Summer is here in Phoenix, need advice on mirage

[Jerry Snyder]

I like to visit Ben Avery range and shoot off the benches. This time of year can be brutal with the heat and mirage coming off the barrel. I am looking for advice on mirage reduction using one of those blades which is velcro'd onto the barrel, or perhaps the use of one of those battery operated fans. What do you all use. Thanks

 

[ShtrRdy]

It would be good if you used both with high outside temps.

 

[Jerry Snyder]

If someone out there is using a battery operated fan, could you let me know which one and size. Thanks

 

[ShtrRdy]

I use one of these:

Riflekühl Barrel Cooler by MagnetoSpeed

MagnetoSpeed chronographs and shooting accessories have been innovating in the firearms industry since 2012.

magnetospeed.com

 

[Rank Amateur]

Either or both. Barrel mirage shields can be purchased (plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber), or you can make it yourself very cheaply using anything from cardboard to venetian blinds to x-ray film. Fans are great as they can actually blow away the barrel mirage while adding additional cooling for the barrel. Probably no need to use both on your barrel at the same time, but when it’s really hot out, a mirage shield on the barrel and the fan blowing on your face is pretty nice (grin). Many options for battery fans. I like the DeWalt. https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-volt-Max-Jobsite-Blower-1-Battery-Included/5014521157

 

[Straightshooter1]

I like to visit Ben Avery range and shoot off the benches. This time of year can be brutal with the heat and mirage coming off the barrel. I am looking for advice on mirage reduction using one of those blades which is velcro'd onto the barrel, or perhaps the use of one of those battery operated fans. What do you all use. Thanks

Because I shoot around here too, often at Ben Avery, I decided I wanted barrel cooling fan that pushes a high volume of air to cool the barrel down as much as possible during cease file times. I have two different ones that do that well and the one I have and like to use is no longer available, but is like this one (I like it mostly because I can use a large universal batter pack rather than small internal batteries):

Amazon.com

The other one I have that really moves a lot of volume is like this one to attach a tube from it into the chamber, also using the same larger battery pack (the draw back is the motor is really noisy):

 

[Jerry Snyder]

Because I shoot around here too, often at Ben Avery, I decided I wanted barrel cooling fan that pushes a high volume of air to cool the barrel down as much as possible during cease file times. I have two different ones that do that well and the one I have and like to use is no longer available, but is like this one (I like it mostly because I can use a large universal batter pack rather than small internal batteries):

Amazon.com

View attachment 1667003

The other one I have that really moves a lot of volume is like this one to attach a tube from it into the chamber, also using the same larger battery pack (the draw back is the motor is really noisy):

View attachment 1667004

I just made one of these using a mattress inflator. I will post a pic later tonight. I took a 6 dasher shell which got damaged and cut to bottom off of it and attached it to some type of fuel line. It also can be powered by an external battery. I wonder if someone is going to come up to me at the range and ask why I brought my own dewalt fan? Being Autistic, I can give them a great answer and they will probably walk away scratching their heads.

 

[Jerry Snyder]

Either or both. Barrel mirage shields can be purchased (plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber), or you can make it yourself very cheaply using anything from cardboard to venetian blinds to x-ray film. Fans are great as they can actually blow away the barrel mirage while adding additional cooling for the barrel. Probably no need to use both on your barrel at the same time, but when it’s really hot out, a mirage shield on the barrel and the fan blowing on your face is pretty nice (grin). Many options for battery fans. I like the DeWalt. https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-volt-Max-Jobsite-Blower-1-Battery-Included/5014521157

Funny thing is my kids/wife got me the Dewalt fan for my birthday. I will try it if the mirage shield doesn't work as well as I hope it will in Phoenix 110 plus temps.

 

[JFrank]

I use these for my table top fan, cheap and effective..

Robot or human?

 

[jpjulian]

I just made one of these using a mattress inflator. I will post a pic later tonight. I took a 6 dasher shell which got damaged and cut to bottom off of it and attached it to some type of fuel line. It also can be powered by an external battery. I wonder if someone is going to come up to me at the range and ask why I brought my own dewalt fan? Being Autistic, I can give them a great answer and they will probably walk away scratching their heads. View attachment 1667109

I also made one from an inflator a year or 2 ago. Total cost was just over $20 but the motor in the inflator quit after about 2 months of use. The 2-speed fan sounded like a jet engine spooling up!

 

[JB10]

I pretty much quit shooting here in AZ during the hot months. I do not enjoy it as much when temps get over 90, let alone when its 90 at 7am. If i feel the itch i travel to the high country for the day to shoot where its cooler.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I pretty much quit shooting here in AZ during the hot months. I do not enjoy it as much when temps get over 90, let alone when its 90 at 7am. If i feel the itch i travel to the high country for the day to shoot where its cooler.

I will sometimes go out in the early 90° mornings, but the session is a short one; don't get much done with the barrel heating up so fast. But at least I can get a few rounds down range.

 

[LCazador]

Harbor Freight has a 20 volt battery air mattress inflator/deflator that runs about $20 (no battery). Just attach plastic tube of proper size from the local ACE hardware store. I have two sizes of the clear plastic tubing to fit into my actions.

 

[D-4297]

Bunch of wimps ! I shoot at BA all Summer long . You don't get better by sitting at home in the AC .
As far as fans are concerned I got a barrel fan a couple years ago , and use it when temps go up . Also use a dust sleeve to help keep the serious heat off the barrel when not shooting . Some guys will put their soft Case over the barrel upside down to keep it shaded .
I do use a barrel mirage deflector during Summer months , also .