Storing rifles cased affecting scope zero?

[Etxbuckman]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if it’s possible that storing a rifle cased on its side for an extended period of time could affect the zero?

[Chase4556]

In theory, no. It will not mess with your zero.

There is always SOMETHING that could happen that could possibly maybe if the moon angle is right cause a shift inside the scope. But baring you bumping the rifle against something, it falling over while cased, ect ect NO storing the rifle in a case in the corner of the closet or whatever should not impact the zero.

I will however caution leaving a rifle cased for a long period. It does run the risk of humidity possibly building up and causing rust. Example, buddy of mine went to his property. Hot humid day. He shot his rifle, put it back in his hard case with foam padding and put it back in the truck(you know how hot/humid a truck can be sometimes?) Got home and took the case and put it in his closet. Two months later he pulls the rifle out, opens the case and finds rust all over his rifle. Out best guess is that hot humid air caused condensation on the ride home/when it was put in the cold closet and the foam absorbed it somehow.

As a personal practice, I don’t leave my rifles cased for any longer than I have to. I will leave them partially unzipped or if it’s a pelican or other type hard case I will leave the latches open to allow it to breathe if I am storing them on a hunt or something.

[M16]

It can if it has a wood stock. Otherwise it’s not likely.

[Etxbuckman]

Thank you. I didn't think it was anything to be concerned about, other than the concern of rust and moisture, but I wanted to ask anyway.

[Artos]

Your biggest concern is the gun getting pitted...wipe your guns down on occasion if storing long term in cases.

[Etxbuckman]

Your biggest concern is the gun getting pitted...wipe your guns down on occasion if storing long term in cases.

You mean pitted on the outside? Or the rifling of the barrel?

[Artos]

Cases can hold moisture, especially the foam kind...I know several folks who went to pull their guns when season came around to have surface rust on the metal.

Just be mindful to wipe down every so often.

[Etxbuckman]

Cases can hold moisture, especially the foam kind...I know several folks who went to pull their guns when season came around to have surface rust on the metal.

Just be mindful to wipe down every so often.

👍🏻

[Drycreek3189]

Storing in a case is just not a good idea in my opinion. I’ve personally seen a commemorative Winchester 30-30 come out of a cardboard box from under someone’s bed that was covered in rust. He wanted to show me the gun and he got a big unwanted surprise. A foam lined case is even worse. Storing in a gun safe with a dehumidifier is the best scenario. Failing that, wiping with an oily rag or a cloth made for that purpose, but that doesn’t take care of what’s under the stock.

[tps7742]

It hasn’t occurred to me personally but I have seen the rust already mentioned on folks guns that have been stored in cases. I wouldn’t think it should affect the zero on a scope unless bumped etc.

[M16]

It hasn’t occurred to me personally but I have seen the rust already mentioned on folks guns that have been stored in cases. I wouldn’t think it should affect the zero on a scope unless bumped etc.

It shouldn’t unless it has a wood stock. If there is enough moisture to rust the gun there is also enough moisture and humidity to cause the wood to to move enough to change the impact.

[tps7742]

It shouldn’t unless it has a wood stock. If there is enough moisture to rust the gun there is also enough moisture and humidity to cause the wood to to move enough to change the impact.

I missed your other post, Makes sense on a wood stock as stated. I can’t understand people storing them in cases long term in the first place.