HOW
TO STORE YOUR SHOTGUN SAFELY BETWEEN SHOOTING SEASONS

For many people, the end of the shooting season follows the same pattern. Your shotgun is taken out of its slip, after its last outing, put back in the cabinet, vestiges of unspent powder in the chamber and streaks in the barrels, and left untouched until the next invitation arrives. Months can pass without giving it another thought, especially if there are no plans to head out for some clays or simulated day any time soon.

The truth is, the off-season plays a bigger role in your shotgun’s condition than many owners realise. How it is cleaned and stored in those months can influence everything from its appearance to the condition of the internals. A little attention and plenty of oil, before putting it away, and the occasional check while it’s in storage, can make all the difference when the next season begins.

Storage Doesn’t End When the Cabinet Door Closes

It’s easy to think the job is finished once your shotgun is locked away. In reality, that’s only the beginning of its time in storage. The conditions it sits in over the following weeks and months will have a far greater impact than the few seconds it takes to place it inside the cabinet.

Looking after a shotgun isn’t simply about meeting legal responsibilities. It’s also about protecting something that, if looked after, has been designed to provide decades of shooting. Whether it’s a modern over and under or a side by side that’s been passed down through generations.

The Right Environment Makes a Difference

A secure gun cabinet is essential, but it’s only part of the picture. The room around it matters just as much. Areas that become damp, cold, or experience regular temperature changes can create conditions that aren’t ideal for long-term storage.

Choosing a dry, stable environment helps reduce the risk of unnecessary wear and gives your shotgun a better chance of remaining in excellent condition throughout the months it’s not being used.

Make sure there is a de humidifying patch such as Napier VP90 in there too.

Don’t Leave It Until the Night Before

One surprisingly common mistake is forgetting about a shotgun completely until the eve of your first shoot of the year. That’s often when owners discover something doesn’t feel quite right, whether it’s stiffness, visible corrosion or an unmistakably lack of snap when you dry fire the gun, with snap caps.

Checking your shotgun from time to time during the off-season doesn’t take long, but it allows you to spot small issues before they become larger ones. It’s a simple habit that can save both time and unnecessary inconvenience later.

With any suspected issues found in good time, you can have the gun serviced or the issue addressed in good time before the first shoot. Information about our gunsmith services can be found clicking here.

Professional Storage Can Offer Extra Peace of Mind

Home storage works well for many owners, but there are situations where professional storage is worth considering. Perhaps you’re travelling, moving home, spending long periods away, have a gun that is particularly prone to corrosion or wood swell or simply want the reassurance that your shotgun is being stored in a secure, professionally managed and controlled environment.

We provide, not only security but also a dehumidified, temperature controlled armory environment designed and built to be the best possible place for the storage of firearms. More information can be found by clicking here.

Looking Ahead to the Next Season

The best shooting days often begin long before you arrive in the field. Caring for your shotgun during the months it’s not in use ensures it’s ready when the season returns and protects its condition and value for years to come, while making sure you don’t have the embarrassment of having to beg to borrow a gun on the morning of.

If you’d like advice on shotgun storage or you’re searching for a secure place to store your firearm between seasons, the team at London Gun Company can provide professional guidance and trusted storage solutions tailored to responsible firearm owners.