Caring for your firearm in the field
Sometimes you may hunt in less than ideal conditions. Your firearm can be knocked and bumped, or rain and dirt can get into the bolt and action. To keep everything working smoothly and safely, you should assemble a small kit with these items to keep in your pack:
- oiled gun wipes to clean the metal and prevent rust
- bore snake to clear possible barrel obstructions
- lens wipes to clean your optics without scratching
- small tube of gun lubricant to clean sticky actions
- roll of electrical tape to cover the rifles muzzle and prevent obstructions. (Note: This is not recommended for shotguns.)
Covering the rifles muzzle with a small strip of brightly coloured electrical tape serves two purposes:
- To prevent water, dirt or any other foreign body becoming stuck in the muzzle.
- To reinforce muzzle awareness. The bright colour is easily seen in thick bush or low light conditions.
At the end of each day, it is a good practice to wipe down the firearm to remove any moisture from the metal surfaces and inside the action. Also, check the barrel for any obstructions.
