Gun Covers & Socks

Gun Socks: Silicone Treated Protective Sleeves for Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns

A gun sock is a knit fabric sleeve that covers a rifle, shotgun, or handgun to protect the firearm's finish from scratches, dust, and moisture during storage. Gun socks serve 3 functions: preventing metal-to-metal contact scratches inside gun safes and gun cabinets, reducing moisture exposure that causes rust and corrosion, and containing loose debris and cleaning oil residue. Gun socks are available in 2 sizes: long gun socks (47 inches / 1,194 mm) for rifles and shotguns, and handgun socks (3.5 x 16 inches / 89 x 406 mm) for pistols and revolvers. A gun sock consists of a knit fabric body, a silicone-treated or Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting (VCI) interior lining, and a drawstring or elasticized opening. TactaBlue stocks gun socks from Arcturus in single, 2-pack, and 4-pack configurations.

Gun Sock Materials and Treatment

Silicone Treated Gun Socks

A silicone treated gun sock uses a knit fabric infused with silicone oil that deposits a thin protective film on the firearm's metal surfaces during contact. The silicone film displaces moisture and creates a barrier between the metal finish and ambient humidity. Silicone treated gun socks protect blued, parkerized, cerakoted, and stainless steel finishes. Arcturus gun socks use silicone-treated fabric that maintains protective properties through multiple uses without reapplication.

VCI Gun Socks

A VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting) gun sock uses fabric treated with volatile corrosion inhibitors that release anti-corrosion vapor molecules inside the enclosed sleeve. VCI molecules bond to metal surfaces and form an invisible protective layer that prevents oxidation. VCI gun socks provide active rust prevention for long-term storage of 6 months to 2+ years without the need for reapplication of oil or wax coatings.

Gun Sock Sizes

Long Gun Socks (47 Inches)

A 47-inch (1,194 mm) gun sock fits rifles and shotguns from 36-inch (914 mm) compact carbines to 46-inch (1,168 mm) full-length sporting rifles and shotguns. The 47-inch gun sock accommodates rifles with mounted scopes, as the knit fabric stretches around scope bodies up to 50mm (2-inch) objective lens diameter. Arcturus 47-inch gun socks are available in 2-pack and 4-pack configurations in black, green, gray, and coyote brown colors.

Handgun Socks (3.5 x 16 Inches)

A handgun sock measuring 3.5 x 16 inches (89 x 406 mm) fits semi-automatic pistols and revolvers from subcompact (Glock 26, 6.5 inches / 165 mm overall length) to full-size (Glock 17, 8.03 inches / 204 mm overall length) frames. Handgun socks use the same silicone-treated knit fabric as long gun socks. Arcturus handgun socks are available in single and 2-pack configurations in black, gray, coyote brown, green and gray, and black and coyote brown color combinations.

Gun Sock Benefits

Rust and Corrosion Prevention

Gun socks prevent rust by creating a physical barrier between the firearm's metal surfaces and ambient moisture, dust, and salt particles. Silicone-treated gun socks deposit a moisture-displacing film on the metal surface. A gun sock reduces the rate of surface oxidation on blued and parkerized finishes, which are more susceptible to rust than stainless steel or cerakote finishes. Gun socks are most effective when used inside a gun safe or gun cabinet where ambient humidity is controlled between 30% and 50% relative humidity.

Scratch Protection

Gun socks prevent scratches from metal-to-metal contact when multiple firearms are stored in the same gun safe, gun cabinet, or gun rack. Firearms stored without gun socks contact adjacent firearms, safe walls, and barrel rests during insertion, removal, and repositioning. The knit fabric acts as a cushioning layer between the firearm's finish and hard contact surfaces. Gun socks protect wood stocks, polymer frames, and metal finishes from scuff marks and surface abrasion.

Dust and Debris Protection

Gun socks seal the firearm inside a knit fabric enclosure that blocks dust, lint, and airborne particulates from settling on oiled metal surfaces. Dust particles that settle on oiled firearm surfaces create an abrasive paste that causes micro-scratching during handling. A gun sock prevents dust accumulation during storage periods of weeks to months between cleaning sessions.

Gun Sock vs Soft Case

A gun sock provides scratch and moisture protection during stationary storage inside a safe, cabinet, or rack. A soft case provides padded impact protection during transport, range trips, and vehicle carry. Gun socks weigh 1 to 3 oz (28 to 85 g) and add no measurable bulk to the stored firearm. Soft cases weigh 1 to 3 lbs (0.45 to 1.36 kg) and add 1 to 2 inches (25 to 51 mm) of padded thickness. Use a gun sock for in-safe or in-cabinet storage, and a soft case for transport between locations.

Gun Socks for Long-Term Storage

For long-term firearm storage (3+ months), clean the firearm with a solvent to remove carbon and old oil, apply a light coat of preservative oil or wax, slide the firearm into a silicone-treated or VCI gun sock, and store the covered firearm inside a gun safe or cabinet with a dehumidifier or silica gel desiccant pack. Check firearms in long-term storage every 3 to 6 months for signs of rust or condensation. Replace silica gel desiccant packs when the indicator crystals change from blue to pink. VCI gun socks maintain corrosion protection for 2+ years without reapplication of oil.

Gun Socks in Safes and Cabinets

Gun socks increase the effective storage capacity of a gun safe or cabinet by reducing the spacing required between adjacent firearms. Firearms without gun socks require 0.5 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm) of clearance between each firearm to prevent finish damage. Firearms in gun socks contact each other through the fabric cushion without surface damage, which allows tighter spacing. A 24-gun rated safe holds 20 to 22 firearms without socks and 24 to 26 firearms with gun socks. Store firearms on a gun rack inside a safe for organized vertical storage with gun socks.

Arcturus Gun Sock Product Line

Arcturus manufactures gun socks in 2 size categories and 5 color options. The Arcturus 47-inch gun sock line includes 2-pack ($19.99) and 4-pack ($34.99) configurations. The Arcturus handgun sock line measures 3.5 x 16 inches and is available in single ($7.99) and 2-pack ($14.99) configurations. Arcturus gun sock colors include black, green, gray, coyote brown, green and gray (2-color pack), and black and coyote brown (2-color pack). All Arcturus gun socks use silicone-treated knit fabric.

Gun Sock Care and Maintenance

To maintain a gun sock's protective properties, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and air dry flat. Do not machine wash or tumble dry gun socks, as heat and mechanical agitation degrade the silicone treatment. Replace gun socks every 2 to 3 years, or when the fabric shows visible thinning, holes, or loss of silicone coating (indicated by the fabric no longer feeling slick between the fingers). Pair gun socks with a gun lock for combined security and finish protection on stored firearms.