These simple tips on how to weatherproof your guns will ensure it works all the time especially when it really needs to!
RELATED: Effective Gun Cleaning Techniques For A Happy And Clean Gun
In this article:
- The Basics – Keep Your Gun Oiled to Prevent Corrosion
- Use Muzzle Tape to Protect Your Bore
- Use Lip Balm on Your Scope Mount Screws
Weatherproof Your Guns | Simple Firearm Maintenance
What Can Damage Your Guns
Anyone who's spent time in extreme weather with their guns knows what bad effects cold temperatures and rain can have on your rifle. Water can damage your guns, causing corrosion, rust, and other negative effects on your weapons.
A wet rifle can give you problems. Even if you buy an already weatherproof rifle, the effects of extreme weather are still hard to avoid.
Even having a waterproof rifle sleeve may not be enough.
With a few easy tips, you can fight back against weather damage and keep your guns in working order no matter where you go.
If you're buying a rifle specifically for such conditions, check out our list of the Best Rifles For Mountain Hunting!
1. The Basics – Keep Your Gun Oiled to Prevent Corrosion
This one seems like a no brainer. Keep your gun clean and well maintained with some basic gun oil or oil wipes.
With the exception of the bore, you want to oil all surfaces of the barrel and action. If done often, this will do a lot to prevent damaging corrosion.
Check out these tips for oiling your guns!
- Watertight, crushproof & dustproof, Waterproof, Chemical Resistant, Shock Proof, Pressure Valve
- Cases come standard with an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve which releases built up air pressure while keeping water out
- Internal Dimensions:7.6X4.8X5.3 Inch
2. Use Muzzle Tape to Protect Your Bore
Use some electrical tape to keep your bore protected. Keeping your bore taped to prevent damage won't affect your shot, either.
The tape comes right off when you fire and your shot fires completely straight with no effect on the accuracy. Just be sure not to oil your bore as that will affect your accuracy.
Here's how to tape your bore.
RELATED: DIY Gun Cleaning Kit | 10 Essentials for Gun Cleaning
3. Use Lip Balm on Your Scope Mount Screws
This is a little known trick- cover the mount screws with lip balm after mounting your scope. The balm fills the space in the head of the screw and keeps water away from the metal.
This combats rust even better than oil, and lip balm comes off easily when you clean your gun.
Did you know that wax helps protect your guns? Here's a video by MidwayUSA to teach you how:
Keeping your guns weatherproofed is only part of the battle. Corrosion and rust are two things you don't want your firearms to develop.
You need your guns to function especially if they're mainly used for home defense. There's no way an intruder should take advantage of the situation just because your gun did not get the maintenance it deserves.
Always make it a point your guns are well-oiled and in good working condition!
What tricks do you use to weatherproof your guns? Share them with us in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 21, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.