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Gun safe humidity

dennisernst
I would like any information on the correct amount of humidity that should be in a gun safe/vault. I have been told between 40 to 50% and then from 50 to 60%. To me the last figures are high but I do not know for sure. Thanks in advance. Dennis
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    I am not aware of any studies done on the subject. My thought is that 30-40% humidity would be best, but I've never measured the level in my safe.

    I think it is more important to maintain a constant temperature in your safe. Fluctuations in temperature result in condensation of moisture, regardless of the humidity. Ask anyone in Central Florida; when the dew settles at night, it's like a rain shower.

    Neal
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  • He Dog
    I agree with Neal, too dry and the wood drys out, but you do want it low, so 30-40% sounds about right. Use a golden rod or other gentle heat source and don't worry much about it. Do also oil the guns or use a good dry lube like Otis Dry lube or Weapon shield.

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  • beantownshootah
    60%. . . too high.

    What is this a cigar humidor? [;)]

    I think more important than the absolute humidity level is to keep the guns covered in a thin film of gun oil.

    I also don't think there is a "right" level. Again, guns aren't cigars. There is probably a range of levels that are OK.

    The "best" level is probably 0%. . .ie NO moisture. . .for any gun that doesn't have a solid wood stock. So that would include most pistols, and rifles with synthetic or laminate stocks (the latter tend to be humidity resistant).

    Ordinary solid wood stocks probably would be better to have *some* humidity, so they don't entirely dry out, and/or warp, but I don't think they need much.
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  • glabray
    As with so many things, "it depends". One thing to consider is the typical outdoor RH where you live. If the RH in the safe is too low, the wood will equilibrate to that low level. Then when you take one out to use and the outdoor RH is a lot higher the wood will absorb moisture while being used and this can result in small shifts in the POI. Of course, too high an RH can promote rusting of the metal.

    As somebody pointed out, it is important to keep the temperature fairly consistent. For a given moisture content in the air, as the temperature drops, the RH increases. It's always a good idea to let a gun come to equilibrium with room temperature before it is sealed up in the safe.
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  • dennisernst
    I did check the temp and it is a constant 72 degrees and the humidity is holding at 35% with a dehumidifier. My gun room is five feet wide by ten feet long and very will insulated on all four sides. I just finished it up about a month ago and to date there is no issues with any rust, even on the steel door that has some bare metal exposed. The wood stocks have a light film of oil on them just like the metal parts on the rifles and handguns. I want to thank everyone who responded and any other information will be appreciated. Thanks, Dennis
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  • redman.com1
    unless you live in the rain forest, i believe your putting to much thought into this. let your guns sit for a while and check them periodicaly, and if there is no major signs of rust,im sure your fine. i live in a apartment which the air condition hardley works upstairs and stays about 100 degrees in the summer. guns are kept in the cheapest safes available. i wont even go upstairs its so humid! and dont wipe off my prints after handing and i dont have a problem with rust. just dont store them in a case.
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  • spookster
    Could you share a few pics of it or some details on how you built it. how does it breathe ? hows the inside finished ? hope you dont mind the questions.
    I am getting ready to build one in my basement which has 8ft poured concrete walls 10" thick,,, going to look at a steel bank vault door tomorrow,,,I was originally interested in the late 1800's vault door this bank has for sale but when they told me it weighs approx 15 ton with the frame I opted out,,,, The owner says its a real thing of beauty so I guess I'll take some pics tomorrow and list it here on Gb for him,,,, its located in NE Penna.

    Jim
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  • GuvamintCheese
    The only thing I could ad to this is use Clenzoil oil. It protects the metal and the wood, expecially where the oil can leak into the end grain of the wood and destroy it.
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  • Floyd58523
    When you are building a safe room remember to have some way to allow air into the room. All vaults have a method of getting fresh air into the room in case of you lock yourself in or someone else is locked into the room. The vault door will be close if not an air tight seal. Hate to find the dog cat or kids locked into an airtight room.
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  • dennisernst
    Thanks everyone for your information. The one thing I did do was when I built the vault door, I made it so the locking mechanism could be removed from the inside by removing a small panel just in case I or someone else did get locked in. A very simple way but very effective. Again, Thanks to everyone. Dennis
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