No matter how diligent you are in your training or how much you love spending time at the range, outdoor shooting becomes more challenging once Old Man Winter comes around.
Still, it’s crucial that you continue your training as the seasons change. After all, whether you’re training for self-defense or competition, you want to be safe and proficient in all conditions, including the snow and cold.
Before you pack your firearms, ammo, and protective gear for a day at the range, consider these five tips for shooting during cold weather.
Keep Safety Top of Mind
This should go without saying, but it bears repeating: Safety should always be your biggest priority at the range, both for yourself and for your fellow shooters.
When you’re cold, everything becomes a bit more difficult. Your body redirects blood from your extremities to keep your vital organs warm, which means your hands and fingers don’t move as well. This makes it more difficult to manipulate firearms, ammunition, and gear.
Rushing is the surest way to create unsafe situations when you’re cold. So, on chilly days, take your time. Things may be a little slower, but training properly means focusing on doing things right rather than doing them fast.
Wear Cold-Weather Clothing
Appropriate clothing can help you remain comfortable throughout long, cold winter days at the range. But if you’re new to shooting in these conditions, there are some rookie mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
First, if you opt for gloves, be sure to practice with them at home before you go to the range. Load and swap magazines, adjust your sights, toggle your safety, and even dry-fire your weapon. The range is the last place you want to discover that your new gloves make it difficult or impossible to handle your shotguns, rifles, or 9mm handguns.
Next, dress in layers, but make sure none of your clothing is skin-tight. You want to leave a little air between layers—you’ll be warmer, more comfortable, and able to move freely.
Pack Gear That Will Make You More Capable
Beyond clothing, some tools can make cold days at the range simpler.
For example, a magazine loader can make life a whole lot easier and save you considerable time. Honestly, they’re excellent tools to have any time you shoot—especially when you’re sending a lot of rounds downrange—but they’re especially useful on chilly days.
Of course, if you’d rather pre-load all your magazines with bulk ammo at home for a more efficient range trip, a magazine wallet can be your best friend.
Take Care of Your Firearms Before and After Shooting
Moisture and firearms don’t mix. Keep a microfiber cloth within easy reach so you can wipe down your firearm during breaks.
Remember, condensation can be just as problematic as rain or snow. When you take your gun back indoors, the change in temperature can cause condensation to build up inside your firearm. Once your gun is at room temperature, get in there, wipe it down, and apply lubricant.
Keep in mind that not all lubricants are created equal. When the temperature gets low enough, be sure to use oil that’s specifically designed for frigid conditions.
Focus Up and Train Thoroughly
As long as you’re focused on safety and you refuse to cut corners despite the discomfort, pushing through cold conditions is key to becoming a more capable shooter.
When you visit the range on a chilly day, come prepared to embrace the elements and seize this opportunity to enhance your proficiency. The more you train in bad weather, the less likely you’ll be to succumb to the elements when things get real.
About Cheaper Than Dirt!
Cheaper Than Dirt! started in 1993 after a firearms and ammo entrepreneur was told he was selling his goods “cheaper than dirt.” The next year, Cheaper Than Dirt published a catalog, and in 1999, it became one of the first online ammo suppliers. Today, the Texas company’s energetic team has the unified goal of providing excellent service and affordable products. With fast, reliable shipping and competitive prices, Cheaper Than Dirt is one of the best places to get ammo, firearms, and accessories. With hundreds of thousands of products in stock and ready to ship, you can find what you need for your next range day or competition from Cheaper Than Dirt.
Get everything you need for range day from Cheaper Than Dirt! at https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/460Cjg2
