Artic rifle maintenance

[purdeydog]

Hello

I trying to better understand rifle maintenance in Artic conditions. Namely common issues that can occur, cleaning prep and types of oil to use. Issues with bolts and safety’s etc

From some research it’s seems that all grease must be removed and weapons either run dry or with a special gun oil.

I hear grease can expand and causes parts to seize and some oils won’t stop parts freezing. I’ve read firearms can sweat with condensation if brought from outside to inside and should ideally be stored outside to prevent condensation and then freezing of parts.

Unfortunately this isn’t for an artic expedition. If anyone has any 1st hand experience of preparing and maintaining rifles in the Artic I’d be interested in your experience. Cheers

 

[HonestJohn]

Remove all oil and grease and apply light coat of slip 2000 wipe over on operating parts

 

[Klenchblaize]

Don't overlook adjusting your 100-yard or whatever range zero as velocity will be down compared to those achieved in the UK.

K

 

[User00056]

Keep it at ambient outside temperature. Condensation can cause moving parts to freeze solid when taking firearms outside in those temperatures

 

[Ronin]

Suggest one of the ex RM who have served in Norway or other cooler climate will assist with this

 

[Twodogs]

Some plastics may become brittle at cold temperatures.

 

[Dave_45]

It was a different oil and not the normal OX24 used for weapon maintenance.

Lightly oil and severely dry off any excess


Not in the pamphlet was to use naptha to defrost working parts in extreme circumstances

Don’t get any oil where it can cause stoppages and light strikes IE bolt face

 

[NP435]

You are definitely on the right track , I have seen condensation freeze a shotgun at well above arctic temps. No idea exactly what lube will flow for sure at -35 or so I would simply degrease everything that must move.

 

[tackb]

don't get out the pick up ? only wind the window down to shoot once the animal is stationary in the spot light?

 

[Koenig]

Had freezing rain seize up my rifle before. Light oiling seemed to stop the worst. Never been a fan of over-oiling to be honest, always found CLP better.

 

[Dave_45]

Fully dry off before exposure to
cold.
When cold, keep cold.
and dry eg.
Keep outside of tent otherwise the rifle will sweat in the heat, then when you take it outside the moisture will freeze again.
Keep muzzle covered to avoid snow getting stuffed down the barrel.
Don’t use normal oil - use specialised stuff with viscosity designed for sub zero conditions. You can also get graphite lubricant - military wouldn’t pay for it but the snipers got it.
Same with optics, clear condensation before it freezes and be aware of your breath fogging up the optical lens
Blah blah

From a mountain & artic warfare pervert/leader

 

[Dunwaters]

Use an old fashioned turn bolt rifle or double shotgun. Something basic and reliable that you can work on with basic tools.
Take any oil or grease out of the action and trigger. Use a bit of graphite from a pencil if you need lubricant.
There’s no problem wiping the exterior with oil.

 

[purdeydog]

Great replies. Many thanks for taking the time. Great advice there.

 

[ejg]

Aerospace should have good lubes. +50 on the runway and -50 when up...... over and over. Rain at take off later frozen.
I would chance Teflon spray similar to the one used on bike chains. MoS2 or Graphite also work as dry lubes. I would start with the firing pin. Can test things in a freezer.
edi

 

[Twodogs]

Not maintenance per se rather more setting up in the first place.
Any person operating at sub zero temperatures will more likely than not be wearing lots of extra clothing, this will have an effect on ergonomics.
Many moons ago the SLR’s were fitted with shorter butts to allow for correct eye relief when wearing thick clothing. The AR platform type weapons tend to have adjustable butts to accommodate for such, bit more difficult with wooden stocked rifles.
Also consider whether gloved hands/fingers would be able to fit inside the trigger guard.
When setting up consideration must be given for any contact with the weapon system being done whilst wearing gloves.

 

[Ronin]

Fully dry off before exposure to
cold.
When cold, keep cold.
and dry eg.
Keep outside of tent otherwise the rifle will sweat in the heat, then when you take it outside the moisture will freeze again.
Keep muzzle covered to avoid snow getting stuffed down the barrel.
Don’t use normal oil - use specialised stuff with viscosity designed for sub zero conditions. You can also get graphite lubricant - military wouldn’t pay for it but the snipers got it.
Same with optics, clear condensation before it freezes and be aware of your breath fogging up the optical lens
Blah blah

From a mountain & artic warfare pervert/leader

Knew someone with experience and provenance would assist

 

[norsk]

What kind of Rifle is it?

Basically bolt actions dont need any special treatment but if you must.

Strip
Degrease with Brake cleaner
Lubricate with CRC dry glide or Clp
Re assemble

17 years in Norway,3 in Alaska,2 in Canada.

K98s,P14s,P17s,Arisakas,Enfields all are still in the hands of Native Hunters and probably most only saw regular maintainance 80 years ago when still issued. Dont over think this

 

[sh1kar]

Is anyone going to initiate spellcheck?!!

I thought it was a new rifle make at first

S

 

[Martiniblack577]

Fully dry off before exposure to
cold.
When cold, keep cold.
and dry eg.
Keep outside of tent otherwise the rifle will sweat in the heat, then when you take it outside the moisture will freeze again.
Keep muzzle covered to avoid snow getting stuffed down the barrel.
Don’t use normal oil - use specialised stuff with viscosity designed for sub zero conditions. You can also get graphite lubricant - military wouldn’t pay for it but the snipers got it.
Same with optics, clear condensation before it freezes and be aware of your breath fogging up the optical lens
Blah blah

From a mountain & artic warfare pervert/leader

This is the only response you will ever need

 

[Ronin]

Hav to say, I only use wiped on ACF 50 on my bolts - wiped off the surface is very slick - only used in UK cold but zero issues with operation