How Humidity Can Affect Your Firearms

We spend a lot of time thinking about what happens to a firearm when we shoot it. Carbon builds up, parts wear, and eventually it needs to be cleaned and lubricated.

What happens to it while it's sitting in the safe doesn't get nearly as much attention.

Here in Maryland, humidity is a fact of life, especially during the summer. And while a little humid weather isn't going to ruin your firearm overnight, prolonged exposure to moisture can eventually lead to rust, corrosion, and damage if you aren't paying attention to how your guns are stored.

Why Humidity Matters

Most firearms contain steel components, and steel and moisture aren't a great combination. When enough moisture is present in the air, it can settle on metal surfaces and create the conditions for rust to develop.

Sometimes the first signs are obvious. You might notice small orange or reddish-brown spots forming on exposed metal. Other times, corrosion can begin in areas you don't regularly see, which is one reason firearms that spend long periods in storage still deserve an occasional inspection.

The goal isn't to eliminate every bit of moisture from the air. It's simply to keep your firearms in a reasonably controlled environment and catch problems before they become bigger ones.

Your Storage Location Makes a Difference

Where you keep your firearm can matter just as much as what you keep it in.

A safe in a climate-controlled part of your home is going to experience different conditions than one sitting in a damp basement, garage, or other space where temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly.

Temperature changes can also contribute to condensation. If a cold firearm is brought into a warm, humid environment, for example, moisture can form on the metal just like it does on other cold surfaces.

That's why it's worth thinking about the environment around your safe or storage area rather than assuming that simply putting a firearm inside a safe solves the problem.

A Gun Safe Isn't Automatically Dry

A quality safe provides security, but that doesn't necessarily mean the air inside it is dry.

Depending on where the safe is located, humidity can still build up inside. Desiccant packs and safe dehumidifiers are common ways gun owners manage moisture, particularly in areas of the home that tend to be humid.

A small humidity monitor can also be useful. Instead of guessing about conditions inside your safe, you can actually see what's happening and address excessive moisture if necessary.

You don't need to obsess over the number every day. The point is simply to know whether you're storing your firearms somewhere that's consistently damp.

Regular Maintenance Helps Protect Your Firearm

Even firearms that aren't being shot regularly still benefit from occasional attention.

Take them out periodically and inspect the metal surfaces for signs of rust or corrosion. Wipe them down as recommended by the manufacturer and make sure appropriate metal surfaces remain properly protected.

This is particularly important if a firearm has been exposed to rain, sweat, or other moisture. Sweat can be surprisingly hard on metal, so a firearm that's carried regularly may need attention even if it hasn't been fired recently.

The same goes for a firearm that's been sitting untouched for months. "I haven't shot it" doesn't necessarily mean "I don't need to check it."

Be Careful With Long-Term Storage

One mistake gun owners sometimes make is putting a firearm away and assuming they'll come back to it in exactly the same condition months or years later.

If you know a firearm is going into long-term storage, take a little extra time to prepare it properly. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and lubrication, choose a suitable storage environment, and check on it periodically.

It's a lot easier to deal with a little surface moisture or the first sign of rust than significant corrosion that has been developing unnoticed for a year.

You Don't Need to Overthink It

Humidity is something gun owners should be aware of, but it doesn't need to become another thing to worry about constantly.

Store your firearms in a secure, reasonably climate-controlled environment when possible. Keep an eye on humidity in areas that tend to be damp. Maintain your firearms appropriately, and don't forget about the ones that haven't made it to the range lately.

At The Machine Gun Nest, we talk a lot about becoming comfortable with the firearm you own, and that includes knowing how to take care of it. A few simple storage and maintenance habits can go a long way toward keeping a firearm in good condition for years.

Maryland summers may be unavoidable. Rust doesn't have to be.