Need Freeper Help On Replacing Gun Cases

9/25/12 | self

[rmh47]

I recently had a fire in my house. Most of my guns were in soft cases that got damp. Most of my longarms, which are blued, have some rust on them. Some have quite a bit of rust on them. I have been told by a respected gunsmith in my area to toss the cases, that they cannot be adequately cleaned. Thus, I need to replace the cases.

I need advice on what and where to buy new soft cases. Since Freepers (collectively) know everything, what better place to ask for advice?

Thanks folks.

Also, any advice on cleaning the rust off of these guns would be appreciated,

P.S. -- Did anyone know that smoke is acidic? It is highly corrosive. Anything metal in my house that was not protected in some way (painted, plated, etc.) is rusted or corroded, even though it was not exposed to anything but smoke.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Only if you don’t want someone tie a chain around it and drag it through your wall. But then again you always wanted a picture window there. Piece of mind...priceless.

[Wonder Warthog]

I can't help much on recommending gun cases, but I can suggest that along with the cases you obtain some canisters of drying agent, and another canister that outgasses a protective agent (volatile oil). Indicator silica gel is preferred for the first, as it is easily regenerated by heating in you stove's oven. It has an indicator dye that is pinkish-red when exhausted, and blue when fully dry. I don't recall the name of the volatile protective agent, but when I read about it, it was in connection with "storing" guns (y'know....PVC pipe??). Put one canister of each in each case, and you are MUCH better protected from possible damage.

And yes, "smoke" is corrosive. When the CO2 released by the fire dissolves in water, it is acidic. And fire also forms nitric oxide in small amounts (which forms nitric acid when it hits water). Plus lots of organic acids from the carbon combustibles. None of which are "rust" friendly.

[Squantos]

Kitty litter and stump remover ......

[OHelix]

Do you think he should bolt it to the floor?

[cquiggy]

Take them apart and soak all of the rusted parts in plain old vinegar far a couple of weeks and the rust should disappear. This works great on rusty tools and things too.

Low priced soft side and hard plastic gun cases Midway USA always has their own branded products at a reasonable price. They will also let you round up the total price of your order to the next even dollar amount and donate the difference to the NRA.

[Lion Den Dan]

You need one or two padded soft cases for incidental transport of your firearms. DO NOT STORE weapons in cases; rust results. If rust has not pitted the surface, 0000 steel wool wet with automatic transmission fluid or other light oil may remove the rust but surface color will probably be darkened. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), any type is best rust barrier for guns and is cheap. The stuff makes a lasting film.

Good luck on your restoration.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

just in case he decides to keep helium in it.

[eartick]

Agree with cold heart...no steel wool and the Bull Frog product is good stuff.

Reblue as needed, store in dehumidified environment for a few days, apply Break Free CLP as directed, meaning let it sit for several minutes for wiping off.

[rmh47]

Many thanks to everyone for your advice. I will try these techniques to clean and remove the rust on my guns. I will start with the cheapest guns I have and work out the best techniques on those before I work up to my nicer ones. I am hoping to avoid rebluing them, but that may not be possible for every gun.

Thanks also for the advice on sources for the cases.

I knew I could count on the Freeper community.

[US Navy Vet]

You may want to discuss this with a good, local gunsmith.

[ctdonath2]

Been itching for a thread to share this link:

http://thugcase.com/