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Winter Gun Care 101

Many concealed carriers and recreational shooters neglect gun maintenance during the winters. Your firearm is an investment and a strong line of defense in emergencies – but freezing temperatures can hinder the performance of your weapon.

If you reside in Breinigsville, PA, head over to Eagle Arms for a hassle-free gun buying experience. You may also click here to explore our online inventory of the latest firearms and accessories. 

In today’s blog, we talk about how to keep your gun from freezing in winters. 

What Winters Can Do To Your Guns

There are two main ways how frigid weather damages your firearms: condensation and moisture. The effects vary according to which gun you possess, whether it’s a rifle or CCW. 

You may notice the buildup of condensation on your gun as soon as the chill starts rolling in. The hammer and cylinder of pistols and revolvers are the first to take a hit. 

As the temperature lowers, air can longer hold onto water, and the water forms a layer around solid surfaces, especially metals. Moisture can seep in your gun due to melting snow or water vapor accumulation. 

Left unchecked, moisture can cause freezing due to constant exposure to cold weather. As a result, your firearm can malfunction.

During the winter, firearms freeze or lock when you bring your gun from a hot to a cold environment, and vice versa. 

When you take your gun from a warm environment to the frigid outdoors, a layer of frost will immediately develop on the exposed surface. And the longer your weapon is exposed to the elements, the greater chance of snow and debris jamming the gun. That’s why you should keep your gun covered and close to your body when carrying it outdoors.

Likewise, when you bring your gun indoors into a warm environment, moisture begins to form on the surface. Don’t store your gun before wiping off the moisture. 

Using Lubricants In Cold Temperatures

Lubricating your firearms regularly is a good thing. However, you need to be careful with lubricants in chilly weather. Lubricants can lose their viscosity in icy temperatures, and the liquid can freeze your triggers and firing pins. 

The recoil springs and rods on your handgun are at greater risk of freeze at sub-zero temperatures if left lubricated. 

If you have made a new gun purchase, it will work fine in the short term without constant lubrication. But if you have an older weapon that requires lubrication, look for lubricants rated for -40°F or colder. Use little amounts of the lubricant and wipe off any excess liquid before carrying or storing. 

Remove Fog From Scopes

Finally, foggy scopes are another winter problem that gun owners have to deal with. You should clear out fog on your gun scope with alcohol swabs, as the alcohol evaporates quickly. Also, consider investing in a scope cover. 

Ultimately, the best way to protect your gun during winters is to limit exposure to the elements. 

Those who live in Breinigsville, PA, can always head over to Eagle Arms for a hassle-free gun buying experience. You may also click here to explore our online inventory of the latest firearms and accessories.