Practice in inclement weather

[Grimjaws]

Anyone else hit the range when the weather is not ideal? Last time it was about mid 30s wind chill and hail. Before that a steady rain. Some before were sunny but wind gusts up to 50 mph. I don't mind the bad weather as I like to practice in all conditions. Plus the range is usually all to myself
I alway clean the guns when I get home and give them a good oil coating for next time.

So who else shoots in all conditions?

My son said he shot for qualification at Parris Island in a heavy rain when day before and day after were bright sun. That day he could barely see the target. So must run in the family!

 

[Rustyt1953]

There have been times in the past when it was nippy enough outside that I shot with golf gloves on but I have never intentionally gone practice shooting in the rain.

 

[sousana]

IMHO, it's best to train in all the conditions you might find yourself in. A properly cleaned and lubed weapon will hold up under the weather, and, considering you'll most likely clean and re-lube it after the shoot it don't matter what weather you're in.

 

[just plain joe]

Prior to retiring from LE, I was an instructor for our agency. Personnel would complain about the heat, cold, sun, rain, clouds, etc. I told them that if they could guarantee that all our officer-involved shootings would occur in sunshine and fair weather, then by all means that is how/when we would train. Usually I could hear the crickets. Occasionally some officer would infer that I had an unnaturally close relationship with my mother.

I still train in the heat, cold, sun, rain, and snow. You will find out that firearms and the persons that carry them, now older, don't always perform optimally without realistic sustainment training. Cold, slippery, frozen metal, gear, and hands all influence success or failure in a gunfight.

I was always told, "Train as you fight".

Jm2c.

JPJ

 

[BigBill]

I burnish moly into the pores of the metal. Wipe it clean then add very little. In very cold weather I don't add any extra moly just a few drops of USGI light weapons oil.

 

[petepeterson]

I shot a few mags in the cold rain yesterday.
It's different than shooting in nice weather. Rain in your eyes, numb fingers, etc.
Any practice is good practice.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I will duck hunt in bad weather.

All other times are kept to where I can enjoy the outting, now that I'm retired.

Not wet behind the ears, any more.

 

[SS336]

I live in western Oregon. If you want to shoot this time of year you will shoot in cold, windy, wet weather.
I try to pick my days to shoot in the best weather, but….
Shoot my .22 bullseye pistol in the winter more than the summer.

 

[max503]

Only time I don't go is when there is too much snow to get into the range. It would be embarrassing to have to call a wrecker to get me out.

 

[shovelmike]

Good policy

I am convinced that it is good policy to practice in all weather conditions.
I, my wife, and three children studied Hapkido for nine years under excellent masters who cut us no slack for exhaustion and uncomfortable conditions. All five of us achieved black belt, I believe the tough training will serve us well as conditions around us deteriorate.
I plan to continue to develop my shooting skills with this same determination.

 

[lihpster]

I live in western Oregon. If you want to shoot this time of year you will shoot in cold, windy, wet weather.
I try to pick my days to shoot in the best weather, but….
Shoot my .22 bullseye pistol in the winter more than the summer.

When your shooting gear includes an EZ-up, a gallon of Coleman fuel and half a cord of fir, you shoot in Oregon.

 

[AJ]

Live in Florida We get lots of rain and wind Not a lot of real cold weather, but we do get some cold weather days though. We (my friends and I) shoot if the range is open no matter what the conditions As my friends (all Marines) say "we are amphibious" In the Corps we shot in all conditions

 

[minconrevo]

I learned from shooting in the cold, like a couple degrees above zero F, that some guns won't run in it, certainly not with standard lubricants in use.

 

[mrmike7189]

Its nice to have an outdoor range all to yourself. If the sun is shining I will shoot. Even in a snowstorm I will put the 4runner in 4wheel drive and be the only one at the gun club....am I weird? I dunno. I guess I enjoy the solitude?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

This is why I like indoor ranges.

I don't have any interest in being outdoors in any kind of uncomfortable weather, not for any reason, NOT including hunting which I have not done, sadly, in quite some time.

For cops, yes, I get it, for military personnel, too. I'm done with uniforms so I shoot indoors or in nice weather.

 

[heeter3]

Lucky enough to be in Arizona now in Chandler and the heat can be a problem but when it's hot desert shooting is usually curbed to prevent accidental wild fires.

 

[Brassmonkey55]

I shoot in all conditions , but if you're aware of what's happening in BC you'll know I'm not able to shoot now as our range is under six feet of water and there's no road leading to it anyway. But like my friend in Oregon if I didn't shoot in the rain I'd rarely shoot from November to May. So normally I just dress for the day and go.

 

[Imissedagain]

I was the only one shooting trap when the rain came down.
No lightning, so I finished the flight.
Rain got a bit lighter and ran another flight.

Took the butt stock off at home and it was dry underneath.
Cleaned and oiled the BT99 and engraved the family name on the tang.

We fish in the rain as long as there is no lightning.

 

[tops]

I worked as a Lineman for a utility company and had to go day or night in all kinds of weather. I said when I quit work I was never going to get cold or sweat anymore and I've tried to keep my promise (I have failed a few days). If it's not nice outside I stay where it's dry and 72 deg. Larry

 

[Dale53]

I admit that as I am now past my mid-eighties that I am shooting much less. However, most of my adult life I was a back packer and hunter. Here in Southern Ohio we can have some "less than desirable" weather. There is an old saying here in the Miami Valley, "If you don't like the weather, just wait twenty minutes, it'll change!" If I waited for nothing but pretty days, it would limit my hunting and range shooting. I just dressed for the occasion! I admit we have a very nice indoor range, that I helped build, as well as covered firing points outdoors.

One of the beautiful things, in slightly uncomfortable to REALLY uncomfortable weather, many "bad days" I can have the range nearly to myself. I typically pick those days that are not terribly attractive on purpose. We have limited days we can deer hunt as well as small game. I learned, early on, to combat the bad weather. As an old Infantry Man, "Piece of Cake"!

I am talking rifle, pistol, or shotgun! Makes no nevermind!

Now, as a "Certified Old Fart", I still have my memories! I did it when I could, now it is infrequent but definitely NOT never!

FWIW
Dale53