Guns in cold weather

[12GA00buck]

I know you need to degrease guns and apply a dry graphite/molybdenum-disulfide lubricant in cold weather; I was just wondering at what temperature do ya'll wait for it to get down to, before you degrease? Also, what sort of solvent do you use to remove the old gun oil? I'm concerned about the firing pin in my pump 12GA and the whole action in general, in regards to my .22 semi. I started using that Break Free Cpc stuff recently. I'm not sure what lubricant in contains, though. Anyone know if its appropiate for cold weather? Thanks for your advice,
12GA00Buck

 

[enkindler]

I grew up in Wyoming where it is actually colder then SE Alaska, we just used a light coating of machine oil and everything was fine. I never did go out shooting when it was colder then 10F though, mostly due to the wind and a lack of a snow machine.

I'm sure some of the new high tech lubes would work better and at colder temps but I wouldn't worry about above zero temps with plain oil unless you over lubricate your firearms.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Don`t over do it with the lube and you should be OK unless you are in deep sub zero weather. If I was going out in -20F weather or colder, I would strip any lube from the action and run it dry. The little you work it shouldn`t cause any wear and you are sure the freezing lube problem wont arise this way. BreakFree is teflon based, I personally prefer something like FP10 or MilTec. JMO
I once saw a thread by a gunsmith that claimed more guns were frozen up due to moisture condensing in the action and bore (causing a blockage) from bringing them in a warm humid cabin for lunch and then running back out then any other cause. I don`t know for sure it is true, but it made some sense.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Dbl post

 

[stevelyn]

I lived in interior Alaska for several years working both in the military and LE before coming out to Aleutian Hell. I've went out on wolf hunts at -20 to -30F on snowmachines with a semi-auto slung across my back getting caked with snow in my draft. Besides once we get into a wolf pack the guns get hot enough to melt and dry the moisture.

I've never had a malfunction due the cold affecting the lube. I've never changed my lube habits either other than wiping excess.
Nearly all the cold weather malfunctions I've seen were due to freezing condensation on guns that didn't get dried completely from being taken inside. Actually I think a little excess lube prevents frozen condensation from sticking to the surfaces and binding the moving parts.

Products like Break-Free and Eezoxx have operating and pour temperatures much lower than what sensible people would be out shooting in.
The cold malfunctions I have seen were on village guns that are neglected to start with and would likely malfunction eventually in any weather.

 

[Hemicuda]

I live in northern Michigan... and all I do to my guns for winter is grab them outta the vault, load 'em (if they aren't already loaded) and shoot 'em...

I use the same greases, oils, and CLP that i use the rest of the year...

 

[BobMcG]

I live and shoot in well below zero temps and do so by using dry teflon.

 

[Lupinus]

I dont worry about it, if it is cold enough to freeze lube its cold enough to freeze me danglies so I wont be shooting out there that long anyway.

If by some lack of drinking to much and agreeing to such, and then having to much pride to change my mind after sobering up you did get me out where it was that cold I'd make sure yo have as little excess as possible, and not worry beyond that.

 

[sm]

Lighter Fluid.

Yes I am in the South, but it does get below freezing here. We get freezing rain, sleet, snow and have had some serious ice storms.

Duck Capital of The World and Folks are going to Duck Hunt - no matter the weather. I do mean no matter the weather!

Guns get wet, icicles have formed on the john boat , ice on the dekes, cold, and rain...my moustache has frozen, and been broken too many times...

Lighter Fluid has been kept in duck blinds, boats, deer stands and most everywhere else before I was born in '55.

Guns are cleaned and lightly lubed. When it gets really cold, many guns are degreased and run dry, especially the firing pin. Lighter Fluid lubes just enough, and has de-greased to many firing pins over the years so a duck hunter could shoot again.

Any type of hunter.

 

[JohnBT]

I was wondering if anyone was going to suggest lighter fluid.

FWIS, lighter fluid is naptha which is a couple bucks a gallon at the paint store. The thing is, I was always told to use Ronson fluid because it contained a tiny bit a oil to provide some lubrication. Then, years later I was told that Ronson is the brand that Mr. Jewell recommends for cleaning and lubing his triggers.

I mostly use BreakFree CLP for duck hunting in December and January.

John

 

[Ala Dan]

Well, living here in "The Deep South" weather conditions don't often change
with the wind direction. Extremely hot summers and mild winters are the
norm. So, the use of "Break Free C-L-P" just a'bout takes care of most
gun lube problems. Being a teflon based substance, it doesn't break
down like ordinary gun oils; and its not as thick as gun grease.