Cold Weather and Guns

[SRR]

I have a question about leaving my EDC in the car while I'm at work. Does the low temperatures affect the bullets? or the gun? I carry a Glock 19 with speer fmj ammo.

 

[kjf40]

you use fmj for EDC ammo?

and if your concerned about temp compromising the ammo...let google be your friend, interesting question though.

 

[salemons]

I do that also but with my G19 and Gold Dot ammo. The only problem I've had in the last 10 years is if its really cold putting the gun into my Threat Solutions inside the waistband holster. Takes my breath away for a while till it warms up.

 

[esrice]

Lots of fun stuff can happen when the weather turns cold.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...l_205_low_light_techniques-2.html#post1500785

I once had an issue with some ammo that was loaded very light. Shooting it in a December low-light class the temps were cold enough that the ammo wouldn't reliably cycle the slide on my G19. It was quite frustrating.

In my particular case the ammo was at fault and the temps just made it worse. You should be fine with factory loaded stuff. I would still recommend shooting in vary conditions and temperatures, just to be sure your gear works when you need it.

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

I have a question about leaving my EDC in the car while I'm at work. Does the low temperatures affect the bullets? or the gun? I carry a Glock 19 with speer fmj ammo.

I highly doubt that the cold weather will harm your ammo or gun but I do not know for fact. Interested to see what someone with knowledge on this has to say.

 

[DaKruiser]

Come shoot a Friday Night Steel event at Marion county fish and game during the winter months! that will show you alot about how you and your gun will operate when it's cold!

 

[esrice]

Just thought of another cold-weather incident.

I was out shooting with some training buddies of mine and we had left our carbines out on the range on the ground for about an hour while we warmed ourselves inside. Upon returning I picked up my carbine and attempted to fire. I got 2 light primer strikes and the bolt carrier was sluggish and gummed up. Turns out the lube I was using plus the carbon build-up had created a nice frozen paste all over the BCG. Yuck.

We ended up heating the BCG up inside one of the guy's trucks, and then using oil from his dipstick to re-lube everything. It ran just fine after that.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ctical_st_15_m4_le_carbine-2.html#post1630334

 

[IndyGunner]

I have a question about leaving my EDC in the car while I'm at work. Does the low temperatures affect the bullets? or the gun? I carry a Glock 19 with speer fmj ammo.

Buy some of these 15827 - Ammo 9mm Luger +P Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point 124 Grain 1220 fps 20 Round Box

 

[kjf40]

This is a good read by THE MAN Massad Ayoob that may answer some of your question...long read though

Firearms and cold weather considerations by Massad Ayoob Issue #79

 

[SRR]

Buy some of these 15827 - Ammo 9mm Luger +P Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point 124 Grain 1220 fps 20 Round Box

I guess I'll get some hollow points at the 1500 on Sunday. I was thinking of putting the gun in a small cooler.

 

[kjf40]

I guess I'll get some hollow points at the 1500 on Sunday. I was thinking of putting the gun in a small cooler.

Yea save the ball ammo for your targets, although a good defensive ammo is pricey....target with just a box or two and see how they feel for ya.

 

[RangeJunkie]

Come shoot a Friday Night Steel event at Marion county fish and game during the winter months! that will show you alot about how you and your gun will operate when it's cold!

^^^^This. Everyone thinks they know it all until sub-zero temperatures come out. It's the great equilizer

 

[Disposable Heart]

One thing that freezes guns up is condensation: Going from a nice warm hut to outside frigid cold will freeze up the condensation in the gun. I have it from a friend in the Army, when I asked this question, who told me that he was told to clean his gun in a dry place outside, then leave it outside in the cold rather than bring it back in to the warm building with you. Keeps it from building then freezing condensation. If it's a pistol, keep it in you jacket. Big thing is, if this is your carry gun, keep it on you. Won't get cold and freeze if you carry it on your person.

 

[SSGSAD]

I do not know about ammo, but MOST lubricants, have an "operating" temp. Too hot, and it will "run" away... too cold, and it will "gum" up the works ..... JMHO

 

[Sylvain]

I have seen people shooting ammo that has been frozen in water for a week, with no problem.
So im sure a good quality gun and modern ammo would work just fine in the cold.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Come shoot a Friday Night Steel event at Marion county fish and game during the winter months! that will show you alot about how you and your gun will operate when it's cold!

Definitely can affect operation. Warm weather grease combined with low temps equals FTF. I learned at FNS. Good lesson.