Rifle storage/ Safe location

[Lsfan]

I'm thinking about getting another safe to store in my garage and I assume this is where most people place their safes.

I'm in the Sydney Metro area with an attached garage, but it gets pretty hot in there in summer. I'm thinking up to high 30's.

My intention would be only to place synthetic stocked rifles in there so wondering if there is any potential impact?

I've read that humidity is more the issue rather than heat.

Can anyone comment from their own experiences? Thanks in advance.

[Oldbloke]

I store mine in a similar situation for the past 45 years. Never noticed an issue. But I am in Vic. Inside the safe will not be quite as hot as the shed.

[rc42]

The metal, wood and plastic in firearms will sit happily through a wide range of temperatures with no problems, the first would likely come when the plastic softens and starts to deform but that would take a fire outside the safe rather than just a hot room.

Humidity is the killer, if a tiny amount of salt, maybe form your hands, gets onto the metal it will pull water out of humid air and make a tiny electro cell which oxidizes (rusts) metal and releases the hydrogen, the salt remains and then extracts more moisture and the process repeats. For storage, a good dehumidifier that you check and recharge regularly is as important as the very light oil coating on the firearms.

[Oldbloke]

No problems here, never used a dehumidifier. Just oily (or lanox) rag twice a year. In SW Vic.

[Lsfan]

Ok thanks guys.

[pomemax]

Same set up in Sydney no drama I just have 8 x 500 gm of moisture
adsorbent crystals in bottom across front near door ,
every few years take them out and dry in oven on rack

[womble]

I just chuck those moisture absorber sachets in the safe.
Not a fan of shed or garage for gun safe though.
Too visible to all comers.

[Lsfan]

I just chuck those moisture absorber sachets in the safe.
Not a fan of shed or garage for gun safe though.
Too visible to all comers.

Yes I agree. Mine is concealed inside, but alas ran out of space. Everyone warned me this would happen!! Can't resist buying more.

I thought about the sachets. I assume they require routine replacement?

[womble]

I should probably check that.
Melbourne, so my concern is rising damp through colder months.
But I’ve never had a problem. More a problem for tropical regions.

[9.3x64]

I just chuck those moisture absorber sachets in the safe.
Not a fan of shed or garage for gun safe though.
Too visible to all comers.

Yes I agree. Mine is concealed inside, but alas ran out of space. Everyone warned me this would happen!! Can't resist buying more.

I thought about the sachets. I assume they require routine replacement?

I wouldn’t recommend sachets (I am sure others will disagree), but in my experience they are a pain in the arse.
A Queensland gunsmith recently had to sort out an utter mess caused by absorbing sachets/granules. The damage to metal and woodwork was extensive after the material was left to long and overflowed.

Buy a dehumidifier and drill a hole in the side of the safe , feed power inside, and be done with it.

[womble]

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like a potential problem i dont need.

[Die Judicii]

Another product that you definitely DO NOT WANT ON YOUR TIMBER STOCK is "Bushmans"

I saw a bloke in the local gun store a couple years ago and he pulled his rifle out of its bag and said "Have a look at this"

Fair dinkum, it was nearly 100% bare timber, and looked like he'd painted it with paint stripper.

Apparently a full can of Bushmans had leaked onto the rifle bag that was under it,,,,, and it soaked the rifle and stripped it.

[boingk]

Don't overthink it mate.

Jam it where you want, bolt it down tight, clean and wipe after use and you're all good.

- boingk

[MontyShooter]

I use the moisture absorber crystal pouches designed for hanging with clothes in a rack. Works great. Probably gathers half a litre a month in the catchment chamber.