The four rules regarding firearms handling and responsibility are set in stone for good reason. Immutable, they apply universally, and even more so in the field. When it’s cold, your fingers aren’t fully functioning, you’re up well before the sun and tired to match, operating on caffeine and adrenaline alone, those rules are still a constant. One mistake, one lapse of judgment, and you could become one of the stories we hear every season of an avoidable tragedy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, yet still tragic, is the story of a hunter who sees their dream buck but cannot close the deal because of a minor oversight leading to their firearm not performing at the critical moment. We will delve into some tips that will help prevent you from becoming a story whispered amongst hunters or a byline in the local newspaper.
Safety is something we all acknowledge as a necessity. The biggest key for hunters is muzzle orientation. Whether it’s walking a trail with your buddy and his rifle slipping on his shoulder with a muzzle now pointed in your face or pulling a rifle out of a truck and not thinking about where it’s pointed as it comes out, these are relatively minor details that can have profoundly negative consequences. The key here is to consistently recognize where the muzzle is pointed. Couple that with not chambering a round until you’re on target, and you have a recipe for safety that’s solid. If you choose to carry with a round in the chamber, your safety needs to be consistently engaged and build the habit of checking to make sure it’s still engaged. Hunting rifle safeties should be easy to access but not light, preferably with no audible click.
Scouting is, for some, the least sexy part of hunting. This is where a good chunk of time should be spent, and the payoff is well worth it. A common mistake in scouting for a hunt is doing so when the weather is nice, not considering how it can change at the time of the hunt. Becoming an amateur meteorologist will not only give you a higher chance of success, but it can also keep you safer. When it’s bone-chillingly cold out, our bodies and brains are affected negatively. Coming prepared for the conditions, whether they be wet, cold, humid, or hot, not only gives you an edge but also makes sure you make it home.
When it comes to checking your equipment, there are a number of things to consider. Three primary factors can mean the difference between a hit and a miss when the moment comes. First is your optic. Time and time again, hunters show up with scopes that clearly were mounted on the kitchen table with Mark One Eyeballs. The thing about MK1s is that they don’t get better over time. It’s vital to either invest in a gunsmith mounting your optic properly or the tools to do so yourself, such as a set of bubble levels, a vice, blue Loctite, and a torque wrench. A tried-and-true method that works wonders to this day is the plumb bob method, which uses a flashlight through the objective and is still highly recommended. A torque wrench utilized to the scope mount manufacturer’s specifications is as vital to success as having a level scope in the mount. If you over-torque screws, it can mean damage to the internal components of the scope leading to visual distortion or tracking problems when you adjust the dials. Under-torque can mean your mount is loose, which presents its own set of challenges. Using a paint pen to mark your screws once they’re properly torqued is an easy solution to visually check before stepping out.
Next up is ammunition. If you can’t remember how old the round is you’re about to fire to put meat in the freezer, you’re introducing a variable that’s easily controlled. Any sign of corrosion or discoloration on brass ammunition is an immediate sign that those rounds could be a problem. Keeping your ammo clean and dry is also a concern. An easy solution here is to keep your magazine or ammo dry and warm in a pocket as opposed to in the gun all the time. This helps solve both safety issues and account for weather variables. If you have polymer tips on your hunting rounds, you want to ensure those tips aren’t deformed, as that can change the trajectory of the bullet’s flight. For shotgun hunts, in particular, shotgun rounds can be finicky if exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. Keeping them as dry as possible in storage is important, and watch for corrosion on the metal components of the shell. Treat your ammo like it’s a valuable resource, and it’ll give you the performance you desire.
Lastly, keeping your muzzle clean and clear of debris is a commonly overlooked issue. Water in the barrel can cause pressure issues, which, in the worst case, can cause overpressure and a barrel rupture. This is relatively rare, but the pressure changes in the barrel can absolutely make rounds fly in unexpected ways. A true barrel obstruction like mud or a rock has similar effects. It’s been tested and proven over the years that using electrical tape or a condom taped over the barrel has no negative effects on accuracy but will ensure you keep your muzzle clear of any obstructions or moisture. The last thing you want is for something so simple to ruin all your hard work and time.
Hunting is one of the greatest of American pastimes. As more people come to enjoy it, that also means that there’s less game to be had. This means it’s even more important to have your planning and equipment ready to give you the best chance of success, no matter the conditions. These simple tips, along with the experience of the Stock and Barrel staff, will ensure you a full freezer.
OTHER BLOGS YOU WILL FIND OF INTEREST:
CLASSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
- Basic Shotgun Orientation in Chanhassen and Eagan
- AR15 Maintenance in Chanhassen and Eagan
- Travel Safety & Security in Chanhassen and Eagan
