For many people, cold temperatures mean spending the day on the couch binge-watching Netflix. For the avid sportsman, it signals a prime time to be in the field. Whether in the local marsh waiting for the next flight of waterfowl or sneaking through the timber for whitetail, winter is prime time to hunt. Of course, this means you and your firearm will be exposed to significant temperature changes, and you both need to be properly prepared. Today, we will discuss how you can protect your firearm when the temperature dips, ensuring it will be ready to serve you when the time comes to pull the trigger.

Winter hunting exposes you to extreme cold and wet conditions that can be just as dangerous for your firearm as they are for you. Rust can form more quickly, actions can seize, and stocks can crack from what would otherwise be minor accidents or short-term exposure to moisture. Thankfully, there are ways you can prepare your firearm for the cold and quickly address the major concerns.

PROPER PREPARATION

— Start with a clean, dry platform. Moisture is the biggest enemy of any firearm, and when the temperature dips, the danger compounds. It is important that you start each winter outing with a clean and dry platform- from the barrel to the action and even the stock. Even a small amount of moisture can freeze and cause damage.

— Oil lightly. One of the biggest mistakes I see firearm users make is over-lubrication. The majority of modern firearms require very minimal lubrication to function properly. In most cases, if you can see or feel the oil, you have used too much. When the temperatures drop below 0, this is even more important. At high temperatures, these oils increase the risk of dirt and debris accumulation, leading to a malfunction. At extremely low temperatures, the oil can solidify, causing a malfunction. It is important that you limit the use of lubricants and check the label to make sure they are rated for low temperatures.

FIELD CARE

— Keep the barrel clear. Hiking through snow and mud increases the possibility that your barrel will accidentally hit an obstacle and be unknowingly blocked. There is also the possibility that rain, sleet, or snow mixed with freezing temperatures will allow ice to form in or around the barrel. Either case can be catastrophic. Routinely check your barrel and clear any blockages prior to shooting.

— Clean immediately. If you drop your firearm or otherwise expose it to water or snow, clean it immediately. If you have a safe place to do so, field strip and clean. If field stripping is not possible, you should wipe all accessible surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.

AFTER THE HUNT

— Allow the firearm to sweat. Once you have completed your hunt, resist the temptation to secure your firearm in its case and put it away until the next hunt. Even if you have not fired a shot, you have some maintenance to perform first. Allow it to warm to room temperature, giving any moisture an opportunity to thaw and sweat out of the actions and other hard-to-reach areas. Disassemble and clean completely.