Rust and corrosion are natural – but controllable – processes that have been especially problematic to society since the start of the Industrial Revolution. However, military officials didn’t start taking a hard look at the actual impact on its artillery until about the 1990s. In so doing, a bleak picture emerged, with government analysis of corrosion’s dollar impact on the U.S. Department of Defense revealing more than $21 billion in losses every single year. That’s just in direct costs. Indirect costs are even higher, with firearm rust and corrosion substantially increasing equipment downtime and impairing overall readiness. One way the military addresses this is by relying on Zerust firearm bags to protect guns and other equipment from accelerated degradation.

Zerust VCI polybags, which can be used for handguns, rifles, and extra-large equipment, offer protection against corrosion damage for guns and accessories during shipping, storage, and between operations – with thousands of units proving their performance and reliability in the field.

They’re especially useful in environments where there is extreme weather, sand, and salt air conditions.

VCI stands for vapor corrosion inhibitor, a product that works by releasing a non-toxic vapor into the air surrounding a metal item. These colorless, odorless vapors form a molecule-thin layer of protection around the metal items, preventing the electrochemical reactions that cause rust and corrosion. The vapor doesn’t impact the mechanical or electrical functions of the items they protect, and might actually improve it by preventing degradation in areas too small to see with the eyes alone. They can be used to protect both ferrous and non-ferrous metal (the former being subject to rust, the latter to other types of corrosion).

Civilians can also avail themselves of this same, cutting-edge technology to protect their own firearms.

Zerust Firearm Bags Available to Consumers

Zerust firearm bags are available as a consumer product for purchase by the general public to protect their own guns, rifles, and ammunition.

In fact, there are three different types of bags:

• VCI Firearm Protection Bags. We have six different sizes made with your choice of zip or twist tie closure to allow for protections of guns and rifles of all sizes. These Zerust firearm bags are lightweight, plastic, and inexpensive, yet long-lasting – providing up to five years of protection against rust and corrosion.
• Multi-purpose VCI Poly Bags. These are very similar to the VCI firearm protection bags, except that they come in slightly smaller sizes. These may be more ideal for ammo and firearm accessories containing metal components.
• VCI Fleece-Lined Rifle Bag. These come in two sizes (9″x12″ or 10″x53″), fleece-lined with a zipper closure, offering protection against firearm rust and corrosion for up to a full five years.

Most civilians use these bags for storage, but they’re also ideal if you’re shipping a firearm.

Another method of protection, particularly if you’re using a closet or shed for firearm storage, is a Rust Prevention Vapor Capsule. These come in seven different sizes, and can be bought in bulk. Simply stick the adhesive backing onto an inside wall of the storage unit, and the capsule provides 1-2 years of protection in radii of between 1-6 feet, depending on the size and type of capsule one purchases.

In addition to properly storing your gun with VCI products, it’s important to give your gun a thorough cleaning after each use and oil it correctly with the right kind of gun oil. Zerust offers a combo deal for gun oil & cleaner for just $6 ($4 when purchased individually).

Our military recognizes that investment in protecting firearms from rust and corrosion is a top priority. Consumers can count themselves lucky that they have access to the very same technology to keep their own firearms in the best possible shape.

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“>Contact Zerust for information on rust protection for firearms by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

DOD Should Take Additional Actions to Enhance Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation Efforts, Nov. 2018, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Report to the Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate

More Blog Entries:

3 Simple Ways to Prevent Firearm Rust, March 16, 2022, Zerust Firearm Bags Blog