Semi-Auto or Revolver in Freezing Vehicle During the Winter?

Semi-Auto or Revolver in Freezing Vehicle?

  • Semi-Auto

    Votes: 20 34.5%

  • Revolver

    Votes: 31 53.4%

  • Other - Please Explain

    Votes: 7 12.1%
  • Total voters
    58
  • Poll closed .
Status
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1

147 Grain

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Mar 7, 2005
Messages
178
I normally keep a handgun in my vehicle between the two front seats and am debating whether to alternate between a semi-auto and a revolver depending on the weather. I live in an semi-urban area where winter temperatures get down to -5 at night and the vehicle in question always has outdoor exposure to the cold elements. I usually CC with a Ruger SR9C or a 38 snubnose.

The handgun in the vehicle will likely be exposed to cold temps and stay in the vehicle 24-hours at a time during cold conditions. One handgun option is the semi-auto Ruger SR9C that has proven very dependable in a warm climate; I haven't tested it under cold conditions. (Would have to use very thin oil or a special graphite to lube semi-auto for freezing temps.) The other handgun is a Ruger Security Six 357 Mag 4" barrel, which has been stoked with Federal's 158-gr. +P LSWCHP FBI load in 38 Special or 357 Mag 158-gr. HP's for better penetration through barriers.

Firing a weapon inside a vehicle with the windows up is worse than within confined walls of a larger area. I am leaning towards using the semi-auto inside the vehicle during warmer climates and the revolver in freezing temps.

Question: Would you keep a revolver or semi-auto in a freezing vehicle for protection? Thank-you in advance of taking the survey and for your thoughts.
 
I was not aware that extremely cold temperatures could have a negative effect on a handgun, but I live in Louisiana. The last time it got cold was when the Saints won the Superbowl.
 
I would suggest switching to a lubricant formulated for cold weather applications and use either weapon.
 
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Also be aware the the temperature changes in the cab could cause a condensation issue, as the metal will probably warm up more slowly than the surrounding. May not be an issue but something to look out for.
 
Easy to test.. put your normal gun oil in the freezer overnight. How viscous is it the next day. Most gun oils I've seen are so light, they'll not become too thick for use in either.

Or put both revolver and auto in the freezer overnight. Does the action seem slugish on either?

You are probably not going to want Aluma Grips on either. Aluminum is a big heat sink and will suck the heat out of your hand faster than anything.
 
I shoot a lot outdoors in the winter, including below zero weather.
My autos (and revolvers) do just fine lubed with FP-10 (light synthetic oil). I often let them sit on the shooting bench while I retreat to the car to warm up and load magazines. Sometimes I leave them in the trunk overnight as well. Never a problem with Glocks, Sigs or HKs.
 
Either will be fine. That's not cold enough to be a real problem. The only potential issue would be bringing them back into a warm humid place after being in the cold, and that's just a rust issue.
 
I can't imagine having any problems with either, but if for some reason your gun would really freeze up a little, you're better off with a (loaded and chambered) semi auto cause you can at least get off one shot and the recoil would probably destroy most ice. If the cylinder of a revolver won't turn you're screwed, though :D
 
Something to think about whatever handgun you use is that at very low temperatures many oils become very thick and can cause a malfunction. I was on an elk hunt last december and my hunting buddy's GP-100 .357 malfunctioned due to too much thick oil. Can't remember but I think the cylinder stop wouldn't rise back up.
Just make sure you use a lube that doesn't thicken up too much when cold and go sparingly.
 
I think the crack-head who breaks into your car would prefer to get a Glock Fo-Tay.

Other then that, it doesn't make one little bit of difference.

Any revolver, and most any semi-auto, should work just fine at -20 or -30 below unless you flood it with some sort of grease or oil that freezes up or congeals.

I doubt the cops in Minnesota have any problems traceable to cold guns left in the trunk in the winter!

rc
 
I'm trying to wrap my head around why most of the people responding to this thread live in places like New Mexico and other southerly climates.

Until your vehicle temperature gauge has had readings of less than -15 numerous times during the winter, I would think you don't really have the knowledge to respond.

The key would be to test your firearms and lubricants and see if you have problems.

I've had no problems with Hoppe's in any of my firearms but that advice is only good down to maybe -40, with a lot of -10 to -25 experience.
 
I'm trying to wrap my head around why most of the people responding to this thread live in places like New Mexico and other southerly climates.

Until your vehicle temperature gauge has had readings of less than -15 numerous times during the winter, I would think you don't really have the knowledge to respond.

The key would be to test your firearms and lubricants and see if you have problems.

I've had no problems with Hoppe's in any of my firearms but that advice is only good down to maybe -40, with a lot of -10 to -25 experience.
Click to expand...

Inquiring minds want to know.
 
Maybe they're snowbirds :)

I said a revolver, just because I feel they would be a bit more reliable in below freezing temperatures. As others have mentioned though, using a light lube, or a graphite/teflon lube would probably be best.
 
I would think you don't really have the knowledge to respond.
Click to expand...
The OP spoke of temperatures down to -5. It got that cold here last winter and stayed below freezing for 14 consecutive days. My water froze UNDERGROUND and stayed frozen for 10 days. Don't think the south is without cold weather. Certainly not the -40 of Alaska but definitely in the range spoken of by the OP.
 
I voted "other."

It's simply not responsible to store a loaded gun in a car for extended periods.
 
ldsgeek said:
Also be aware the the temperature changes in the cab could cause a condensation issue, as the metal will probably warm up more slowly than the surrounding. May not be an issue but something to look out for.
Click to expand...
I recall reading about a situation years ago where a police officer working in a cold climate -15 and lower IIRC had this problem. It was toward the end of his shift. He had been getting in and out of his warm patrol car all day making traffic stops. He stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. As he exited his vehicle, the subject he had stopped got out of his truck with a bolt action rifle and fired at the cop, hitting the lightbar on top of the patrol car. The cop dropped to the ground and drew his weapon. He attempted to fire, but was unable to pull the trigger. The subject fired a second round hitting the door of the patrol vehicle. The officer retrieved the 870 from inside the car. He fired and hit the subject killing him. After the incident it was determind that the weapon failure was due to condensation in the trigger mechanisim. I think the pistol was an early S&W Sigma, but I could be mistaken.
 
Yes, "Other."

While some folks will always do whatever they feel like doing for reasons of perceived convenience, leaving a firearm, especially a handgun, stored in a vehicle, especially in a "semi-urban" area is just grossly irresponsible.

Car break-ins just plain happen. You could lose your change and that would be irritating. You could lose your expensive stereo, and that would sure suck.

You could arm yet another habitual violent criminal through your selfish carelessness. And that's tragic.

Now, consider this:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=547218

If you bother to read that link you'll find out how over 8 in 10 attacks happen when folks are dealing with locked cars and houses. NOT when you've safely gotten into your car. Sure, you could be carjacked. But you're far more likely to need it just before you can get to it. SO ... why ever risk leaving it in the car?
 
I wouldn't give it a second thought. Any gun will run just fine at those temps. I'd be more concerned about condensation and rust from frequent changes in temperature.
 
wyocarp said:
I'm trying to wrap my head around why most of the people responding to this thread live in places like New Mexico and other southerly climates.

Until your vehicle temperature gauge has had readings of less than -15 numerous times during the winter, I would think you don't really have the knowledge to respond.

The key would be to test your firearms and lubricants and see if you have problems.

I've had no problems with Hoppe's in any of my firearms but that advice is only good down to maybe -40, with a lot of -10 to -25 experience.
Click to expand...
I may currently live in CA, but I have lived in Quebec and New Brunswick. I have had to thaw my door lock with a bic lighter to be able to turn the key so I could get in the car at -40. That is one of the reasons I now live in CA. Because I do have experience with the cold.
 
You could arm yet another habitual violent criminal through your selfish carelessness. And that's tragic.
Click to expand...

No, what's tragic is that liberals have been successful at drilling such mush into peoples heads. The criminal is responsible for the crime, NOT the person being robbed.
 
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