Winter/Cold Weather truck guns.

[stressed]

Figured I would create a thread where folks could mention what they use for a truck gun in the colder areas of the country - for sure reliability. Dawned on me as it was nearing 20 below zero, with wind chills of over -30.

For winter I keep a PPS43 pistol, with dry lube. Cheap enough I don't care if it rusts/mars finish - half the cost of an AK pistol, yet is reliable as it was proven on the Eastern Front in WWII in severe artic combat. 35 rounds of 7.62x25mm FMJ at times chronoing 1800fps from it's 10" barrel is enough to penetrate vehicles, heavy winter clothing, etc anything really needed if said need arises, which of course we hope it doesn't. Functioned well with ice, snow and debris in the magazine/rounds after testing.

Do you use anything specific for colder weather as a vehicle weapon?

 

[bannockburn]

I would go along with kind of reasoning; thinking an M1911 or a Tokarev would be a good choice for those sub-zero conditions.

 

[scythefwd]

handguns.. something cannon breech or break action. Rifles.. break action or bolt.. break action is preferred..

That said, the mosin would probably handle it.

 

[JRWhit]

Rossi Ranch Hand in 44mag. That being said you would probably have to be selective on lube. I'm not experienced in dealing with those kind of temps.

 

[Jaxondog]

Hard to beat a Lever Rifle for a truck gun.

 

[BSA1]

I think the two main cold weather problems are tight tolerances and lube. The problem with most modern production guns, including the 1911, is they are built with close tolerances as demanded by customers.

It regards to lube consider Ceracoat. I have examined a couple of semi-autos, one was a CZ-82, and was impressed with how smooth the slide and frame rails are.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Interesting topic and sad to say one that I never considered but those kind of temps I don't see here in West Texas.

 

[d2wing]

I agree bsa1. Any well broken in firearm with dry or light synthetic lube should be fine. Wood and quality metal will be fine. Plastic can shatter. Many oils can jell or freeze. Anything that is wet or moist will freeze. Optics can be damaged or fogged beyond repair. Electric stuff can freeze. Mostly switches and batteries. Pot metal and weak bonds can fail.
Other weapons will do but Mosins are made for this.
I was raided in Northern Minnesota and have worked on -40. Haven't seen weather that cold for 30 years. At -20 things have different properties and it gets worse after that.

 

[ms6852]

I only worried about that when I was in the Army, now that I am retired I stay away from places with those kind of temperatures. But I used to use WD 40 since it displaces moisture such as water. Worked well the times I trained in Alaska and Europe.

 

[guyfromohio]

I keep a cz p-07 in the truck at all times. Haven't looked at it in a year or more. I'm sure it's fine.

 

[gspn]

I think your truck is broken...what is that "dash" looking thing in front of the 18? And how did you get a picture of Dr. Evil holding that gun?

 

[Gunnerboy]

M44 Mosin nagant, works year round with no complaints.

 

[texasgun]

any modern polymer pistol will do just fine. just lube it very lightly with Rem Oil or something like a dry lube.

I've never heard of cold related failures for Glocks, HKs, M&Ps and Co....

 

[gdcpony]

My Truck gun never changes, any one that is in there at the time. Usually three of them; my AR-15, H&R Ultra Slugger, and my 1911.

 

[mljdeckard]

I think my SKS is still my first choice, but I would probably use different lube. It gets cold here, but there's cold, and then there's COLD.

 

[osteodoc08]

That is cold. Just remember wind chill only matters to animals, not materials.

I'd imagine any broken in firearm with a light synthetic oil would be fine.

 

[stressed]

My Truck gun never changes, any one that is in there at the time. Usually three of them; my AR-15, H&R Ultra Slugger, and my 1911.

AR-15 eh?

I'll tell you a story. It was around 02:30 am, was with two veteran buddies hunting coyote. Full moon, lighting everything up. 36 degrees below zero not including wind-chill.

No luck, about to head in. Then a coyote comes out of the bush around 50 yards from us, couldn't believe it. Buddy calls the shot with his S&W AR. Click. No fire. Other buddies raises his Colt AR. Also click, no fire. They were irate. My weapon fires. Can you guess what it is? I've hunted in the dead of feb and jan and seen -60 below without windchill. Weapon will fire.

I've been using PPS to check traps lately. Can lay it down anywhere, pick it up out of snow and it will still fire to dispatch critter. Any condensation from in a vehicle will freeze instantly.

Was 20 below around 8pm when was last out. Around -28 right now.

 

[MattShlock]

I have never had a semi-auto as a "truck-gun." Pumps or break action. .22 Mag is my go to. Lubricated with silicone, not petroleum.

Had a 10/22 freeze in -12 degree hunting -- that happens once.

What's with these ads at the bottom of the screen? Have these always been here!? I don't remember them...

 

[texasgun]

well... in those rare cases of extremely cold temperatures you HAVE to use dry-lube (or no lube at all) in your AR-15. CLP or any other wetlube will freeze and make the weapon useless.

 

[Potatohead]

And how did you get a picture of Dr. Evil holding that gun

LOL. Those are some "killer" gloves!

 

[Potatohead]

What is a "dry" lube?

 

[ViniferaVizslas]

Graphite is the traditional dry lubricant. There are some newer ones as well.

 

[texasgun]

^^^

this. correct.

but in all honesty: if you have a gun for these extreme temperatures in your truck... it's easier to NOT lube it AT ALL.

a) you're not shooting it a lot

b) IT WILL WORK

 

[Potatohead]

Thanks Vinifera. Where would one purchase graphite?

 

[M2 Carbine]

The Makarov is good to go.