Water (rain, snow) in the bore?
After reading this forum for a while, I decided to register and join the nice and knowledgeable folk here. I already have a question.
I have enjoyed hunting for many years, but just this past weekend, while hunting with my neighbor, I noticed something that caught my attention and made me wonder when it started snowing rather heavily.
I have hunted before when it had been snowing, but for some reason this had never raised any concerns: I saw snow settle and accumulate on top of the muzzle of my neighbor’s rifle. He was carrying his rifle with the sling over his shoulder and the muzzle up, and I wondered how much of the snow would eventually melt and dribble down the bore, and what adverse effects this could have.
As an immediate measure, I took my rifle, which I had also been carrying as my neighbor, and turned it around so the muzzle was pointing down, and carried it this way the rest of morning.
Other than the obvious potential rust problem if the bore were not cleaned promptly after returning home, what other problems could water in the bore cause? How much water would constitute a danger to shooting the rifle as such?
I also thought of cutting off one of the fingers off of the nitrile gloves I carry (but never remember to use!) and slipping it over the muzzle. Then I wondered if the cut glove finger would have to be removed before shooting, or if it would be OK to shoot with it on?
All these questions kept my mind busy while I was watching for deer; and no, I (we) did not see any that morning. Maybe I was distracted?
Thank you for your opinions.
Nando