After hunting season, hunters are faced with the task of properly storing their guns. They must keep their weapons to ensure their safety and prevent unauthorized access. Proper firearm storage can help to prevent theft, accidental discharge, and unauthorized use. This is especially true in households with children or for people who have never handled a firearm. Plus, in some jurisdictions, there are legal requirements for storing firearms securely. Failure to comply can result in penalties.
Furthermore, storing firearms in a secure and dry location can help prevent damage to the gun and its components. With storage solutions such as Spartan Mounts, you can be sure that your guns are always safely secured when it comes time to hunt again. That said, learn how to keep your hunting gun during off-season.
- Clean The Guns Thoroughly
If you want to ensure that your guns are safe and optimal when hunting season rolls around, it’s necessary to clean them after each hunting trip. This step can range from simply wiping off any dirt or mud buildup with a cloth to clearing the barrel of all clogged particles more thoroughly. Doing this will prevent gun malfunctions during the next season.
Depending on the type of gun you have, you may need to disassemble it to clean it thoroughly. Know the gun’s mechanism and how to safely disassemble and reassemble it. Then start by removing any buildup from the outside of the barrel with a toothbrush, cloth, and solvent. Scrub out residue from the firing chamber with a bronze brush and spray solvent. You want to aim a spotlight down the gun’s bore to check for debris. Use an appropriate-sized jag with a specific type of patch to swab out whatever is left there. Don’t forget to run a few patches through with oil to give the gun added shine inside and out.
- Store In A Dry Place
The two most significant factors in storing guns well are keeping them dry and out of reach of children. The best and most secure option for storing guns is in gun safes or metal lockers. This will ensure that they stay dry and free from humidity, which could corrode and damage the metal parts of your firearms over time. If the ammunition is stored alongside the gun, ensure the area is cool and dry. But the ideal situation would be to keep them separate.
Make sure the lockers or safes where you are storing them are placed somewhere secure so that only those who should have access can reach them. With these precautions, you’ll protect your guns from harm and keep them in good shape for future hunting trips.
- Always Store Your Firearms with The Gun Barrel Pointing Up
After a long and successful hunting season, you must store your firearms correctly for future use. Always ensure that the gun barrel is pointing up when keeping your guns, not toward anyone or anything. This is an essential part of gun safety.
If you store your guns with the barrels facing downward, your weapons can be ruined. This is because, with the barrels facing down, there’s a chance the metal barrel may warp.
Store guns away from areas where children can access them and, ideally, install a sturdy lock on the cabinet or safe containing the weapons. If possible, disassemble firearms, so only those knowledgeable in proper re-assembly can do so safely. With these safe storing tips in mind, take full advantage of all that your hunting season has brought you by properly caring for your firearms until they’re ready to be used again.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Guns in a Safe
To prevent potential gun damage, overcrowding in a safe should be avoided. In most cases, when guns are packed too closely together in their cases or a gun safe, they can get scratched.
Moreover, moisture can form from condensation inside the gun-safe casing, which could lead to rusting. Having room between firearms will reduce these risks and keep them in peak condition for the next season.
- Store Unloaded
The first step is to always unload your gun before storing it away. Keep all ammunition in a separate, secure location. Once the gun is unloaded, check if your firearm requires rust protection and lubrication.
If necessary, liberally apply the appropriate lightweight oils and store your firearm in a moisture-resistant storage container or gun case for extra protection. Be sure not to leave any rags inside, which may become saturated with oil and attract dust or other particles, which can lead to corrosion or damage to parts. Before putting the guns away, check that the safety buttons are enabled.
- Secure The Storage Area
After a successful hunting season, ensure that your guns are stored safely and correctly. To get started, select a secure location for storage and consider mounting a lockbox or gun cabinet in the area if available. Be aware of legal requirements regarding the safe storage of your firearms, and follow them. Some states like California and Colorado require that guns be equipped with a locking device such as a cable lock. Or firearms should be stored in a gun safe or other safe containers. These states also have child access prevention laws that make it a crime if you store your gun in a way that a child can access it.
When cleaning, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before storing your gun to prevent rust or other damage over time. If storing away guns in different parts of your home, use trigger locks and similar safety devices whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Storing your essential gear and guns after hunting season is a must to ensure their longevity and proper function. Some general guidelines to follow include cleaning the guns thoroughly and keeping them dry. Secure the storage area and ensure that the guns are unloaded. Following these recommendations can help protect your firearms and ensure that they’re ready for use when you need them. Additionally, you must follow all local laws and regulations regarding firearms storage. Take appropriate safety measures to prevent accidental discharges or unauthorized access to your firearms.
