(Reposting a post I made in competition shooting forum, in General, at the request of the moderator Taliv)
With cold weather hitting this weekend / week, and some of us being nuts enough to go shooting in it, here's Trent's cold tips. This advice was made for competitors Sunday in a High Power shoot I run, but can be applied to anyone who's going to be shooting in extreme cold:
Some additional thoughts;
If you shoot this upcoming week (in most of the country) you will be shooting in lethal weather. An unprotected human in -5 to -10 degrees Farenheit, can develop frostbite on the extremities in as little as 10 minutes.
Even *driving* to the range (or grocery store, for that matter) can be hazardous for many of us, if you are stuck in the snow, have an accident, or your car doesn't start when you get in to leave the range, you may suddenly find yourself in a "survival" situation. If you aren't properly dressed or have the right tools to keep warm, you might find yourself with injuries by the time authorities (or a tow truck) can get to you. Something as simple as a rolled up blanket in the back seat may save your life (or at least your ears, toes, fingers...)
People have already, and will continue, to die from cold this week, so use caution.
On the other hand, it is a *great* opportunity (for some select, crazy few people) to go out and test yourself, and your gear.
One more thing; I know there are some "true" northerners from Alaska, etc on this board, so if want to contribute or make corrections, by all means please do.
With cold weather hitting this weekend / week, and some of us being nuts enough to go shooting in it, here's Trent's cold tips. This advice was made for competitors Sunday in a High Power shoot I run, but can be applied to anyone who's going to be shooting in extreme cold:
Clean ALL oil out of your firearms. Gun oil will solidify at these temperatures and your firearm will quit functioning.
DO NOT bring your gun in to the warm shoot house or a warm car. Condensation will form on all parts. Then when you take it back outside it will freeze up SOLID.
WIPE DOWN moving parts on your gun with a dry rag after shooting a relay / string (do it often). It will warm up when fired, then as it cools, moisture will condense on the gun. Then when the gun cools fully, it will freeze up.
DO NOT touch bare metal with bare skin when it is subzero. You can freeze your skin to the gun, especially if you just pulled your clammy somewhat-sweaty hand out of a warm glove. (And definitely don't lick the damn thing, your tongue will stick to it).
COLD can become all you think about, when you are cold. This distracts you from what you really need to be concerned with at the moment - the lethal device in your hands. You have to be super-conscious of muzzle discipline and safety when it is this cold.
Cold fingers, or GLOVED fingers, can't work complicated equipment or feel things. Be ESPECIALLY wary of putting your finger on the trigger when you are cold. You will NOT feel the trigger, or feel how hard you are squeezing it. This can lead to negligent discharges. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AT ALL TIMES UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON YOUR TARGET. More than EVER, you have to consciously do this. Because otherwise you WILL have a negligent discharge.
Your COAT is a CUSHION. Make sure you squeeze the rifle in to your shoulder with more force than normal. Especially if you have an automatic. Otherwise you might find that one shot you meant to fire turn in to a three round burst as the firearm rebounds off your coat, causing your finger to actuate the trigger accidentally.. and repeat a few times...
Things HURT more when you are cold. Be careful loading magazines, loading rifles, checking if they are clear. If you smack your hand, it will be REALLY damn painful. Meanwhile you have a (potentially loaded) lethal device in your hands that you are not paying attention to because you are jumping up and down cussing at yourself for being so stupid.
SHOOTING IS LESS FUN IN THE WINTER. It is far more uncomfortable. It is even painful at times. But it can still be done. And it can still be enjoyed, if you take the time to prepare yourself.
Two hours before the match, go sit outside with what you plan to wear to the match for 30 to 45 minutes. As parts of your body start to chill, take note. When you go inside add more clothing there (double up on socks, get a scarf/tshirt/balaclava to wrap your head, etc). I'll even double up on blue jeans on top of thermals when its real cold. It don't matter if you look liked a stuffed sausage, if you are warm and the other guy is freezing you'll be much happier than them.
Finally; BE SAFE. This sport is much more dangerous to humans, when the temps get this low. Accidents, negligent discharges, frostbite, hypothermia, slipping and falling with a gun, all of these things which are normally very manageable risks, can become elevated risks, when you are dealing with loaded firearms. Cold is a distraction, so keep yourself focused.
Take your time, and prepare, and you'll be fine!
Some additional thoughts;
If you shoot this upcoming week (in most of the country) you will be shooting in lethal weather. An unprotected human in -5 to -10 degrees Farenheit, can develop frostbite on the extremities in as little as 10 minutes.
Even *driving* to the range (or grocery store, for that matter) can be hazardous for many of us, if you are stuck in the snow, have an accident, or your car doesn't start when you get in to leave the range, you may suddenly find yourself in a "survival" situation. If you aren't properly dressed or have the right tools to keep warm, you might find yourself with injuries by the time authorities (or a tow truck) can get to you. Something as simple as a rolled up blanket in the back seat may save your life (or at least your ears, toes, fingers...)
People have already, and will continue, to die from cold this week, so use caution.
On the other hand, it is a *great* opportunity (for some select, crazy few people) to go out and test yourself, and your gear.
One more thing; I know there are some "true" northerners from Alaska, etc on this board, so if want to contribute or make corrections, by all means please do.