Winter Tips For Your Firearms
It’s cold out! Love it or hate it, the cold doesn’t have to stop you from shooting.
CLEAN. CLEAN, and CLEAN some more!
Maintenance is key to the lifespan of your firearm but also to keeping you safe. As the weather gets colder, the metal and oils on your firearm will be affected. Some gun oils and lubricants are not rated for the cold and in the cold will become thicker and stickier. This is going to cause all sorts of problems for the internal mechanisms.
Some folks will forego lubrication completely in sub-zero conditions, but with a lot of modern synthetic lubricants you won’t have to go this way. If you’re not sure your oils will take the cold, you can test them. Simply pour a capful into a container and leave it overnight in the cold. If its solid, no good, if it stays liquid you’re good to go.
First you’re HOT, then you’re COLD!
Temperature fluctuation is also a key factor in these colder months. Moving from the cold into the warmth is going to allow for the formation of condensation. This happens quickly on both the exterior and interior of the firearm. When there is condensation, you might as well do a full clean and lubrication and get rid of all that excess moisture.
Keep ammo in mind as you move between temperatures. Some powders are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and it could also cause wear or rust on the ammo casings, maybe even ruin the primers. Try not to let your ammo sit out in the cold for too long and protect your ammo by using cases for transport.
DRESS for SUCCESS
Nothing ruins a nice day more than shooting or hunting then losing all the feeling in your fingers and toes. So bundle up to avoid the bone chilling cold. Layering up without restricting your movement is key. You’ll want layers so you can always pear down as you start working up a sweat from whatever you’re up to out there.
Bring some extra socks and layers in case you get wet and some headwear is always nice to have (just make sure it fits over or under your hearing protection).
PROTECT your OPTICS
You just got that sight zeroed and ready to go just in time for the cold to set in. Well, other than the cold, there isn’t much stopping you from shooting. Most modern optics are tanks when it comes to the weather. As long as you keep your lenses covered with some flip up lens caps, you’ll be fine.
Although, one thing to watch for is snow on the lens. No matter what you do you will eventually get snow on your glass, and you will be tempted to just try and blow it all off. STOP! Your hot breath comes into contact with the snow, melting some of it and then the cold will immediately freeze the condensation of your breath and snowmelt to your optic. Just use a (COLD) microfiber cloth to wipe off the lens.
RE-ZERO your RIFLE
Take some time before you go hunting or shooting in cold weather to ensure your scope’s zero is still accurate. The cold weather can drastically affect the trajectory of your bullet. Changes in air density and temperature can change things considerably so get to an outdoor range and check in with your rifle before you head out to hunt or compete.
All in all, prep a little, you can keep shooting and hunting right into the dead of winter. Have fun out there!
