basement gun/ammo storage

[big flash]

we are closing on our new house soon and planning to put my gun/ammo storage as well as the future reloading press/stock in the currently unfinished basement.
my long term plan is to finish the basement but honestly the guns & ammo are going to probably end up there before it all get's finished if it won't ruin everything.

the basement is not built too poorly, with floating slab and sump already installed. there aren't any signs of flooding but obviously it's a basement so the humidity is a concern.

If i constantly run a decent dehumidifier downstairs and put a goldenrod or another dryer in my safe, will i probably be OK?
The temperature will be pretty constant even before I finish the space, but i'm obviously worried about humidity.

if this isn't the right spot for this thread, i apologize!

[24Pink14Stink]

My safe is in the basement, up on cinder blocks and right next to the dehumidifier. No issues in my world.

[usmcveteran]

I would run a dehumidifier down there for a little while to see if it can keep up and keep it in a good range humidity wise before moving anything down there.

Not sure if you wanted to invest in shelving as well to keep it up off the ground in case of flooding.

[thughes]

My safe is in the basement, up on cinder blocks and right next to the dehumidifier. No issues in my world.

Ditto. Grab one of these at Weggy's (pure silica gel), pour @ half pound in a knee-high nylon stocking, tie the top in a knot and hang it in the safe. When the crystals turn blue just spread them on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until they turn clear again..............lifetime supply of desiccant for less than $15. Works in ammo cans, etc, too.

[big flash]

My safe is in the basement, up on cinder blocks and right next to the dehumidifier. No issues in my world.

Good to hear. i was pretty confident in my plan until i talked to someone who thought i was crazy. haha
i could probably fit everything in the guest closet or something but i would rather make more of a man cave in the basement to be honest

[big flash]

I would run a dehumidifier down there for a little while to see if it can keep up and keep it in a good range humidity wise before moving anything down there.

Not sure if you wanted to invest in shelving as well to keep it up off the ground in case of flooding.

good point, i should get a hygrometer down there as soon as i get in the house.
i will probably block the safe up just in case and will certainly be building ammo storage shelves eventually to get everything off the floor.

[big flash]

Ditto. Grab one of these at Weggy's (pure silica gel), pour @ half pound in a knee-high nylon stocking, tie the top in a knot and hang it in the safe. When the crystals turn blue just spread them on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until they turn clear again..............lifetime supply of desiccant for less than $15. Works in ammo cans, etc, too.

thank you! definitely doing this for ammo cans and the safe. and my photography equipment cabinets as well! awesome idea.

[RayKnobs]

Where is your new house?

[big flash]

Where is your new house?

ogden, moving out of the city!

no real land or anything but should definitely be a quieter neighborhood.
gonna miss the 19th ward but it's time to move on.

[Meketrefe]

moisture is the mortal enemy of firearms. So wherever they are make sure there is no moisture in the air.
Basement is ok as soon as you keep the place or safe moisture free. there are heating elements that you can install inside the safe
that get read of any moisture. For ammo make sure you use a water sealed container and seal them in a dry place and toss in there
a couple of silica bags. Also consider repackaging in units with vacuum sealed bags. Some might come already sealed like the suprlus
tin cans. Just make sure you keep them from rusting outside.
Nato battle packs are also sealed in very hard plastic bags so make sure they are kept w/o cracks nor punctures.

[masterswimmer]

If you're installing a safe exclusively to keep children's hands off your firearms and protected from fire then raising it on concrete blocks to prevent possible water damage is fine. However, if part of the reason you're keeping your valuables in a safe is security from theft and burglary, then you need to consider bolting or securing the safe to the concrete slab.

You can accomplish both objectives, ' mounting' the safe and raising it above the slab by forming a frame about 15" high and pouring a fresh mix of concrete to build a stand. Just drill three holes into your slab and insert rebar or bolts into the holes keeping the top of the rebar raised into the concrete form you built as described above.

You will be able to attach the safe to the raised concrete to keep it above possible flooding while still preventing a thief from removing the safe from your home.

[Meketrefe]

Who said you need to bolt all safes to the ground?

[masterswimmer]

Lol, the guy on the left needs a ladder to reach the combination!

[Guest]

Ditto. Grab one of these at Weggy's (pure silica gel), pour @ half pound in a knee-high nylon stocking, tie the top in a knot and hang it in the safe. When the crystals turn blue just spread them on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until they turn clear again..............lifetime supply of desiccant for less than $15. Works in ammo cans, etc, too.

I say this post belongs in the "what can you teach your fellow man" thread good stuff

[Cgrutt]

Congrats on the new house. My safe is in basement with a heating element no problems going on eight years. Most of my ammo is either in safe or in storage lockers in ammo cans. No problems there either. Good luck.