Gun safety can be affected by the weather. Just like everything else, firearms are susceptible to changes in the weather. While mild changes are not a problem, extreme changes in heat and cold can affect how your firearm functions and how you should maintain it. In this article, we discuss why you must care for your gun differently during the winter, especially if you live in a place with freezing temperatures.

Parts Can Freeze

While firearms are designed to work in a wide variety of temperature ranges, freezing temperatures have a more drastic effect on their functionality. If it gets too cold, a firearm can freeze making it impossible to use. In essence, the parts of the firearm grow so cold that they become brittle or they are effectively frozen together. When this happens, trying to fire the firearm could severely damage the internal mechanisms, if the firearm can fire at all. Small arms manufacturers try to engineer firearms to limit many of these problems as possible. However, differing gun storage and care methods make it difficult to create a single design or policy that fits everyone's needs.

Protection From the Cold

In freezing winter weather, it is important to protect your firearm from the freezing temperatures. Leaving a hot area and walking into a cold one may create condensation on your firearm. If this condensation freezes, it can damage the different components and stop them from moving smoothly.

To fix this, you should lubricate your firearm with a weather-appropriate lubricant. Avoid areas where the bullet will travel, as well as systems directly attached to this. This will ensure that you are not putting thick lubrication in places where it will cause more harm than good.

Inspect Your Firearm After Every Time You Take It Out

If you regularly take your firearm outside in the freezing weather, do a thorough inspection when you get home. The combination of condensation and freezing temperatures can cause wear in and around your firearm. If you ignore that wear, it could become permanent or lead to more serious issues. For example, springs do not do well in temperatures. Under the stress of firing one time, the springs may crack if they are cold enough. Doing an inspection is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your firearm is not being damaged by the weather.

Protect Your Ammo, Too

Your gun is not the only part of your firearm that needs protection. Your ammo is susceptible to the weather as well. Store ammo in a cool dry place that has moisture control. The cold can make some cartridges less stable because of their shape and inner structure. Make sure that your ammo is in an accessible but well-controlled area to prevent degradation throughout the winter.

Learn More From the Experts

If you routinely use your firearm in cold places, it is vital that you learn about how to care for it to prevent cold weather damage. Every firearm is a bit different, which is why they should talk to the staff at Lakeshore Guns to make sure you know the right procedures. We have a top-selling gun collection full of new and used guns, as well as discount guns for sale. Call us at (269) 857-2248 to discuss how to care for your firearm this winter.