Gun care after wet weather

[Rowan]

hey guys this is only my second post so if a an old one that’s my bad. Going deer hunting for 5 days next week and the weather is supposed to be quite wet, other then taping the muzzle what other pre hunt rifle protection should I use ? And also if the rifle gets wet what’s the best process afterwards, also the rifle is weatherby mkV weathermark in bronze cerakote, bolt is also cerakoted. Any tips would be greatly appreciated cheers

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Butler creek element gun sleeve or gun slicker are similar to the waterproof sleeve I have for wet weather. Blued rifle finishes I spray with Hornady one shot gun lube/cleaner. After each day warm dry air(fan) if possible, you will need to wipe off moisture (condensation ) if going from cold to warm. Dry off asap. Don't forget the bore.

 

[243Lapua]

Well, honestly take some sort of tools if by any chance it really gets wet, you can always disassemble it, couple of cans if air to clean computers, some drying rags, and some sort of Rusteprufe Applicator Wiper. And lastly never store away your rifle wet inside a rifle case, it will rust.

 

[243Lapua]

I travel with all this. Of course there is a lot other brands to prevent rust. After I clean my barrel a pass with Lock ease and don't wipe it off, it live a protective film to prevent rust and also it has worked excellent so my POI doesn't shift.

 

[TrapperBR549]

Johnson's paste wax will protect wood and blued metal. Put it on and leave it on.
I have no experience with cerakoting.

 

[K22]

I can't tell you the number of times I got caught in snow and rainstorms hunting. One of my best varmint hunts was after a massive thunderstorm which I waited out in the truck then I went in the field which wasn't the smartest thing since there was still thunder and lightning in the area. But I saw hogs everywhere.

Anyway. After getting my prized Weatherby Super Varmint Master soaked, I took corrective measure. I purchase a product called "Rain Buddy". It's a waterproof protective sleeve that slides over your rifle. Its compact and fits in a pocket for easy carry.

I also carry some masking tape warped around the barrel and wrap the end to prevent water from entering the bore. Keep it on the outside of the bore opening, DO NOT place it inside the bore. I have shot both deer and varmints through the tape and tested it on the range. It does not change the POI.

If you get the rifle soaked like I did, then what I did was strip the rifle and bolt down. Wiped it dry then let it air dry for several hours. I then used Barricade which is a very light viscous petroleum base product and coated all surfaces with a dedicated paint brush to provide an even light coat of preservative. I let is sit then wiped everything down with a cotton flannel cloth.

The standard rule that I was taught was never lube the trigger assembly. However, with water having gotten in there I was concerned about corrosion. My smith advised me to spray some Barricade into the assembly, let drain completely before reassembly of the rifle. That was several years ago, and I have noticed no ill effects of using the product that one time. It's doesn't appear to "gum" up the trigger assembly.

In my opinion, it is best to avoid getting the rifle wet so a product like the rain buddy is a worthwhile investment.