Weapon Storage

A large portion of the weapons we receive to be re-blued are the result of improper storage. Unfortunately most weapons are stored in a gun case or holster under the bed, the back of a closet, in a draw, up high on a shelf, in basements, even garages gathering harmful moisture. Padded gun cases and holsters protect a weapon from nicks, dings, etc, but they do not protect against moisture or mildew. Gun cases and holsters are to protect a weapon during transportation (short term storage) not for long-term storage.

When storing a weapons, one needs to remember that hot air rises and cool air falls, meaning a weapon in a confined area receives limited air circulation and can be exposed to extreme differences in temperature, allowing moisture to gather rather quickly.

Below is a customer's Colt 1911 in 9mm that was stored in a holster, on top of a bedroom wardrobe, that had to be refinished. The pistol was purchased new and had only 7 rounds fired.

Below is a customer's .410 Stevens pump action shotgun that was stored under his bed in a padded case. It was a gift from his Grandfather and now will have to be refinished.


We recommend storing your weapon in an Anti-Corrosion Sleeve. Never store a pistol in a holster. Our friends at Midway USA offer Birchwood Casey’s Copper Tect Preservation Gun Case and Storage Sleeves. They prevent rust, block mildew and give padded protection. If you already have a padded case, visit Gun Parts (Numrich) Corporation and check out their GPC Gun Saver Bags.