How to prevent condensation from temperature change?

[Nub Hippie]

When coming inside from shooting on a cold day, what is the best way to prevent condensation from forming? I have read that a lot of people leave them in their cold case inside and let them gradually warm up and then take them out, others acted like they should be crucified for leaving their rifle in a case. I thought that was only bad for long term storage. Others use immediate heat such as radiator heaters, furnace vents, hair dryers, etc... To me warming it up slowly in its case then a light wipe down with oil and a oil patch down the barrel makes sense but I figured I'd see what people here do. Also, aquariums is another hobby of mine so even in the winter my house is usually around 45-50% humidity and 73-77 degrees F

[sharpshooter]

You can't prevent condensation in a case like that, just like you can't prevent it from raining......so you learn how to deal with the aftermath.

[Nor Cal Mikie]

WD 40 is crap for guns but it will drive out any moisture. Hose it down, wipe it off then apply a good gun oil.
Pulled a rifle out of a "Cheep Skin" padded case and watched the moisture drip off the rifle.:eek::mad: Pretty hard to believe BUT, WD 40 to the rescue.:cool: Same if you're hunting/shooting in wet weather. Hose it down!!

[Stumpkiller]

Gradual warming is about the only way. Or just leave the gun out in the cold if it will be used the next day.

[prdatr]

WD 40 is crap for guns but it will drive out any moisture. Hose it down, wipe it off then apply a good gun oil.
Pulled a rifle out of a "Cheep Skin" padded case and watched the moisture drip off the rifle.:eek::mad: Pretty hard to believe BUT, WD 40 to the rescue.:cool: Same if you're hunting/shooting in wet weather. Hose it down!!

Try WD40 Specialist. It gives better corrosion protection than any "Gun Oil" on the market. Break down the barreled action from the stock before the season and treat the metal and you won't have to worry about it much during the season.

[big honkin jeep]

I know you guys are talking about the surface metal only, and I know WD40 stands for water displacement 40th formula
But after the headaches that the left over crud gum and varnish from that product have caused me,
If I catch someone within 100 yards of one of my firearms with a can of WD40.....:censored: :mad2::beaten::fencing::whip::rant::crutch::black_ eyed:

[Nor Cal Mikie]

That's why I said "hose it down, wipe it off" then get after it with a good gun oil. Seems that ATF (Automotive Transmission Fluid) is just about the best thing for keeping rust away. Cheap too compared to some of the Specialty Gun Oils. Won't dry and gum up over time either, like WD.

[Stumpkiller]

I've had great luck with CLP Breakfree and Beechwood-Casey Barricade - including several flintlocks I hunt with in the wet fall and winter.

[BB68]

I try to get as much "air" on them as possible. Helps evaporate condensation as fast as it happens.

[prdatr]

Well here is a test comparison that was a few years ago.

http://www.dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

[farmer44mag]

You can't prevent condensation in a case like that, just like you can't prevent it from raining......so you learn how to deal with the aftermath.


Ive had good luck keeping them in hard cases to warm up slowly. The cheap ones with grey foam padding. As long as it’s not extreme cold. It’s usually above zero when I hunt or shoot.

[LoneWolf]

Just shot a match a few weekends ago that it rained the entire weekend. Got back to the room, took my action out of the stock, wiped everything down with rem-oil wipes then dried it off with a towel. put it back together and Re-lubed/greased everything like I do as normal maintenance and set it aside for day 2 of the match.

Just wipe it off and don't leave it wet. If you're going to store it after it building up condensation run a patch down the barrel followed by a couple dry patches.