I keep all of mine in the safe with silicone socks on them. I of course apply a thin coat of Birchwood Casey's "Barrickade" oil on the firearm then in the sock it goes. Sock keeps the dents & dings from happening when removing my guns in and out. Been doing it for years. Got the idea from here on INGO a few years ago. I highly recommend it.
I use them and as others have said they're good for limiting and bumps and dings from moving guns in and out of the safe.
Years ago my dad bought a bunch of gun storage sleeves called Muzzle Nuzzles. I believe the company that made them went out of business, but I sure wish I had some. They're made of a cotton canvas type material but the inside is almost like a cross between a fleece and a flannel material. IMO shotguns and rifles just fit in them much better, even rifles with a scope.
I have and use over 100 of them. I make it a practice to never put an uncleaned weapon in one and have never had any issue with their use. Back in the day I would buy them by the 6-pack...
I use the silicone socks my firearms especially my “prized” pieces. I don’t use them on my military collectibles as they already have their own “patina”. My main reason for using socks is to avoid dings and scratches like others have stated.
I put on a thin coat of RENAISSANCE wax and put my guns in old, but clean, white sox. I number the sox in order to keep an inventory and to find a gun.
They are inexpensive and work great. If you want a spare rifle you can always tell your wife "I forgot I had a similar one" after the fact because of the sock's secret cloaking ability.
That's probably a one time excuse, but it seems reasonable to me.