Is it bad on guns, especially older guns, to let them sit for a long time in a gun safe?

[iowaman]

Is it bad on guns, especially older guns, to let them sit for a long time in a gun safe?

[bayouwoof]

Use a silica gel dessicant (Midway) for gunsafes, and ye'll prolly be OK.

[jhjimbo]

I take my guns out twice a year for a cleaning whether I use them or not.

[Edward J. Palumbo]

I agree with Bayouwoof - Desiccant, undoubtedly, and make it a pattern to periodically inspect your firearms. Do not drench your firearms in oil with the intention to keep them rust-free, because the law of gravity hasn't been repealed and you'd be surprised how oil will gravitate settle into the action. Keep them clean and dry, inspect regularly, and replenish your desiccant according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[Happy Myles]

Yes. It means you are not hunting enough. All of my firearms are in treated gun sleeves . This seems to help. I keep them in safes with barrels down. Started this habit after a bad earthquake banged them around inside the enclosed safes. As Ed indicated , regular inspection is still important.

[99explorer]

Muzzles-down is a good idea for another reason. Recoil pads become compressed and take a set when the guns are store butt-down for prolonged periods.
Also, the scope lenses become coated with dust unless covered.

[Treestand]

I found the use of DampRid from W*M works well in our Large Gun Safes and we line the floors with Cardboard for the Oil Drips.

[Sourdough Dave]

Set aside a day each year to clean, inspect, and oil all your stored guns. Twice a year in humid climates.

[FirstBubba]

Over oiled guns sitting butt down ans the oil gravitates down (as previously stated!) to the wrist of the stock. If it's wood stocked, the oil soaks in, weakening an already weak area.
Store guns barrel down. Be certain the barrel crown is protected when storing muzzle down.
Like Happy said, if they are spending to much time in the safe, you ain't hunting enough! LOL!
I also see a good desiccant as important to safe, safe storage!

[31Alpha]

They are going to get lonely and bored with each other. The only way to solve this is to use them more often or continuously purchase new guns so there is something new for them to talk about.

[jhjimbo]

Ditto Miles and 31Alpha,
Get those puppies out and shoot them.