cold and guns

[welsh warrior]

as this is my frist year of haing guns i was just thinking can sub zero temps effect my guns or even my carts ?

[HDAV]

Low temps arent actually bad, rapid changes can be, causing condensation on metal work and drying out the wood, if it gets below -10 then things may not work as designed, cabinet condensation (or on carts) can make things go rusty, Cold damp guns put into a warm moist cabinet can be a real issue so add some VP90, rice, dehumidifier and make sure no damp on walls where they are stored. Clean thoroughly and use a good oil...

Edited December 16, 2010 by HDAV

[webber]

Cartridges will perform better when warm.

 

webber

[njc110381]

It shouldn't get cold enough to be a problem here. Out in Canada they shoot into the -20s and the only problem you can have that I know about is oil getting thick and playing up in semi auto guns? I thing they use a lot of dry lube instead, it's very good

[Redgum]

Gun powder produces lower pressures when ignited in cold temperatures, meaning lower velocity. Will not make much noticable differance in a shotgun but can alter POA with a rifle. The biggest problem with a shotgun and freezing temperatures is when you get home, the cold metal will attract condensation, I always find it best to leave the gun a while before cleaning for it to warm a little. There could be safety issues raised here about leaving shotguns propped up against the wall, I always break em down and put the action in the safe until I have sorted the barrels, then swap em over and then reassemble before finally locking them away. I always take mods off the rifles and have silicon gel packs in both my cabinets.