Those little parts are easily recognizable when new and stored in their packaging. Months later that mount will be scattered in the clutter of your workshop, the ring set mixed up with another identical set and that scope accessory stowed away with no clue what it is for. Storing your parts in such a way that they are accompanied by the relevant information to identify, install, check and use the part safely and responsibly is not about setting up the perfect workshop, it's about creating a trail of part to paperwork.
Start with the symptoms of a weak storage system
Confusion with your rifle parts happens in small stages. You may not be able to remember which screws go with a particular mount, you may not be able to find the right tool for a job, or you may mix up two almost identical cases. A manual can get filed away in some general drawer, and the accessory for that rifle left in your range bag.
For any suspected worn or damaged storage equipment it's best to err on the side of caution and store it elsewhere until you're able to confirm the item is still in good condition. Then you can decide whether or not to return it to service in storage.
Build a pair for every loose component
In organizing your equipment for storage, it is best to assign to each piece a pair – a container for the piece and a record of the piece. The container would be a case, bag, or storage space for the item. The record would be the manual for the item, a printed copy of a model identifier for the item, or a note which references to documentation for the item.
A separate bag would be used to store all the fasteners, the instructions for the mount, in the labeled package. For a sling, the stored information for the sling would include any notes on the current adjustment and information on how it was fitted. For tools, for example, the individual bags for the tools, adapters, thread protectors and other small spare parts would be stored inside the larger case for the component.
Identifying nearly identical parts and determining their use should not rely on memory. Write down manufacturer and model numbers that are clearly legible on a particular component or packaging for that component. If unknown, do not attempt to identify it. Hold the unknown part until it is identified for use in installation or maintenance.
Make equipment labeling readable and durable
Information on the equipment label itself should be sufficient to allow someone to identify what you have and what it goes with. So, a label of "optic mount – model recorded in folder" is much better than "rifle parts" for example. If known, list the make and model of the piece(s) of equipment in question as well as whether the contents of the container in question are Hardware, Tools or Documents etc.
When selecting storage for your equipment and parts consider how the label will look after normal wear and tear. For indoor storage in clean environments a paper slip in a clear plastic pouch may be suitable; however, a more durable tag would be more suitable for equipment that is frequently carried in a range case. Try to make a second copy of the information and store it in your household inventory or a maintenance log for valuable parts that are easily confused with similar items that are stored remotely from your rifle.
Labeling the container rather than the part, should it be necessary to label the part at all, helps to ensure that any mark left by a label will not have a detrimental effect upon the part. Furthermore, labels that peel away, become detatched and/or read incorrectly should be treated with the same urgency as any other failure in storage.
Give scope accessories their own check
For those items such as throw levers, lens covers, sunshades and levels which are supplied with the optic, then it's best to store these with the scope in a dedicated pouch. Also, mounting hardware (e.g. scope rings), retaining rings, caps, etc. must be stored with the relevant accessory (i.e. the optic and/or the mount).
The same kinds of things to look for other scope accessories (such as lens covers, sunshades, throw levers, etc.) are grit, damage to threads, bent edges, cracked or broken lenses, loose fasteners, and so on. These all indicate that something may have gone wrong, and that it's not a good idea to force the part. It could indicate that the part in question is for the wrong scope, or that it's been cross-threaded, or that there's been dirt introduced under the screw or elsewhere. Until you can identify the part in question, it's best to set it aside and go look up the appropriate manual for the part. Consult a professional if necessary.
Remember to check your storage of spare batteries for items such as scopes, laser sights, lights and any other item with batteries. Retain any information you have concerning the batteries in with the relevant documentation for the item in question. Then store the item as the manufacturer of that item would recommend. In particular look out for signs of leakage or swelling and treat such items with caution following current safety advice.
Keep firearm manuals connected to the right item
Finally, store the firearm's manual and other supporting documentation for the firearm with its other records. For accessorifies, the documentation will typically go in the container for the accessory itself. Make an index of where the manuals are stored and what each one covers for that part or set of accessories.
When checking through the manuals for your guns and accessories make sure all the pages are there and that none of them are damaged. Also make sure that you haven't mistakenly grabbed the wrong manual for a nearly identical part. The requirements for use and the documentation for the part can change and should be checked against current official guidance.
Don't replace required procedures or information for a specific model with remembered ways of doing things. Seek out qualified resources if the information required to safely complete a task is not provided by the documentation for that equipment.
Use the storage check as a maintenance checkpoint
As equipment is brought back in from a day on the range, some simple checks should be performed to ensure all of your equipment is being stored safely. This includes ensuring that all of your firearms are stored unloaded and closed, as well as any other accessories that are going to be stored with the firearm. Looking for signs of moisture, wear, or even missing parts in containers holding accessories is also an important step to ensuring all of your gear is going to be safe.
Develop a simple checklist for items in storage to review the identity, condition, documentation and location of items to determine if maintenance or repair is required. Items with worn or damaged storage cases need to be cleaned and serviced according to manufacturer instructions. Missing manuals for items require additional search for correct documentation. Unknown parts and components in active storage locations must be removed from service.
Remember, safe storage of your firearms and related equipment is designed to keep more than just the firearm(s) secure. Supporting equipment should not be a source of confusion and/or lead to unauthorized use. Storage is working when the necessary items and their corresponding documentation are readily apparent without having to hunt through a pile of parts. As always, requirements may change, therefore always review local laws and current official guidelines as needed when modifying storage or accessories.