Shooting in the bad weather

IMHO, keeping an air rifle, particularly a springer, free of water is more critical than a powder burning rifle. That's because of all the moving parts in a springer. Even if a powder burner is completely submerged in water, getting it dried out and re-lubricated is easier than taking apart a springer.

I don't mind getting wet but it's another matter with my rifle.

So, I got this rifle cover. It's perfect for keeping my rifle dry but easy to remove when I need to shoot it. 

https://alpineproducts.com/product/gunslicker-waterproof-gun-cover/

I don't go out in crappy weather... I'm a wimp. But I've been caught in the rain many times. Michael has it right.... blow out the moisture, I wipe down with Rem Oil and clean (oil) the barrel. I also keep my guns indoors few a few days after over exposure to moisture to really let things dry out. Otherwise they are in a climate controlled room off my garage but it's never as dry (humidity wise) as in the house...

IMHO, keeping an air rifle, particularly a springer, free of water is more critical than a powder burning rifle. That's because of all the moving parts in a springer. Even if a powder burner is completely submerged in water, getting it dried out and re-lubricated is easier than taking apart a springer.

I don't mind getting wet but it's another matter with my rifle.

So, I got this rifle cover. It's perfect for keeping my rifle dry but easy to remove when I need to shoot it. 

https://alpineproducts.com/product/gunslicker-waterproof-gun-cover/

I don’t take my airguns out in the cold, I switch to my powder burners when temps get below 40*, I’m fairly new to airguns so to me taking a warm airgun out into the cold then back into the warm house has to much of a chance of getting condensation in the air system, I’m talking about below freezing temps not 40,50,60 degree weather. I shoot from inside my home when it Gets in the 30’s and colder with my airguns. When I go out in bad weather I’ll wipe down my rifle/shotgun with a Rem oil cloth and when I get back I’ll wipe it down again, I also wipe all my guns down twice a year with those Rem oil towels whether they are in my safes or gun cabinets, keeps them looking nice and rust free, especially the barrels.

Field Target is shot in all conditions, hot/tropical storm,snow . Some nice rigs too. If talking a total blow out inch's rain storm I certainly agree with the springier issue slightly more than a pre-charged.

There made to be used esp. hunting rigs, get em wet if needed but DO pull everything if wet. Pull the stock, shroud , you at least need compressed air access to any open tube sections - hamer/trigger area-. Do use all the dry compressed air you've got just the minute you are finished shooting for the day, no delay at all. After blow completely dry let sit and blow dry again then spay liberally with whatever you use. Many rigs run best with a totally dry hammer , this and trigger pack is THE most critical area if you've really been rained on. I shared an entire 16oz can of barricade after one rainy shoot and that was just enough to get folks home for a strip & dry *& lube.

Your wooden stock you have naturally sealed the inletting on already so just normal stock maintenance there. IF you take care to dry & lube every single inside & outside part, no worries about exposure.

Anyone her shoot the Nationals down South a few years ago?



John

I use my air rifles in all types of weather. To keep your (wood) stock in good shape make sure it's sealed all the way round. I use polyurethane, For the metal bits keep them well oiled. I shot in the rain for two days in Poland this August with an FTP900. The only rust that showed up was on the scope cap screws. That's only because they didn't get oiled well. After each day I let the gun sit out in the hotel room to dry before being used the next day. Once home I took it out of the stock and because of the preventive steps mentioned I had no rust issues.

No matter how you try to protect the gun between shots, if you are out in the weather for more than a few minutes it's going to get wet, even in places you would swear it can not. So do your preventative maintenance, enjoy your time out with the gun, and clean/dry it when you get home.

My answer is simple. Shoot from inside out a window,(I live in the country) 12 yards in basement if really cold or wet, or simply the covered porch or shed.

Temp change & condensation are a worry to me let alone straight up rain. No thank you. I do however very much enjoy watching the rain fall anywhere from 4 to 8 o'clock. If it's hitting 3 or 9, forget about shooting, that's no weather for me let alone my beloved guns. The best is soft slow flaky snow. Falling at 5 to 7 o'clock is roughly 3-5mph and that's over 3" drift at 80 yards for most pellets. I punched info in the other day and it told me hold off way more than I would have by looking alone. I was off on distance by 4 yards. I punched in 80, it was 84. By following CG's 3mph hold off, I hit that bird dead square in the middle of his chest. The funny thing is due to him being on a line, my estimation 4 yards short, somehow the pellet entered at a downward angle dead center of chest & came out his left side bottom of back. I was holding off to the left. Now, I know pellets do odd things and I don't expect a straight through & through hole but this was a 2" drop through him and a 1/2 inch out the left of center that it entered. So, was shot angled that way originally from barrel or how much did wind play in the hit & penetration of said dead bird? We'll probably never know.

IMHO, keeping an air rifle, particularly a springer, free of water is more critical than a powder burning rifle. That's because of all the moving parts in a springer. Even if a powder burner is completely submerged in water, getting it dried out and re-lubricated is easier than taking apart a springer.

I don't mind getting wet but it's another matter with my rifle.

So, I got this rifle cover. It's perfect for keeping my rifle dry but easy to remove when I need to shoot it. 

https://alpineproducts.com/product/gunslicker-waterproof-gun-cover/

Click to expand...

That’s a sweet little cover to keep rifles protected

Click to expand...

Another advantage is that when it's not needed, it wraps up into a small package about the size of a baseball and fits into your pocket or pack easily.

We shoot field target in the rain just like the Brits. If they didn't shoot in the rain, they would hardly ever shoot. I would rather shoot a springer though as you can totally disassemble every piece and clean ,grease, oil etc. whatever needs to be done.