Care after snow/rain

[ShootEm]

Hey folks,

Just curious what you all do when you’re out in the snow, rain, wet conditions and get back inside.

Do you pull the action screws, dry everything off, then oil rag everything?

Or are you in the camp of just drying off any visible metal and hitting that stuff with the oily rag?

Or nothing at all, just air dry and call it good?

I usually just do the visible stuff but being out in the conditions today got me thinking if what I do is really enough. 

[Lawdwaz]

Tape your muzzle before you go out.  
 

Wipe gun down when you get back in.   Don’t pull any screws!!!!

[2BuckBizCT]

Wipe it down. My Dad will send you a reminder text if you want.

 

[ShootEm]

I go one better than the tape, I actually have rifle muzzle condoms. There’s no way to say this without it sounding weird, but I take a piece of electrical tape and wrap it around the end of the condom once it’s rolled down the barrel. Always use protection, right? 

[ShootEm]

9 minutes ago, 2BuckBizCT said:

Wipe it down. My Dad will send you a reminder text if you want.

 

My dad already beat your dad to texting me great looking gun by the way!

Edited November 22, 2024 by ShootEm

[phade]

10 minutes ago, ShootEm said:

I go one better than the tape, I actually have rifle muzzle condoms. There’s no way to say this without it sounding weird, but I take a piece of electrical tape and wrap it around the end of the condom once it’s rolled down the barrel. Always use protection, right? 

I used them last year and got really bad corrosion around the outside of the barrel. Inside was a little bit but I was kind of bummed. First time they kind failed me lol.

[2BuckBizCT]

17 minutes ago, ShootEm said:

My dad already beat your dad to texting me great looking gun by the way!

That Browning is from 1993 IIRC, but we have a few rifles from 1960's and 1970's. They have all been through terrible weather and trips, etc. but all look amazing still.

[2BuckBizCT]

I've hunted in snow and rain a ton in my life, i never once covered the barrel opening. I keep the gun laid across my lap when sitting, so never had an issue with rain/snow getting in. I do use those flip up caps for the scope sometimes though

[grampy]

When my gun gets wet, I wipe it down thoroughly with oily cloth, soon as I can after coming out. I never take any screws out, until after the season ends. Then the gun gets taken apart and lovingly cleaned.

[Lawdwaz]

37 minutes ago, 2BuckBizCT said:

I've hunted in snow and rain a ton in my life, i never once covered the barrel opening. I keep the gun laid across my lap when sitting, so never had an issue with rain/snow getting in. I do use those flip up caps for the scope sometimes though

I like to keep snow and rain out.   Also, should you ever stumble (some are prone to it as you know) and stuff the muzzle in snow or mud, you be happy it was taped.   
 

Also……long guns should (IMHO) be stored muzzle down after a lousy day of weather.    In the same vein, I know a couple bench rest shooters that store their high end rifles and shotguns muzzle down after any cleaning.   It helps to keep oils and solvents from running into the action or even the stock.   
 

Most of mine are muzzle down in the safe.   

[2BuckBizCT]

6 minutes ago, Lawdwaz said:

I like to keep snow and rain out.   Also, should you ever stumble (some are prone to it as you know) and stuff the muzzle in snow or mud, you be happy it was taped.   
 

Also……long guns should (IMHO) be stored muzzle down after a lousy day of weather.    In the same vein, I know a couple bench rest shooters that store their high end rifles and shotguns muzzle down after any cleaning.   It helps to keep oils and solvents from running into the action or even the stock.   
 

Most of mine are muzzle down in the safe.   

Yea, on canada hunts in sub zero temps back in the day it always crossed my mind about not dropping the barrel into the snow. I probably should have used one back then. 

[Wolc123]

Buckmaster always gave me crap for putting any lubricants on firing  pins  but I put a few drops of CLP on my Marlin 512 and T/C Omega 50 cal, about 5 years ago, and neither has failed to fire since then.

 

Im still not going to chance the Marlin on a real cold day though, especially after it gets rained on.   If nothing else, that gives me a good excuse to haul out grandpas old Ithaca 37.  That thing has never failed to fire.  

I’ll start using the Muzzle down trick after a good water soaking though,  because I don’t see how it could hurt.   

 

3 hours ago, Lawdwaz said:

I like to keep snow and rain out.   Also, should you ever stumble (some are prone to it as you know) and stuff the muzzle in snow or mud, you be happy it was taped.   
 

Also……long guns should (IMHO) be stored muzzle down after a lousy day of weather.    In the same vein, I know a couple bench rest shooters that store their high end rifles and shotguns muzzle down after any cleaning.   It helps to keep oils and solvents from running into the action or even the stock.   
 

Most of mine are muzzle down in the safe.   

 

Edited November 23, 2024 by Wolc123

[ShootEm]

2 hours ago, Lawdwaz said:

I like to keep snow and rain out.   Also, should you ever stumble (some are prone to it as you know) and stuff the muzzle in snow or mud, you be happy it was taped.   
 

Also……long guns should (IMHO) be stored muzzle down after a lousy day of weather.    In the same vein, I know a couple bench rest shooters that store their high end rifles and shotguns muzzle down after any cleaning.   It helps to keep oils and solvents from running into the action or even the stock.   
 

Most of mine are muzzle down in the safe.   

Never thought of storing it muzzle down. It makes sense though, can’t hurt either!

[Chef]

On 11/22/2024 at 4:32 PM, ShootEm said:

I go one better than the tape, I actually have rifle muzzle condoms. There’s no way to say this without it sounding weird, but I take a piece of electrical tape and wrap it around the end of the condom once it’s rolled down the barrel. Always use protection, right? 

Are you sure those aren't just finger cots from a first aide kit ?

[Spaceman Spiff]

27 minutes ago, Chef said:

Are you sure those aren't just finger cots from a first aide kit ?

Finger cots are a lot thinner usually. Although, electrical tape is the best option. I wrap extra on the barrel so after i shoot i can apply more tape.