what protects against foam?

[Col. Harrumph]

Not even sure it's an issue, but I fell to wondering if the foam inside my pistols' hardcases could be a long-term risk to a gun's finish even when kept bone dry. I suppose I could soak the open cell foam in Ballistol, but that would be messy and smelly... I think I'd rather let 'em rust.

 

[Coyote3855]

I recently looked at a 1st generation Colt SAA that was corroded on one side because it had been resting on a foam lining. This happened in a museum vault with controlled humidity. I keep my handguns in the safe, not in hard cases.

 

[.38 Special]

I've left guns in such cases for a decade or so at a time, with no issues. I've also had guns damaged by them within just a few weeks. Mostly I was able to identify the issue - the time the cat peed in one being the most obvious episode - but other times it just seemed like random cussedness. I'm to the point that I don't store guns in any sort of padding for longer than the trip takes.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

I too am a victim of CAT (spite) bathroom vengeance.

 

[MikeInOr]

Open cell foam or closed cell foam?
Is there a desiccant package in the case?
I just picked up a couple of CaseClub cases for general storage of handguns. This makes me wonder about how wise a choice this was? No problems so far.

Most all my newer firearms are stainless because I hate having to worry about handling them. But my classic firearms are either Blued or Parkerized. Of course the classic ones worry me the most. I live in a very dry area (as far as humidity goes, I am not referring to alcohol) which I am sure helps.

 

[Riomouse911]

Moisture getting into the foam, from humidity, a pipe leak or from Felix’ bladder, is the culprit.

Somehow my Dad kept several guns in zip up cases with foam behind the fleece for decades with no rust. It all depends on whether they get exposed to enough moisture to retain it and transfer it to the gun I guess.

Personally I don’t store mine in cases or holsters, but that’s just me.

Stay safe.

 

[jmr40]

Foam cases are not meant for long term storage. Use them only to transport.

 

[JTHunter]

Col. - the petroleum bas of the Ballistol might rot the foam. If you're that concerned about the foam, perhaps a silicone wipe cloth/bag around the gun

 

[johnjohn]

The only time I use one of the foam lined boxes is to carry guns someplace. Other than that, the boxes stay under my bench.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Put them in a gun sock before putting them in the case.

Before I learned foam cases could cause damage, I kept a 700 BDL in a case. I didn't use a sock. I did it about 20 years. Never caused any damage. I just made sure the case was dry and the gun acclimated to the house temp, plus well oiled before I put it in the case.

 

[Littlef]

When I was younger, I kept my pistols in cases with the foam egg crate material. I never saw any ill effects. - However I also lightly sprayed a piece of cotton t-shirt with a spray oil, wrapped that around the pistol, and then put it in the case. I now have a gun safe that holds everything, so I don't use the cases for storage anymore. -But I think the key is to not just close them up and forget about them for long periods of time. That goes for any type of storage. If any moisture makes its way to the firearm - whether that be from humidity in the air, a water leak, any other source, its going to cause an issue. If they are not being checked on regularly, that's when rust gets a chance to develop.

 

[Jim Watson]

Too many adverse reports. I don't store guns in foam cases. All I do is wipe them with an oily cloth and put them in the safe naked.

 

[Slamfire]

Not all foams are the same. I have pulled old, gummy, deteriorated foam from old hard shell cases. When that stuff breaks down, a spectrum of gases come out. I am not sure any of them are good for metal.

I think the worst thing foam will do is hold humidity against the firearm. At some point in the future, the humidity of the foam will equal the humidity in the air. If you are in a humid area, that is bad.

 

[bangswitch]

I store a few revolvers in their cases because I have no space in the safe to do otherwise. Those guns are wrapped in silicone gun cloths inside the case, and along with every other gun in the safe get a regular inspection to ensure no corrosion develops. The safe does have dehumidification, but I leave nothing to chance. It's no big deal to remove 30-odd firearms once a month and look them over, and some get removed more frequently for range days or carry. All get cleaned and oiled, and many get a nice wax job, to help in their preservation.

 

[nettlle]

I had one rust in a foam case decades ago and haven't stored a gun in case since. There's only one way to find out and by then it's too late.

 

[hk940]

I have had some rust in a matter of days (to and from hunting). as soon as I get to where I am going the gun comes out of the case.
I think it depends on the humidity, if the case is left open it will absorb the ambient humidity.

 

[AlexanderA]

The felt lining in antique (or reproduction) wooden cases is a far worse offender, rust wise, than modern foam in plastic cases. Organic materials of all kinds are what retain moisture. Wool-lined pistol rugs are not good places to keep your guns.

 

[Jim Watson]

Reminds me of one of those made up gun lore things by somebody who does not know guns.
There is a series of traditional English mysteries featuring an antique dealer who detects crime on the side.
He said of dueling pistols once owned by an aristocrat:
"Case hardening is the appearance an object takes on when left in a closed case for a long time."

 

[Dan-O]

Depends on where you live too….

I stay away from foam. A good slather with some motor oil and then wrapped in a few ziplock bags should help with long term storage if you gotta have the foam

 

[driz]

I too am a victim of CAT (spite) bathroom vengeance.

Whoa pal, that sounds like someone was “sending you a message”. Time to be nice to Mr.Kitty or You’ll be sleeping with the fishes, see!

 

[Slappy White]

Maybe wrap the gun in cloth or flannel before putting in the case?

 

[sgt127]

Anything stored long term is in a vapor barrier bag, or oiled, wrapped in Wax paper, and back In The box.

 

[hso]

VCI products that keep you firearm from contacting the foam are extra insurance against corrosion.

 

[tarosean]

I wanted to buy one of my little brothers Colt SAA's It was pristine the last time I saw it. So one day he brought the Pelican case it was stored in to me without ever opening it. Upon opening of the case it was 100% covered in fine rust. While he was about to cry I had to back out of the deal. Sucks for sure.

 

[hutch51]

Weapons stay in my safe, foam transport boxes are up on the shelf for use when necessary
The safe is in the basement. Basement measurements across several days show a temperature of 66 to 70 degrees, humidity range 30 to 40%.
I don't take any special precautions but do pull the weapons out to check every month or so. No problems so far in almost three years.
This is south central Kansas. Previous home was Las Vegas Nevada area for about forty years - no rust problem there either (go figure).