What is NOT a safe temperature for gun and ammo storage?

[Danmc]

Is it ok to store guns and ammo out in my garage in the cold? The garage of course is dry, but the temps around here for the past 10 days or so have been between -4 to 14 F. The guns and ammo are in a safe, but I am pretty sure that there is little to no difference in temperature inside the safe. High humidity around here is not an issue.

 

[lsmurphy]

-4 would not do wood stocks any favors.........I don't think.

 

[JCliff]

Cold and dry should not really cause any problems for your firearms or ammo, as long as they were not moisture-covered when you put them away out there. Some wood stocks could possibly give you some trouble after exposure to deep cold. Cold can also change the viscosity of lubricants and greases that are on your firearm which could possibly cause a malfunction, though the temperatures you cite should present little likelihood of that. In my experience, you need sustained below zero temps for that kind of thing. There are special lubricants designed for extreme cold weather ops. As far as the ammo goes, extreme cold should not cause a failure to fire or anything like that, but it definitely can change the ballistic performance of your round for a number of reasons (air density, powder performance changes, friction differences, etc., etc). For the ranges common for pistol shooting this is probably of little concern, but for a long-range rifle shot it definitely is. The rifle you were "driving tacks" with at 400+ yds on a 60 degree day will probably still drive tacks at -10... just not where you expected. Lastly, don't forget that firearms and ammo brought into warm temperatures from the cold will usually collect a little condensation (on your firearm both inside & out).

 

[Dekul34]

It's not unsafe to store at low temperature, and even relatively high temperatures like a black painted ammo can in the hot desert sun of Kuwait, ammo doesn't just go off on its own, but extreme temperatures or more specifically changes in temperature will shorten the life of ammo and lead to failures in the long run.

 

[G274me]

It's not bad to store guns and ammo in a cold or hot place, granted it's always one or the other, but in a place like a garage, you can have a lot of tempeture change and that can invite humidity. It's better to keep them in a place that has a consistent temp. It's the constant temp change that's not good for either, but it could take years before corrosion or degradation occurs.

 

[Danmc]

Condensation is a concern. For example if I bring a gun in from very low temps out in the garage in to the much warmer temps in the house, I can see the condensation form. But if the temperatures increase at a slow rate, i.e., going from 8 degrees to 25 degrees over a 24 hour period, does this prevent the condensation? Or more importantly does this prevent moisture which may eventually lead to rust? The temperatures here typically do not fluctuate dramatically.

 

[95and05]

I have my pistol stored in a cold (20 above to as low as 35 below) every 2 weeks as i am forbidden to carry at work. I keep it well oiled and have not in 3 years of this ever had a problem. My storage at home presented more of a problem till I put a moisture absorber in my safe.
In the winter I lock it in my truck while I travel to work and upon my return it is immediately on me (outside my shirt for a while).
Be sure to use a high quality oil.

My rifles are all stored at room temps so I can't vouch for wooden stocks.

Hope this helps.

 

[UATKP]

When I was a photographer, I had to be careful about condensation on my camera equipment when I came inside after shooting in the cold winter air. I always either wrapped my camera in a large towel, or left it inside the camera bag until it reached room temp.
I think the same style of habits would be good on a weapon.

As far as wood goes... wood always moves. Tangential and Radial Expansion is caused by moisture penetrating or exiting the wood pores. I believe that the wood used to mass produce normal grips is worked at a 12% moisture content. If it were possible to maintain that it would be nice, but outside of a humidor, you couldn't.
The best thing for wood grips is a good wiping down -- inside and out -- with a good grade of lemon oil, every once in a while. I'd say at least once every other month. (even those that are lacquered). IMO. Hope this helps...