Humidity inside gun safe

Greywolf · August 26, 2007, 09:23 AM

OK, having just spent $2200 on a new safe, I was wondering what I should be expecting or shooting for regarding humidity.

It is in a closet, in a house in central Florida. According to my meter, it is a constant 79.5 degrees and 52% humidity. I have a goldenrod in there plus a rechargeable silica pack.

I do store my blued firearms in Gunkote bags, make sure all metal is wiped down and oiled. So far no issues in my previous safe other than one small spot on a pistol that I didn't catch until I noticed the rust, and now I keep it ultra-oiled.

Is this OK, or should I look for more ways to reduce the humidity.

BTW - it is usually about 45%-50% inside the rest of the house with the AC running all the time in the summer.

fisherman66 · August 26, 2007, 09:27 AM

A "golden rod" dehumidifier is pretty standard issue for large safes. If you are still concerned you can put a bucket of silica gel in there and bake the moisture out of the gel in the oven every 6 months or so.

Edit: I should have read closer. I got type happy after reading the first couple sentences. You should be just fine with you set up as long as you bake the silica so often and you keep a thin layer of gun oil (or auto wax) on everything.

M3 Pilot · August 28, 2007, 09:35 PM

a couple of camphor blocks also. But with the dessicant & golden rod you're probably OK

predecessor · September 20, 2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

I was wondering what I should be expecting or shooting for regarding humidity.

I'm looking for the same info - I see a lot of posts with suggestions for dehumidifiers but I'm curious to know what humidity % is ideal for gun storage?

What is the humidity range that is best? Less than 50%? Less than 25%? Zero humidity? (is that even possible?)

NCHornet · September 20, 2007, 07:31 AM

I have my large gun safe in a basement room that also houses a large hot tub , I have a dehumidifier in the room but the bucket doesn't get emptied on a regular bases, so the room is pretty humid, but using just the Golden Rod in the safe has kept all of my collection rust free for the last 12 years so I say you are fine.

Don P · September 21, 2007, 07:22 AM

Things should be fine. My safe is in a converted room and all I run is a can of desicant and so far things are ok. The room has a A/C window unit that is on all the time, like I said no problems so far from April is when the room was finished

August 26, 2007, 09:23 AM	#1
Greywolf Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2002 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 251	Humidity inside gun safe OK, having just spent $2200 on a new safe, I was wondering what I should be expecting or shooting for regarding humidity. It is in a closet, in a house in central Florida. According to my meter, it is a constant 79.5 degrees and 52% humidity. I have a goldenrod in there plus a rechargeable silica pack. I do store my blued firearms in Gunkote bags, make sure all metal is wiped down and oiled. So far no issues in my previous safe other than one small spot on a pistol that I didn't catch until I noticed the rust, and now I keep it ultra-oiled. Is this OK, or should I look for more ways to reduce the humidity. BTW - it is usually about 45%-50% inside the rest of the house with the AC running all the time in the summer.

August 26, 2007, 09:27 AM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	A "golden rod" dehumidifier is pretty standard issue for large safes. If you are still concerned you can put a bucket of silica gel in there and bake the moisture out of the gel in the oven every 6 months or so. Edit: I should have read closer. I got type happy after reading the first couple sentences. You should be just fine with you set up as long as you bake the silica so often and you keep a thin layer of gun oil (or auto wax) on everything. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

August 28, 2007, 09:35 PM	#3
M3 Pilot Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2005 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 152	you might want to try a couple of camphor blocks also. But with the dessicant & golden rod you're probably OK

September 20, 2007, 07:31 AM	#5
NCHornet Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Posts: 1,001	I have my large gun safe in a basement room that also houses a large hot tub , I have a dehumidifier in the room but the bucket doesn't get emptied on a regular bases, so the room is pretty humid, but using just the Golden Rod in the safe has kept all of my collection rust free for the last 12 years so I say you are fine. __________________ When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away!! Carry ON!! NCHornet

September 21, 2007, 07:22 AM	#6
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	Things should be fine. My safe is in a converted room and all I run is a can of desicant and so far things are ok. The room has a A/C window unit that is on all the time, like I said no problems so far from April is when the room was finished __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*