While temperate weather is ideal for firing a gun, conditions won’t always be so pleasant, especially if you live up north. Whether you’re hunting some wintertime game or defending your home against an intruder in the cold, you’ll want to make sure you prepare your gun and yourself for the lower temperatures. That’s why we’ve created a guide on firearms and the cold-weather considerations that you’ll need to take into account before using them.
Keeping the Gun Warm
A cold firearm is less likely to perform as intended and could get damaged if left in freezing temperatures for long enough. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it in the cold. Many people hunt in the winter. They simply must take certain precautions first, such as using less oil to lubricate their firearm so that it doesn’t freeze up and leaving it in some blankets when not in use.
Once you finish using your gun, you’ll want to warm it up. Some people put dehumidifiers in their safes that warm up the inside and remove any moisture, allowing them to store their guns safely in a garage or basement. However, if you want to use a quick access wall-mounted gun safe, like the ones we offer on our site, you’ll need to store it indoors for safekeeping.
How To Use Ammo in the Cold
Ammunition is another thing that is bad to leave in cold environments. Frozen bullets may not fire correctly, which is not what you want to happen if you are trying to protect your home. Keeping ammunition inside or in the heated safe with your guns will be your best bet. If you’re out hunting, you’ll want to keep your extra ammo in a warm spot, as well.
That’s not the only aspect you’ll need to consider, though. Hollowpoint bullets are commonly used among hunters and people defending their homes. What many of them don’t realize, though, is that thick fur or wooly shirts can plug up the bullet before entry, preventing it from expanding as it’s intended. This will make the ammo less effective, which is why using larger caliber ammo is the better way to confirm a kill during the colder months of the year.
Preparing Yourself for the Weather
Even though you’ll mostly make cold-weather considerations for firearms and the ammo you use, one aspect you also need to think about is how well you’ll personally handle the gun in the freezing weather. While outside, you’ll be much more bundled up than you’re used to when handling a firearm. Reaching for your gun from beneath a few layers of clothing and pulling the trigger with gloves on will be a whole new challenge that you may be underprepared for.
That’s precisely why you’ll want to get some practice in. It may look silly, but dressing in winter gear and going to the shooting range would be an excellent way to go about this. If that’s not a possibility, getting an earlier start than usual on the hunting season will help you get in some extra practice. Just do whatever works best for you.