Tips for Shooting in the Cold

[rdtompki]

This is a relevant topic for those of us who have migrated to colder climates. Moved to Idaho two years ago and it took the entirety of the first winter to figure out what to wear when practicing for Steel Challenge, the whole darn thing about having to draw from a holster in freezing temps.

I envy the long range rifle shooters; bundle up and have at it. I envy my wife who shoots in low ready divisions; bundle up and have at it.

Disclaimer: We don't shoot at below freezing temps and wind is not your friend.

I've settled on an inexpensive Champion Duofold thermal bottom layer, Carhartt long sleeve "tee shirt" next and a heated vest outer layer. I was very comfortable near freezing in windless conditions without every needing a jacket. The Carhartt shirts are huge; I normally wear large, but the medium easily fits over the bottom layer and really combines to keep body heat in. The vest easily tucks in between shirt and holster.

Gloves: the Mechanix Specialty 0.5mm are excellent. This is the first winter I've worked with these, but shooting an all steel gun (1911) you almost have to shoot with gloves in these temps; cold, dry hands have very little grip. When I'm working with my stands and plates I can put on something heavier and warmer. The 1911 trigger guard is pretty small so heavier gloves are a no-go, but YMMV.

Anyway, food for thought perhaps for some either newly relocated or contemplating a move.

[Fate]

During much of winter I need snowshoes to access and use my secret spot. Learning to move, kneel, drop prone and then advance with snowshoes takes some practice. I should look into figuring out telemarking too.

People who only stick to roads will eventually be ambushed.

[The War Wagon]

I gotta find the picture of me at a carbine class back in January of '10 on the range. It was 9 degrees that day!

[rdtompki]

I gotta find the picture of me at a carbine class back in January of '10 on the range. It was 9 degrees that day!

That would be impressive, but not as impressive as 10 degrees with a steel gun. Where was this 10 degree class.

I'm going to step up my game and lower my threshold to 25 degrees or so provided the wind isn't too bad. When it's cold the wind tends to favor the north and, of course, our practice range faces the same direction; the cover we shoot from has an access opening which funnels the wind; time to break out the propane heater

[Rotnguns]

I found while shooting a 22 steel match in early spring that bullet lube on some 22 target ammo can gum up, even at only moderately-cold temps (it was about 30 out). This happened to me with wolf target ammo.

[hermosabeach]

Pocket warmers can be a nice accessory.

One or two in each pocket can help keeping the legs warm.

[rdtompki]

Pocket warmers can be a nice accessory.

One or two in each pocket can help keeping the legs warm.

Or, if shooting a 22lr use the pocket warmers for the magazines. The wax on CCI SV tends to get brittle and loose is lubricity. I bought some Aguila as a test, but it's got so much wax on the case that it gums up Ruger 22 mags almost instantly.

In these days of ammo shortages I'm opportunistically buying what we know works in my wife's Ruger pistols and Kidd rifles, but it's a challenge. And that not even taking into account the ridiculous asking prices. Meanwhile centerfire runs like the energizer bunny.

[BillSmith]

Sage advice has been, exhale slowly, hold, then squeeze trigger. On a really cold day, you could find a cloud between eyes, sights and/or target.

Develop a directed exhale.

Disclaimer-if it is cold, my exhalations are on a warm comfortable couch at home.

[mshill]

Sage advice has been, exhale slowly, hold, then squeeze trigger. On a really cold day, you could find a cloud between eyes, sights and/or target.

Develop a directed exhale.

Disclaimer-if it is cold, my exhalations are on a warm comfortable couch at home.

My solution is relatively easy... I popped for a yearly pass at a close indoor range. Only 50 yards so I shoot more .22 and pistols instead of braving the cold. It so happens that I also bought my suppressor there and I can use it when I visit the range until my form 4 comes through lots of fun.

[PaperTarget]

I recommend a propane radiant heater.

[rdtompki]

I recommend a propane radiant heater.

Have one and works well; wind is a bit problematic. regarding square range(s), few will let you set up steel challenge stages

[1911-CV]

It wasn't quite 60 at HDRGC yesterday... I wore a sweater

CA does have some advantages

[nitroxdiver]

[nitroxdiver]

Have one and works well; wind is a bit problematic. regarding square range(s), few will let you set up steel challenge stages