Now that I have it, what do I do with it? What's the best way to take care of a gun you don't plan on shooting for a few years. Should I leaveit in the box? Should I take it out and clean it? Would it be better in the box or in my gun case? Jake is 4 months old now and won't be ready to shoot it for a long while. I know I need to test it before he shoots it ,but should I do that now or wait?


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I think you should take it and use it as your own for now. I got my first 22 that my dad had for years just recently and im never getting rid of that gun. I bought many guns before i got that but just knowing that it was my dads and he taught me how to shoot with it makes it alot more special to me. Thats just my opinion of what you should do. If you dont want to do that then go shoot it a few times and make sure its working right. Then clean it as usual and keep it in your gun case like all your other guns and check it periodically for rust starting on it. You shouldnt get any rust if it was oiled properly but its a good idea to check it.

I hope you're calling your gun safe or cabinet a "case". I wouldn't store any gun long term in a normal padded case. A padded gun case doesn't allow air to circulate and the padding could hold mositure close to the blueing causing rust. All my guns in long term storage are give a light coat of RIG grease for protection from rust. Normal gun oil isn't your best choice for long term storage.

I have a small Stack On gun safe- case in my basement. It sits 5' from my dehumidifier. No problems with moisture.


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If you don't intend on using it leave it in the box, it will last a long time that way.

Or you can take it out, clean it and shoot it a few times then store it with your other guns if you don't have any problems with them.

Paul

[/align]What about the warranty? Should I shoot it now to make sure there is no problems before the warranty runs out? I guess I need to read the warranty information first.

send it to my house, i'll store it for you for NO FEE!

Store it uncased in a safe if possible. Clean it thoroughly, inside and out, especailly if it is brand new in the box. You will be surprised on the very first cleaning of any firearm to see the amount of "rust" to come of them. Apply a good coat of Birchwood-Casey's Sheath/Barricade for long term protection. Also wouldn't hurt to apply a coat of Stock Sheath or wax to the butt stock and forearm. It should be good for a couple year slike that any way.

I would store it in the box it came in. Never store one long term in a case, you are just asking for rust. Store it in as low humidity envoriment as you can.