Start Prepping Your Firearms for Hunting Season
With hunting season just around the corner, there can’t be a better time to get your optical mounts and firearms field-ready for an enjoyable adventure. You’ve probably heard it countlessly that failing to plan is planning to fail. Preparing ahead of the hunting season could mean the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing experience. We’ve outlined five tips to get you organized and make your next expedition a memorable one.
1. Clean Your Firearm
Your firearm has probably been through a lot of corrosion after chilling indoors after the last hunting season. In such a state, it is not suitable for hunting. The carbon buildup in the barrels can affect your aim due to airflow changes in the brake ports. So, if you want to improve your aim in the field, you need to give your firearm a thorough cleaning.
Besides improving shooting accuracy, firearm cleaning is also essential to guarantee safety. So, you would want to clean your firearm to avoid the risk of an accidental discharge. To proceed with the cleaning process, you should obtain the right cleaning supplies from your local retailer and read the manufacturer’s instructions. Armory Den’s solvent trap cleaning kit is a reliable firearm cleaning solution that provides all the cleaning items you need in one place.
During the cleaning routine, the first thing to do is unload your firearm, including the magazine. Then use a dry bore brush to break up some grime clumps before pushing a solvent-soaked cotton patch through the bore. A common problem you are likely to face during this step is that the guide rod may poke out when the slide is racked and blocked by the solvent trap’s bottom. To overcome this setback, you’d need a muzzle extension device like the ADV2 to provide additional length and flexibility from the piston spring setup. Once you’re done with the bore, wipe the outer parts with a lightly oiled rag. Then assemble the components once more.
2. Sight-In Your Firearm
After cleaning your firearm, the next thing to do is to get on a range and dial it in. Even if you nailed the bullseye on your last hunting trip, the bullet trajectory could have changed due to minor jostling in transport, storage, or the cleaning routine. Such misalignment could result in poor accuracy on the field.
To begin the sight-in procedure, check the screws on the action, sights, scope mounts, and scope rings. They might have become loose during the previous hunting season, so tighten them. The tools you’d need for the sight-in include a firearm rest, spotting scope, staples, screwdriver, and paper targets with a bullseye in the center. Most firearm ranges come with a bore-sighting device called a collimator. If you don’t have one, ask your local vendor.
When adjusting the sights, zero in the firearm between 1.5 and 3 inches at 100 yards. It’s better to aim for shorter targets like this because it would be challenging to have a clear shooting lane beyond it. Now carefully load a single cartridge and fire the first shot at the bullseye on the target. In the same position, fire two more shots, one at a time. If the shots did not strike the bullseye, you would need to adjust the sights. Then fire another three shots at the target like you’ve done before until the three-shot group is centered on the target.
3. Weatherproof Your Firearm
During your hunting adventure, the weather might not always be on your side, so you should prepare your firearm to resist any unfavorable weather changes.
Oiling your firearm is one of the best things you can do to shield it from rust or corrosion from rainfall. Another thing you would want to do is use some electrical tape to protect the bore of your firearm. It helps to keep the crown and the bore of the firearm free from debris, moisture, or other foreign objects. And if you’re wondering if this would affect your accuracy, it won’t. Muzzle tape has zero effect on the bullet’s trajectory.
Consider getting some hydrophobic binoculars and scopes for your optics if your firearm does not already have that accessory. Hydrophobic optics like that keep water drops away so that they don’t interfere with your sight picture. It’s a huge advantage when hunting in wet snow or rainy conditions.
4. Get a Professional Repair
The condition of your firearm determines the quality and success of your hunting adventure. If your firearm or scope has developed any mechanical problems, consider taking it to a good firearm repair. A cracked part, deformed firing pin, or timing malfunction calls for professional servicing; otherwise, it can quickly result in safety hazards.
Firearm repair can involve long hours, especially if you own an extensive collection. So, the best thing to do is let a professional repairer take care of it. They have special equipment like microscopes that enable them to diagnose your firearm more efficiently. It would also help if you check the manufacturer’s warranty; if it’s still valid, you can get them to fix your firearm at no cost.
5. Practice With Your Firearm
Whether you’re new to shooting or have already mastered the art, it’s essential to get comfortable with your firearm before heading out in search of a big game. A consistent engagement with your firearm at the range will build your skill and confidence.
Like all other sports, you get better with continuous practice. So consider joining a local shooting range where you can practice shooting live rounds twice or three times a month. If you want to improve your shooting accuracy quickly, try these shooting drills: cartridge in the sight, single hole, and one shot.
Final Thoughts
At Armory Den, we offer top-notch firearm cleaning solutions to help you efficiently clean your firearm and catch solvent in efforts to improve your experience clean more often than not, and enjoy your hunting adventure. Our products include high-grade solvent traps, solvent trap parts, and cleaning accessories. If you have questions about a firearm and its cleaning procedure, we’re happy to help.
References
- Solvent traps cleaning kit: https://armoryden.com/highly-demanded-attachment-ad-m34-muzzle-extension-device/
- ADV2: https://armoryden.com/highly-demanded-attachment-ad-m34-muzzle-extension-device/
