent, impervious to gasoline or solvents and oils, their cases are watertight to 30 feet, and they use a purge valve. Right now my company has a high-speed camera on loan from the USMC, and both the Marines and we trust that type of case for this 60 thousand dollar camera's storage and transport. Not a gun, true. But much more valuable. Pelican also makes weapons cases for civilian, law enforcement, and military use, and they offer pre-cut foam for weapons such as the M9 pistol

I think a firearms case should be chosen with care, but I also think that to dismiss 'foam' is to assume that all foam is made from the same plastic and is all the same. The old styrofoam coolers from my childhood will damage a firearm finish and melt in contact with solvents; today's high performance plastics offer choices that will not cause that damage.

Here's a link to a Pelican:

http://www.casesbypelican.com/milita...911-single.htm

I buy their 'pick and pluck' cubed foam (closed cell polyethylene), cut the 'bun' in two, and make my cut-outs that way. And then you can run over the gun inside that case with a truck, and there will be no damage.

I'm sure that other gun cases and storage possibilities exist; this one fits my needs not necessarily anyone else's- I also inspect my firearms about once a week. Please buy the case that fits you the best but also consider that 'foam' is not what you might think it must be.

I would not use the original Ruger case myself; I would choose a Pelican

drail · October 13, 2009, 01:31 PM

I agree with the posts stating that a foam lined case is for transport and not storage. I would store it on some type of rack or shelf in your safe. Any type of porous material (foam, oily rag etc.) will absorb moisture from the air on a humid day and store it next to the gun. I have also seen too many guns damaged by storing them in cases with cloth or foam linings. But whatever you do keep it oiled and check it frequently. A dehumidifier or some dessicant packs in your safe is a good idea.

Tom2 · October 13, 2009, 04:25 PM

I use padded zip up cases in the cabinet here. The fabric inside the cases probably dries up some of the protective film I put on the guns, but I have had no rust problems. The locked cabinet is in a dry area of the house, not a basement or an attic. I have a few of those foam lined plastic cases, they came with the guns in most instances. I do not use them for any storage. If you want to use them, perhaps oil the outsides of the guns and put them in a plastic bag, like what a newspaper comes in. A dry plastic bag, not from a paper that has been out in the rain! Or a ziploc bag. Do inspect your guns on a regular basis. No matter how you store them. That is called stopping rust by staying ahead of it. I do not care to mess around with dessicant, dryers, etc. in a normal home environment. I do not live on the coast/beach either. That might be different.

williamd · October 13, 2009, 05:31 PM

Two great ways to hurt a gun are too much oil/lube and a foam lined case. Plastic or neopreme cases, too. They gotta breath and a oil cloth is all the oil needed.

October 11, 2009, 01:18 AM	#1
LloydXmas250 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 334	My case is soaking up my Ruger's oil After cleaning my Ruger I lightly oil the gun like I'm supposed to. Once I'm done, put it in my case, which is padded with foam, but the next time I use the gun I notice that the foam soaks up the oil from the spots it touches and the finish looks dull in that area. Is that a problem or just superficial? Thanks guys

October 11, 2009, 09:53 AM	#3
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 1,902	Each and everyone of my guns is stored in the original hard case it came in and they are in my fireproof safe which has an electric dehumidifying device in it. From what I gather about your post, if you take a clean, soft cotton cloth and wipe the gun down after you take it out of the box, it should be OK. The important element is moisture...make sure there is none. The plastic bag is a good alternative if you do not have an airtight safe with a dehumidifier. __________________ 45Gunner May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor NRA Life Member

October 11, 2009, 02:05 PM	#8
lee n. field Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2002 Location: The same state as Mordor. Posts: 5,588	If you're going to store it in that case, wrap the gun in an oily rag first. __________________ "As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. "

October 11, 2009, 02:16 PM	#9
sophijo Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 667	dishrack The dishrack; wire/rubber coated is a really good idea IMO. The racks I have will hold 6-8 handguns upright on a safe shelf. Air can circulate around them and you have relatively easy access. Keep em wet.

October 11, 2009, 02:20 PM	#10
J A Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Location: The Hawkeye State Posts: 191	That goes for long guns as well. Long guns will rust in a case just as quick as a handgun. Not too many years ago I picked up a very low round count Savage 110 that had one side from muzzle to receiver lightly rusted from being stored in a case. I bought it for a song and took it home and cleaned it up with some Rem Oil. The rust came right off. I made money on that one. Jim

October 11, 2009, 08:44 AM	#2
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I wouldn't store it in the foam lined case. Those cases are designed more for shipping than storage. Some foam will absorb moisture from the air and cause the gun to rust. If you have nothing else to store it in you should get a heavy freezer zip lock bag and put some dessicant packs in with the gun and then place it in the case. Some oils will break some foam materials down and make a real mess of your gun. But definitely keep it oiled up. Is this a stainless gun or what?

October 11, 2009, 10:56 AM	#4
FishEngineer Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 102	If your case is causing a problem stop storing it in the case. I store most of my handguns on plate racks in the safe with a golden rod - works great.

October 11, 2009, 12:35 PM	#5
woad_yurt Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Posts: 1,206	Really. Get a gun sock, Like Bore-Store, for about $5-$7, and use it instead of the case.

October 11, 2009, 12:51 PM	#6
LloydXmas250 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 334	It's a Ruger Mk III 22/45 that's blued so it's really noticeable. I wasn't a fan of the plastic case it came in, just all plastic and it doesn't hold the gun and magazines snuggly. If it shakes you hear every move and that bugged me so i bought a case lined with foam so it holds the gun in tight. I liked that about it but have now come across this problem. They didn't mention it being bad for the gun at the gun store I bought it at. And I definitely do not have the money for gun safe, let alone one with a dehumidifier. I may have to take a look at those gun socks. Thanks for the advice.

October 11, 2009, 01:11 PM	#7
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	I can't tell you how many guns I reblued that came into the shop with the waffle pattern of foam rusted into them.

October 11, 2009, 02:45 PM	#11
LloydXmas250 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 334	Placing it inside a gun sock would stop the problem and I could still use the case correct?

October 11, 2009, 06:08 PM	#12
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	Get a quality gun rug, not one of the $8.00 ones but something more in the line of $30.00. They breathe. Look at the high end ones. I've oiled up many pistols and stored them for months at a time in gun rugs with no problems at all. You do need to check them about once a month but they are a great way to store pistols. I'll stick one in my car quite often (I have a CCH permit) and it's a good way to transport a pistol with a few extra mags.

October 11, 2009, 06:38 PM	#13
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	When I was younger and poorer, I'd take the foam out of the plastic cases and spray it with silicone. I'd set the pieces on a board under the back porch and heavily spray both sides and let it soak for a couple of days. That took care of the waffle patterns on stored guns. Barely had to wipe them down either. One thing I discovered though; I hate silicone on me and I hate the smell. I hate it almost as much as...well, did I ever mention the day my now ex-wife Armor-All'd the steering wheel and shift knob on my car? John

October 11, 2009, 11:41 PM	#14
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	If you think THAT'S bad try the seat to a motorcycle. Just about came off that thing.

October 12, 2009, 01:10 AM	#16
LloydXmas250 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 334	So was my investment, not a big one but still, in this foam case a waste? It seems a little redundant to have to have another fabric case inside. And if foam is bad for guns, why do they even offer them?

October 12, 2009, 01:27 AM	#17
12GaugeLosAngeles Junior member Join Date: October 5, 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 81	Same happened here with my case, that's like having foam for a carpet, the moisture just sits there, forget the finish... i'm worried what it would do over time the the ammo's primers, moisture is ammo's worst enemy, keep your guns in a nylon holster in a cool dry place... or the moisture monster is going to get ya!

October 12, 2009, 01:41 AM	#18
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 11,112	Those cases are for transport, not storage. Oil your gun, and sit it on a shelf. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

October 13, 2009, 12:34 AM	#20
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	I use these to hold my handguns. I just used regular wood screws to fasten it to the wall, with the mounting holes horizontal. Works good with full-size guns, something more along these lines might work well with a compact/sub-compact as the retaining strap is adjustable.

October 13, 2009, 12:28 PM	#21
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	"Foam" is a very broad range of plastics. There are some that do not damage firearm finishes, and do not absorb moisture. I know many people don't want to hear that; to many people, 'foam' is foam, end of story I think the problems in Lloyd's situation are: 1) You don't know if the foam in the case is open or closed cell 2) you don't know the type of foam used 3) there's probably no pressure valve on that case 4) there's no gasket on that case 5) there's no dessicant in that case I have made people on this forum upset in the past by stating that 'foam', when chosen correctly, is non-damaging. Sorry. Pelican Cases for instance use this closed cell polyethylene foam, and it is non-absorbent, impervious to gasoline or solvents and oils, their cases are watertight to 30 feet, and they use a purge valve. Right now my company has a high-speed camera on loan from the USMC, and both the Marines and we trust that type of case for this 60 thousand dollar camera's storage and transport. Not a gun, true. But much more valuable. Pelican also makes weapons cases for civilian, law enforcement, and military use, and they offer pre-cut foam for weapons such as the M9 pistol I think a firearms case should be chosen with care, but I also think that to dismiss 'foam' is to assume that all foam is made from the same plastic and is all the same. The old styrofoam coolers from my childhood will damage a firearm finish and melt in contact with solvents; today's high performance plastics offer choices that will not cause that damage. Here's a link to a Pelican: http://www.casesbypelican.com/milita...911-single.htm I buy their 'pick and pluck' cubed foam (closed cell polyethylene), cut the 'bun' in two, and make my cut-outs that way. And then you can run over the gun inside that case with a truck, and there will be no damage. I'm sure that other gun cases and storage possibilities exist; this one fits my needs not necessarily anyone else's- I also inspect my firearms about once a week. Please buy the case that fits you the best but also consider that 'foam' is not what you might think it must be. I would not use the original Ruger case myself; I would choose a Pelican Last edited by Chris_B; October 13, 2009 at 12:39 PM.

October 13, 2009, 01:31 PM	#22
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I agree with the posts stating that a foam lined case is for transport and not storage. I would store it on some type of rack or shelf in your safe. Any type of porous material (foam, oily rag etc.) will absorb moisture from the air on a humid day and store it next to the gun. I have also seen too many guns damaged by storing them in cases with cloth or foam linings. But whatever you do keep it oiled and check it frequently. A dehumidifier or some dessicant packs in your safe is a good idea.

October 13, 2009, 04:25 PM	#23
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,676	I use padded zip up cases in the cabinet here. The fabric inside the cases probably dries up some of the protective film I put on the guns, but I have had no rust problems. The locked cabinet is in a dry area of the house, not a basement or an attic. I have a few of those foam lined plastic cases, they came with the guns in most instances. I do not use them for any storage. If you want to use them, perhaps oil the outsides of the guns and put them in a plastic bag, like what a newspaper comes in. A dry plastic bag, not from a paper that has been out in the rain! Or a ziploc bag. Do inspect your guns on a regular basis. No matter how you store them. That is called stopping rust by staying ahead of it. I do not care to mess around with dessicant, dryers, etc. in a normal home environment. I do not live on the coast/beach either. That might be different.

October 13, 2009, 05:31 PM	#24
williamd Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 801	Two great ways to hurt a gun are too much oil/lube and a foam lined case. Plastic or neopreme cases, too. They gotta breath and a oil cloth is all the oil needed.