Lets start a discussion about...

[Bob Fairchild]

storage and/or racking of air guns.  In regular firearms, the debate has been around for years as to whether to hang them horizontal, or to stand them in a rack.  What's the collective wisdom regarding that issue with regard to air rifles?

In firearms, the main theory concerned the oil (lube) in the barrel.  If horizontal, the lubricant was apt to remain evenly in the barrel and action, and those proponents said that racking them would allow the lube to settle out and could penetrate the wood stock and ruin it.  The rackers main argument was space; and with more space, they could therefore buy more rifles.  They also voiced that if you owned nice rifles, you would handle them often enough to ensure they did not get damaged in the rack.

So, what is the best way to store them?  Is the lube a big issue?  How about household contaminants - smoke, airborne cooking grease (that one got my Win. 94 30/30 while I was in Nam), cleaning solutions used around the house, etc..  What about sunlight?  What about out in the air versus in a safe or enclosed cabinet?  I read the thread sometime ago about not putting them in gun cases.

Now, if such and such is the BEST way to store; who makes, or sells, the BEST cabinets, racks, display cases etc.?  Are there links to such makers so that we can see the variety and judge for ourselves?  Or do we have to cipher all the information and build our own 'cause no one makes what we need or want (sorta like we do with our air rifles)?

Finally, who is (or are) the definitive 'experts' on the subject?  The manufacturers?  The dealers?  The gunsmiths?  The cabinet/rack makers?  Or, is it the day to day users of the air rifle that have the best information and knowledge?  I'd like to hear from them all - and this is the place for it!

I really do love this place!  GTA, all the way!  HOOAH!

Bob

[rh2y]

Bob Fairchild - 5/31/2009  5:34 PM

storage and/or racking of air guns.  In regular firearms, the debate has been around for years as to whether to hang them horizontal, or to stand them in a rack.  What's the collective wisdom regarding that issue with regard to air rifles?

Bob

Bob,

I'm no expert -- in fact, I only own one airgun. But I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that frequent use is the best medicine. I get my TX200 out at least once a week and run a few rounds thru it, then wipe the fingerprints off the barrel when I'm done, usually with a couple drops of Napier airgun oil on a cleaning patch.

Mine is stored vertically, and I have a spare cap off of a spray can that I put over top the end of the barrel to keep any debris/dust from finding its way down the barrel.

Another member of my family has a handful of rifles that he's owned for probably close to 40 years or so. They are all stored vertically in an open-air rack. There is a small amount of rust on some of them, as he hadn't gotten some of them out for a few years. We cleaned and oiled them recently, and they are all still in good shape. Took a bunch out over Thanksgiving break and shot some paper targets back in November.

So again, I don't think the vertical/horizontal question is as important as the frequency of use/care. But others on this list may disagree.

Russ

[Bob Fairchild]

Thanks Russ

I guess this not an issue that generates much concern since you are the only person to respond in nearly a week.  I do appreciate your comments and observations. I went to the Library on the GTA site hoping to find more info.  I even 'searched' to find threads that might give guidance on air guns, but to limited avail.  Since there was no consensus in the postings, I thought a discussion might be appropriate.  Guess not.

I have had several rifles and pistols passed down in my family over three generations that have survived reasonably well through "tender loving care'.  My first .22, given to me by my grandfather when I was 5, has survived the past 60 years in good shape.  On the other hand, I had a Win. 94 Big Bore that didn't make it for 5 years because the previous owner had not cleaned it properly before putting it up for an extended period of time.

Good care and cleaning solve most problems.  However, I have in the past been away for extended periods of time and those with access to the toys were not into daily or weekly or even monthly maintenance.  Hence the original question (to belabor the point) - what is the BEST way to store fine air rifles.  I too have a nice TX200 and plan on acquiring another soon.  If I am gone on an extended Harley ride over the summer, I would like to return to an air rifle that is in the same pristine condition as when I left it.  And I would like to ensure that the way I hung/racked it did no damage to the seals, parts, etc.

I guess it's my paranoia that made me ask the question.  It is not a big thing to many.  Thanks for responding Russ, and we'll strive to be the best that we can be and wish the same for our toys.

Bob

[Gene_SC]

I store all my air guns on a gun rack in my house. Never have any issues with moisture etc.

[Bob Fairchild]

Thanks Gene

I have seen the pictures and have been impressed.  Why are some muzzle up and some muzzle down?  What is the longest they have been unused or unattended?  Nice guns.

Bob

[rh2y]

Bob Fairchild - 6/5/2009  12:02 PM

  If I am gone on an extended Harley ride over the summer, I would like to return to an air rifle that is in the same pristine condition as when I left it.  And I would like to ensure that the way I hung/racked it did no damage to the seals, parts, etc.
Bob

You have to ask yourself --- how long did your airgun sit on a shelf somewhere in the warehouse at the place you bought it before you got it?

I doubt being away for a few months is much cause for concern -- just be sure to oil up the outside of barrel before you leave, to protect against rust. Of couse, don't oil the inside of the barrel, as that will cause dieseling next time you shoot it.

Besides, if you're really worried about it -- I'm sure there are plenty of folks on this list who'd be happy to stop by your place and shoot your TX-200 while you're away! :-)

Russ

[Bob Fairchild]

Russ

By the time you fly or drive to my house from where you are you could buy a new TX.  Plus, mine's .22 so there is the pellet problem.

Bob

[ken_r]

We do not know what moisture is.  We only see it a bit every two or three months and then only for a few minutes.  I was told by a person concerning Theoben that inattention was the worst thing that could be done to their gas strut.  you mention that guns sit in warehouses for extended periods of time which they do.  My theoben was shipped to David Slade before i even got it so that may be a point.  the problem with oil was a long time ago when guns were liberally drenched in oil before storing.  I store my rifles every which way and never have had any trouble with oil in the stock.  But, i only lightly oil a very light patch before storage.

ken r

[doc1310]

I had several air rifles just stored in a closet in the garage. One in a soft case and the other just sitting upright for 20 years before I found them again, one of them a pneumatic Benjamin with one pump keep in it. They all shot great once I blew the dust off of them. There might have been a little surface rust on the ones not in a soft case, but it still looked good and shot well. saying all of that, I think it doesn't matter if they hang length wise, or verticle or upside down. I think it matters on how you wish to display them and when a guest walks into your room how you want them to react to seeing them. I myself am looking for a well made gun rack, I just can't decide if it should hang on a wall or be displayed in a wood and glass cabinet.

PaulS
Texas

[airgunandy]

I find that my springers smoke a lot less when stored butt-down vertical. Pumpers don't seem to mind being stored horizontal or vertical. They all are stored out in the open either in a cabinet, hung on a wall or propped in a corner. Been shooting airguns about 7 or 8 years and haven't had any rusting issues even on those that don't get shot very often.