Rifles in snow...

Oregonforever · 10-12-2004, 10:03 AM

I think I'll be in snow again this year for a cow hunt, and I remember last time getting a few flakes down the barrel and some drops on my scope. Masking tape came off the barrell too easily, got uncomfortable keeping scope horizontal all day. I'm thinking of using a small (waterballoon size) balloon on the end of my muzzle. Anybody have experience or thoughts on accuracy? I'm also thinking of using one of those neoprene scope covers, seems like it would be quicker to pull that off than flip up to scope covers. Experience, thoughts?

skeeter 7MM · 10-12-2004, 10:21 AM

I use electrical tape on my CF and ML's here and never had a problem. I place the tape over the muzzle then a short rap around to ensure it is tacked. I also use Butler Creek Flip ups on my scopes and equally happy.

Best of luck!

Josh Sorensen · 10-12-2004, 02:01 PM

I have to go with skeeter on this one, electrical tape and flip up scope caps. Works great in the rain too. I hunt in the snow a lot for predators and have never had any trouble with getting the scope caps up in time to get a shot. Another good tip about cold weather hunting is to use 3m vetwrap on medal parts of the gun. Its not a big deal with most bolt guns but metal and synthic materials get really cold. I always wrap the handguard of my ARs with the vet wrap and it makes it a lot more confortable to handle. I also use it on synthetic stocks. The nice thing about the vet wrap is that it only sticks to itself so there is no sticky residue on your firearm. It somes in many colors and also makes for decent snow camo too. You can get the vet wrap from most pet stores and from your local vet.

statjunk · 10-12-2004, 03:11 PM

I will be hunting in the rain this weekend. I will most likely be hunting with a Marling 336SS (Stainless) do I have to worry about the rain as long as I dry it off when I get back to camp or do I need to do something special to the barrel.

What about the wooden parts?

Any help would be extremely useful to ensuring I don't destroy my gun.

Thanks
Tom

WisHunt · 10-12-2004, 04:16 PM

statjunk,

I shoot a lot of sporting clays during the year in the rain. I have one of those bore snakes that I keep dry and at the end of the day wipe the whole gun down with a dry cloth, wipe it down with an oil cloth (those disposable ones work great) then run the bore snake down it. That should keep your gun clean and well kept.

I would just dry out the wood, I don't know harm/help on using any type of oil on the wood, but keeping it dried off will help to keep it in good condition.

Josh Sorensen · 10-12-2004, 04:17 PM

you should at least run a few patches thru the bore to dry it out and then push a patch with a lubricant/protectant, rem oil or the like, and wipe down the outside of the metal too. As for the wood, it should be fine, if you have scratches you can seal them over with any good wood finish, I like boiled linseed oil.

stubblejumper · 10-12-2004, 04:36 PM

I also use electrical tape over the muzzle and butler creek flip up lenscaps.I also use stainless synthetic rifles and just wipe of the moisture at the end of the day.

zekeskar · 10-12-2004, 04:42 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Oregonforever

I think I'll be in snow again this year for a cow hunt, and I remember last time getting a few flakes down the barrel and some drops on my scope. Masking tape came off the barrell too easily, got uncomfortable keeping scope horizontal all day. I'm thinking of using a small (waterballoon size) balloon on the end of my muzzle. Anybody have experience or thoughts on accuracy? I'm also thinking of using one of those neoprene scope covers, seems like it would be quicker to pull that off than flip up to scope covers. Experience, thoughts?

I have experience with using the tiny little baloons and they work great - easier to use than electricians tape in my experience. I just keep a couple/three in the little pouch I always carry in the field that has stuff like my surveyors tape, bandaids, knife sharpener, compass, etc. Easier than carrying spare tape. I don't think the bullet notices it when it goes out the barrel.

I've had the neoprene scope cover, but switched to flip up. Flip up works much better and faster. It's become automatic like taking the safety off.

CanWoodsman · 10-12-2004, 05:07 PM

An other option is a condom with a little elec. tape to hold tight over the barrel. Also if you know a doctor maybe you can get one of those little finger covers he uses for you know what checks.

Good Luck

7mm MAGNUM · 10-12-2004, 05:15 PM

Hmmmm,... condoms on a rifle muzzel NOW that sounds VERY familiar!!

(something they suggested in the service)

Butler Creek makes some nice flip up covers for your rifle scope, I've got about 5 pairs on various scoped firearms that I own. They are a pretty cheap investment!