Cold weather AR function check this weekend

[cwillour]

Edit: updated with my results in post #28

Is it just me, or does this seem like a great weekend to verify the cold weather functionality of those AR uppers?

Before I go out, though, is there any winter prep I should do for the rifle?

Besides functional reliability, is there anything particular I should be looking for?

I plan on testing both a factory upper and one I assembled myself. I might get chilled, but I think it will still be "fun"

 

[SEIndSAM]

That's probably a good idea. Let us know how it worked.

 

[Jarhead77]

Make sure "you" are prepared! Layers, gloves and don't cheat yer feet either! Stay hydrated! It's just as important in the frigid weather as it is when it's hot.
The rifle, if properly lubricated, should fare just fine. Plastics can be a bit sensitive to impact when it's near 0 degrees.

 

[Nevernoluck2]

Sounds like a good time to me...........now if I just had a couple to test myself

 

[sloughfoot]

Watch where you put your nose in relation to the charging handle. It will stick. Our winter off hand matches are the second Sunday. Most rifles function OK historically.

 

[cwillour]

Watch where you put your nose in relation to the charging handle. It will stick. Our winter off hand matches are the second Sunday. Most rifles function OK historically.

I have been there on the stuck nose. Checking the weather some more, I am trying to find a window on Monday since I really wanted to test in single digits or below. As I understand things, getting down in those temps should help expose any lingering gas system issues in the upper I put together.

BTW, do most folks run the same CLP in the cold or do they switch out? I seem to remember the CLP being blamed for cycling issues in our A2s when it got near zero one weekend, but that was many moons ago and my memory could be jumbled.

 

[-Jake-]

When I was stationed in Alaska we used the same CLP cold or hot.

 

[cwillour]

When I was stationed in Alaska we used the same CLP cold or hot.

Well, that answers that. Great to hear.

 

[crazyj789]

When I was stationed in Alaska we used the same CLP cold or hot.

+1 on this....in Fort Wainwright, AK it was standard CLP in our Colt M4's ....ran like a champ when we shot on a range day when it was 50 below

 

[BigMoose]

A few tips.

Don't take the rifle in and out of the cold. Doing that is asking for condensation when you bring it in, then when you go out, it freezes.

If your serious about shooting in the cold. Find some LAW.

 

[87iroc]

Drop it in the snow...kick some snow over it....jam it full of snow...then blow it out and light it off. See if that works.

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

I'm also interested in the results. I keep a 10.5" AR pistol with an EOTech in the car and I worry about cold and heat. After thinking about it, I figured if it works in temps found in the sandbox, it should work for me. I may consider running strictly iron sights though. Not sure if I want to keep putting the EOTech through the abuse.

+1 on the CLP though. All I use and has never frozen or set up on me.

 

[mammynun]

If you have a green laser, be sure to check that.

 

[KoopaKGB]

Watch where you put your nose in relation to the charging handle. It will stick. Our winter off hand matches are the second Sunday. Most rifles function OK historically.

Wear a balaclava, no sticky and your face will be nice and warm.

A few tips.

Don't take the rifle in and out of the cold. Doing that is asking for condensation when you bring it in, then when you go out, it freezes.

If your serious about shooting in the cold. Find some LAW.

Yikes that's gonna be hard/expensive to find. I'd think regular CLP would work fine in the 0 to -15 degree weather.

Is it just me, or does this seem like a great weekend to verify the cold weather functionality of those AR uppers?

Before I go out, though, is there any winter prep I should do for the rifle?

Besides functional reliability, is there anything particular I should be looking for?

I plan on testing both a factory upper and one I assembled myself. I might get chilled, but I think it will still be "fun"

Sounds like a fun plan!

 

[03A3]

LAW weapons oil isn't very expensive. Neither is LSA or LSA-T.
I haven't looked lately but checkout Spruce Mountain Surplus.

 

[cwillour]

Tried to get out this AM, but wife was adamant I not go. Will have to keep trying before it warms up.

 

[tenring]

That answers the question of cold weather function, it will not if your wife is involved.

 

[white-eye]

I threw my glock 21 out the door last night into a snow drift, going to dig it out this afternoon and run a couple mags through it, a little artic torture test if you will.

 

[cwillour]

That answers the question of cold weather function, it will not if your wife is involved.

Tell me about it. Looking for an excuse to sneak out and run a few boxes. If not today, at least tomorrow should still be cold. As long as I don't get stuck in drifts at the range I should be GTG.

 

[TheDude]

+1 on this....in Fort Wainwright, AK it was standard CLP in our Colt M4's ....ran like a champ when we shot on a range day when it was 50 below

Another Wainwright visitor here and M16/M60s worked just fine in stupid cold weather, even Ft. Greely.