Moisture Be Gone: Effective Strategies for Keeping Your Gun Safe Dry
As a gun owner, you understand the importance of keeping your guns in a safe and secure place. A gun safe not only protects your firearms from theft but also keeps them out of reach of curious children and other unauthorized persons. However, one issue that gun owners often face is moisture buildup inside their gun safe. Moisture can cause rust, corrosion, and other forms of damage to your firearms, rendering them useless. In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep moisture out of a gun safe so that you can keep your firearms safe and in pristine condition.
Causes of Moisture Buildup
There are several reasons why moisture can build up inside your gun safe. One of the most common causes is temperature changes. When the temperature outside your gun safe changes, it can cause condensation to form on the inside, leading to moisture buildup. Another cause of moisture buildup is humidity. If you live in a humid climate or keep your gun safe in a damp basement, you are at risk of moisture buildup. Lastly, moisture can also be caused by storing wet items inside your gun safe, such as towels or clothing.
Firearms Moisture Effect
Moisture can have a variety of negative effects on firearms. When moisture is present, it can cause rust and corrosion to form on metal surfaces, which can damage the internal components of your firearm. This can cause your firearm to malfunction or become unusable. Additionally, moisture can cause wooden stocks to swell and warp, affecting the fit and finish of your firearm.
Moisture can also have an impact on the accuracy of your firearm. If moisture is present in the barrel, it can cause the metal to expand and contract, which can affect the trajectory of the bullet as it travels down the barrel. This can result in a loss of accuracy, which can be dangerous if you are using your firearm for hunting or target shooting.
In addition to damaging your firearms, moisture can also affect the value of your firearms. If your firearms are damaged due to moisture, their resale value can be greatly reduced. This is particularly true for collectible or antique firearms, which can be worth a significant amount of money.
How to Keep Moisture Out of Gun Safe: A Detail Guide
Now that we understand the causes of moisture buildup, let’s discuss some tips and tricks for keeping moisture out of a gun safe.
Use Dehumidifiers
One of the most effective ways to keep moisture out of your gun safe is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air, keeping the humidity levels inside your gun safe and low. There are two types of dehumidifiers you can use: electric and desiccant. Electric dehumidifiers plug into an outlet and require electricity to operate, while desiccant dehumidifiers absorb moisture using a chemical process and do not require electricity.
Both types of dehumidifiers have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Electric dehumidifiers are more efficient and can handle larger spaces, but they require an electrical source and can be noisy. Desiccant dehumidifiers are more portable and silent, but they need to be recharged regularly and can be less effective in extremely humid conditions. Regardless of which type of dehumidifier you choose, using one is a smart investment in protecting your firearms from rust and corrosion.
Use Desiccants
As mentioned earlier, desiccants are a type of dehumidifier that does not require electricity. Desiccants are small packets filled with moisture-absorbing chemicals that you can place inside your gun safe. They are relatively inexpensive and can be easily found online or in stores that sell gun accessories.
One of the advantages of desiccants is that they are portable and can be easily moved from one location to another. This is particularly useful if you have multiple gun safes or if you need to store your firearms in a different location for a period of time. Additionally, desiccants are silent and do not require any maintenance, making them a hassle-free option for keeping your gun safe dry.
One thing to keep in mind when using desiccants is that they need to be replaced periodically. The amount of time between replacements will depend on the humidity levels in your gun safe and the size of the desiccant packet. Some desiccants come with an indicator that changes color when it is time to replace them, while others need to be weighed to determine when they have reached their maximum capacity. Regardless of the type of desiccant you use, it is important to monitor them regularly and replace them as needed to ensure maximum effectiveness in keeping your gun safe and dry.
Use Sealants
Another way to keep moisture out of your gun safe is to use sealants. You can use silicone caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks in your gun safe. This will prevent moisture from entering your gun safe and keep the humidity levels low.
When applying sealant, it is important to ensure that the area being sealed is clean and dry. Any debris or moisture left on the surface could compromise the effectiveness of the sealant. It is also important to use the correct type of sealant for your gun-safe materials. For example, silicone caulk is ideal for metal gun safes, while weatherstripping is better suited for wooden gun safes.
Using sealants in conjunction with a dehumidifier or desiccant can be an effective way to keep your gun safe dry and free from moisture. However, it is important to note that sealants should not be used as a substitute for proper ventilation. Without proper ventilation, the air inside your gun safe can become stagnant, leading to increased humidity levels and potential damage to your firearms. As such, it is important to ensure that your gun is safe and has adequate ventilation to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Use Moisture Absorbent Crystals
Moisture absorbent crystals, also known as silica gel, are another effective way to keep moisture out of your gun safe. These crystals absorb moisture from the air, preventing humidity from building up inside your gun safe. You can find moisture-absorbent crystals in various sizes and shapes, including sachets or canisters.
One advantage of using moisture-absorbent crystals is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. You simply place the crystals inside your gun safe and let them do their job. Unlike desiccants, which need to be replaced periodically, moisture-absorbent crystals can be reused multiple times. You can regenerate them by heating them in an oven or microwave, which removes the moisture they have absorbed and restores their effectiveness.
When using moisture-absorbent crystals, it is important to ensure that they are kept away from your firearms. While these crystals are safe to use, they can leave a powdery residue that could potentially damage your firearms. Additionally, it is important to monitor the crystals regularly to ensure that they are still effective in absorbing moisture. If they become saturated with moisture, they will need to be regenerated or replaced.
Keep Your Gun Safe Clean and Dry
Keeping your gun safe clean and dry is crucial in preventing moisture buildup. Regularly wipe down the inside of your gun safe with a dry cloth to remove any moisture or dust. You can also use a fan or a hairdryer on low heat to dry out the inside of your gun safe. Additionally, make sure to remove any wet or damp items before storing them in your gun safe.
Avoid Storing Wet Items in Your Gun Safe
As mentioned earlier, storing wet items inside your gun safe can cause moisture buildup. Therefore, it is essential to avoid storing any wet or damp items, such as towels, clothing, or ammunition boxes, inside your gun safe. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them inside your gun safe.
What happens if ammo gets wet?
If ammunition gets wet, it can potentially become dangerous to use. When ammunition gets wet, the gunpowder inside the cartridge can absorb the moisture, causing it to degrade and become less effective. In some cases, this can cause the gunpowder to become unstable, which can lead to a misfire or even an explosion.
In addition to the risk of misfires or explosions, wet ammunition can also cause damage to your firearm. If wet ammunition is fired, it can cause excessive pressure to build up in the barrel, which can damage the internal components of your firearm.
If your ammunition gets wet, it is important to take precautions before using it. You should first inspect the cartridges for any signs of corrosion or damage. If the cartridges appear to be undamaged, you can try drying them out by spreading them out on a dry towel or in a warm, dry area. However, if the cartridges show any signs of corrosion or damage, it is best to dispose of them properly and replace them with new, dry ammunition.
What happens if shotgun shells get wet?
Like any type of ammunition, if shotgun shells get wet, they can potentially become dangerous to use. When shotgun shells get wet, the gunpowder inside can absorb moisture, causing it to degrade and become less effective. This can cause the shotgun shells to fail to fire or fire erratically, which can be dangerous.
In addition to the risk of misfires, wet shotgun shells can also cause damage to your shotgun. When a wet shotgun shell is fired, the water inside the shell can turn into steam, creating a sudden increase in pressure inside the barrel. This pressure can cause damage to the internal components of your shotgun, including the barrel, breech, and firing mechanism.
If your shotgun shells get wet, it is important to take precautions before using them. You should first inspect the shells for any signs of corrosion or damage. If the shells appear to be undamaged, you can try drying them out by spreading them out on a dry towel or in a warm, dry area. However, if the shells show any signs of corrosion or damage, it is best to dispose of them properly and replace them with new, dry shotgun shells.
Conclusion
Keeping moisture out of your gun safe is crucial in protecting your firearms from rust and corrosion. By using dehumidifiers, desiccants, sealants, moisture absorbent crystals, and keeping your gun safe clean, and dry, you can prevent moisture buildup and keep your firearms in pristine condition. Make sure to follow these tips and tricks to keep your gun safe and free from moisture and humidity.