As temperatures drop and winter sets in, it’s essential to take a few extra steps to ensure your AR-15 is appropriately cared for. Here are some tips on how to keep your rifle functioning in cold weather, as well as how to prevent any rust or corrosion from forming. So whether you’re using your AR-15 for hunting or target shooting during the colder months, follow these tips to keep it running smoothly.
Do More Before
When it comes to anything, it is always a good practice to prepare for things before they happen; be proactive, not reactive. This is no different than how you should treat your rifle before winter, especially your AR-15, which is more mechanical than designed rifles like bolt actions.
That said, most places do not get cold enough, especially in the United States, for any particular application lubricant or protectant. So best practice is to keep your rifle clean and apply the correct amount of your favorite CLP.
For those in Artic conditions, you may need to invest in some extreme low temp lubricant for your rifles. Some easily accessible options include military surplus LAW or Artic Weapon Lubricant.
Taking Care of Your Rifle
As anyone who has spent time in cold weather knows, the elements can take a toll on people and equipment. This is especially true for those who rely on their AR-15, or firearms in general, for hunting, target practice, or self-defense. Cold weather can cause many problems for guns, from jams to misfires. However, You can take some simple steps to help prevent these issues.
First and foremost, it is essential to keep the rifle clean. Dirty guns are more likely to malfunction, and in cold weather, the problem is compounded by the fact that dirt and grime will gum up more quickly. Also, it is essential to ensure all lubricants are removed before venturing into the cold. The cold can cause lubricants to thicken and gum up if you don’t have the correct form for the environment, which can lead to action problems.
It is also essential to keep the barrel clear of snow and mud. These things can impede the gun’s function and cause many issues. By taking some simple precautions, hunters and shooters can help ensure that their weapons will function properly in cold weather conditions.
Take Care of Yourself
Dressing correctly is essential to shooting in cold weather for a few reasons. When your body is in a cold environment, your muscles will involuntarily contract and relax in an attempt to keep warm. This shivering can substantially reduce your shot’s accuracy.
Cold weather is also infamous for reducing the dexterity of your hands, which in turn decreases their overall functionality. To avoid these pitfalls, wearing gloves that keep your hands warm, dry, and protected from the wind is advisable.
Staying dry is crucial to keeping warm, but it’s also essential when protecting your firearm from severe damage. However this may sound like a simple step, but it also includes the danger of condensation. Condensation forms when a gun is brought from a cold environment into a warm climate. Consequently, it is vital to be aware of this possibility and take steps to avoid it.
Get Your Rifle and Put it All Together
Critical Objectives started developing mission-specific barrel attachment systems for AR platform guns eight years ago. We then set rails and fore grips that integrated these systems. We soon became associated with special military operations CQB trainers who liked our products. Critical Objectives create weapons that perform superbly in extreme conditions. They are rugged and dependable, emphasizing superior functions under severe tactical conditions.
Our non-reciprocating forward charging handle allows the operator to maintain a ready position with the hand on the pistol grip during charging, malfunction drills, and press checks. Critical Objectives rifles are perfect for tackling any environment, whether you’re hunting in the mountains of Montana or running failure-to-stop drills in the Arctic Circle. Critical Objectives is your go-to source for the best tactical firearms with a commitment to quality and performance, so check us out and get your own today!