Best semi for cold weather, maybe snow?

[Dionysusigma]

So with winter coming up, what would THR recommend as the best autoloader for extreme cold weather? I purposely left off the AK since it was practically desinged for such conditions, and would dominate the polls.

Basically, such a gun would be used for 100-150 yd. plinking, maybe hunting in cold weather or snow. Also, as a side qustion, what rifles do y'all use when it snows? Which would you stay away from?

Just another "fun" poll for the heck of it...

DionysustiredofpoliticsSigma

 

[tc300mag1]

I have a old remington 742 big brother to the 7400 that has functioned flawless in the bone cold and snow for many years now.. In fact it works better than i do in cold weather

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I purposely left off the AK since it was practically desinged for such conditions, and would dominate the polls.

But what about the SKS?. My Yugo SKS went through last years monsoon/snow season just fine.

ZM

 

[Dionysusigma]

Sorry I forgot to mention... the caliber was to be either 7.62x54R, .308, or some other comparable MBR cartridge.

Oops...

 

[Brick]

Well I voted M1A because it's the American Rifle.

You can get them chambered for .308 from Springfield IIRC.

Kingcaliberscanmakeadifferencefisher

 

[SpookyPistolero]

No AK's on the list? Then I have to vote for the ROMAK-3, the AK on steroids. Seriously, this is a great rifle and cheap to feed. Plenty accurate to do whatever you need to do with it. Plus, the cool factor is off the charts.

-SpookyPistolero

 

[rbernie]

I don't recall hearing of any M1 failures to operate (other than lack of ammo to shoot) at Bastogne.....

 

[cracked butt]

M1 perhaps?

 

[Kurt]

I voted FAL, but only because the AK's weren't really listed.

M1A - ? ..... with a snowfall ? and that exposed action ?

(only if I had too)

Thanks

 

[Langenator]

I don't recall hearing of any M1 failures to operate (other than lack of ammo to shoot) at Bastogne.....

IIRC, the Americans had problems with lots of weapons, including M1s, during the Bulge. They literally froze solid due to the cold-any moisture at all in the actions turned to ice, and maybe even the gun oil.

Approved solution seems to have been urinating in the actions.

 

[ny32182]

Seems like doing that would only increase the amount of freezable liquid in the action?

Anyhow. You can get a VEPR in .308, and even though its not listed, that is what I would take.

 

[Black Snowman]

[in best Kerry voice] I absolutely support the FAL in this poll! The best option is definately the Romak-3 without a doubt. So the people call for a CMP M1 and we shall heed their cries!

Sorry, had to throw a little politics in there.

 

[pbhome71]

I think they will be pretty much work the same, if you lube them the same way.

I think using dry lube type of lubricant instead of oil/grease base is essential.

 

[shoobe01]

I voted FAL, because I love mine so.

The Swedes used the AK-4 (G3) until replacing it with the AK-5 (FNC-90). However, they put a bolt closing notch on it, so maybe it wasn't the best choice after all. Never seen that modification for the FAL.

 

[Swamprabbit]

I voted for the FAL just because that's what I have . Seriously, any semi-auto can give trouble in cold enough temps but the FAL's enclosed action will help keep snow/rain/sleet out.

 

[Cosmoline]

I'm with the Romak-3. No, I haven't had the $$ to get one yet, but it's on my list and I've had the opportunity to inspect them and see them in action. Basically they seem to use an enlarged AK-47 action, which is extremely good at dealing with crud including ice and snow and is very easy to clean. Coupled with that they use the old 54R, which I know from experience is forgiving in cold weather.

 

[VG]

The most commonly used cold weather lubricant in Korea was pencil lead.....

 

[MrMurphy]

AK/SKS.
M1A or M1 with a non-liquid lubricant
FAL.


The HK91 would also do well, it's served worldwide too.

 

[Dienekes]

There was an extensive report on the good performance of the M1 Garand in Korea. They were susceptible to frost-lock like any other weapon but could usually be kept in action by field expedient action--urinate on it and yank on the op-rod handle. There were lots of things tried, including the pencil lead (graphite) approach.

I have used my M1s in fairly nippy weather (10 degrees F) with plain old rifle grease and they worked okay. Haven't had much really cold weather in a few years now, but next time I may see how the Militec grease works.

Coldest I ever shot in was minus 30, and that was with a revolver. Reloading was unreal.

 

[albanian]

SKS by far! More reliable than the cheap SAR-1. Romania just doesn't seem to make very good guns.

 

[student]

Not to get off subject here, but nothing wrong with the SAR series. They always go bang, like any AK should. And those I have seen shoot as well as any SKS. Most limiting accuracy factor for both guns is likely the cheap ammo they tend to consume.

As far as the cold thing.........any gun works in the cold where I live.

 

[Gordon]

Swedish Lungman, and by extrapolation: the Hakim! Open up that gas port and you could thaw it out by shooting!

 

[Dionysusigma]

Strange how the SVT-40 has absolutely no votes... yet it's a Russian design... hmm.

Looking back on it, I can't believe I forgot the M1 Garand. Does anyone have any horror stories about the G3/Hk91/PTR91 doing poorly in cold weather?

Asking because this pic came to mind...