Did you know that about 30% of Americans personally own a firearm? If you own a gun, you must know how to store and protect your ammo to avoid accidents.
Whether you’re deciding to expand your gun collection or you want to buy your first firearm, proper storage of your ammunition is essential. Neglecting your ammo storage can endanger you, your family members, and even your friends. So, it’s critical to understand the common mistakes with ammo storage and how to avoid them.
Read on to learn the common mistakes in ammo storage practices and the best solutions to keep you, your family, and your guns safe.
1. Not Organizing Your Equipment Together
It can be a problem if a fire or the ammunition is stolen. Keeping the different types of ammunition in separate containers and locations is crucial.
Another mistake people make is not labeling the ammo storage containers. It can lead to confusion and can be dangerous.
Always label your boxes for ammo with the type and the date you stored it. If you don’t know which types you have, you can check some guides online for more info.
2. Lack of Proper Storage Containers
The wrong type of container can cause the ammo to become moist, which can lead to rust and other damage. It is essential to use a container that is airtight and moisture-resistant.
3. Storage is Exposed to Extreme Temperatures
It can cause the ammo to expand and contract, leading to feeding and firing problems. It can also cause the bullets to become deformed, which can lead to accuracy problems. If you live in an area with an extreme temperature for storing ammo, you may consider investing in a temperature-controlled storage unit.
4. Exposure to Ultraviolet Light
UV light can cause the ammunition to degrade and become less effective over time. To avoid this, store your ammunition in a cool, dark place and make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, check your ammunition regularly to ensure that it is still in good condition and has not been damaged by exposure to UV light.
5. Not Using Silica Desiccant
Silica desiccant helps keep moisture out of the air and can thus help prevent rust and corrosion on your ammo. Without silica desiccant, your ammo is much more susceptible to damage from the elements.
It is also essential to keep ammunition away from magnets as it can disrupt the ammunition’s magnetic field and malfunction.
6. Not Cleaning Your Ammo Regularly
Keeping your ammo clean is essential to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential problems. However, there are a few common mistakes people make when cleaning their ammo that can do more harm than good.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners not designed for cleaning ammo. These can damage the delicate components of your ammo and render it useless.
Additionally, avoid using excessive force when cleaning. It can damage the delicate components of your ammo and cause it to malfunction. Don’t forget to dry it thoroughly when cleaning.
Avoid Mistakes with Ammo Storage for Responsible Gun Ownership
One of gun owners’ most important safety precautions is storing their ammunition correctly. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes with ammo storage, which can lead to accidents.
To avoid these mistakes, keep your ammunition in a cool, dry place away from any heat source. Also, keep your ammunition organized to keep you and your loved ones safe from handling them.
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