Preparation of weapons for hunting

it is necessary to check the shelf life, proper charging, and compliance of components with standards during self-loading – the weight and size of shot or bullets, the density of wadding, the degree of compression, and the amount of powder.

Cleaning and Lubrication of Firearms

Only cleaned and lubricated hunting firearms always operate reliably and safely. This rule must be strictly observed for any firearm model. It applies to both new and long-owned rifles. A newly purchased firearm primarily requires the removal of factory preservative grease. Despite the common opinion, this substance is not capable of protecting the surface of metal parts from harmful factors – powder gases, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

·                         The procedure is carried out according to a specific algorithm. 

·                         Dry rags or natural fabric are prepared. 

·                         The barrel, trigger mechanism (USM), and other quick-disassembly parts are detached. 

·                         The surface of all components is wiped dry. 

·                         Inside the barrel – using a ramrod. 

·                         A special neutral protective lubricant is evenly applied (rubbed with a sponge or cloth) to all metal parts.

A similar procedure should be carried out on a previously used rifle after prolonged storage. When cleaning old grease, it is best to use special compounds or high-fluidity oil from aerosol cans.

In addition, hunting weapons must be cleaned and lubricated after each use. The procedure is as follows:

·                         A quick disassembly is performed – all parts should be heated to at least +5 degrees Celsius (if it is winter) and dried.

·                         Then, all parts are wiped with a cotton cloth, removing all dirt and dust.

·                         The barrels are cleaned from the inside with a ramrod, brushes, and cloth to remove carbon deposits using alkaline oil (soot

from gunpowder residue is completely removed with hot water, after which the surface is wiped with a dry rag).

·                         If necessary, metal brushes are used to clean off lead fouling – for smoothbore barrels, as well as special compounds for copper and cupronickel fouling – for rifled barrels.

·                         Upon completion, a layer of neutral or preservative lubricant is applied to all steel surfaces.

·                         After drying, the wooden stock and forend are, if necessary, treated with a wax-based furniture care product.

TIP!
After each outing, the rifle requires drying and superficial lubrication, even if no shots have been fired. Due to increased humidity or temperature fluctuations, the metal surface can quickly become rusted.

Checking the Operation of the Firing Mechanism

The firing mechanism is the most crucial part of a firearm. It is what activates the primer after the trigger is pulled. The correct operation of this mechanism not only affects the sharpness and other firing characteristics but also whether a shot will be fired at all after the hammer is released.

The following test is performed to check its functionality:

·                         The barrel is detached so that the firing pin can be positioned strictly vertically, with no obstructions above it.

·                         A 2-ruble coin is placed on top of the firing pin.

·                         The trigger is pulled.

·                         With the firing mechanism operating correctly, the coin should jump strictly upwards by at least 1 meter.

The force of the firing pin strike should be within the range of 1 to 2 kg. If it is less, the impact on the primer will be insufficient, and the cartridge will not fire. If it is more, the shooter will need to apply more effort to activate the striker, which will lead to overexertion and some loss of shooting accuracy.

PLEASE NOTE!
The firing mechanism also requires regular cleaning and lubrication. However, far too often

not all models may allow for easy access for maintenance procedures. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically lubricate it through external technological gaps with a low-viscosity neutral compound from aerosol cans, and once per season or less frequently as needed, to completely disassemble, wash off dirt, wipe, and lubricate.

Barrel Inspection

Gun barrels are primarily checked by visual inspection in the following situations:

·                         Immediately before cleaning from powder residue or after conservation.

·                         In field conditions before loading and after firing. Wad-containers, cartridge case fragments, and even bullets may remain in the bore.

·                         After operation in extreme conditions. Barrels can easily become clogged with ice, snow, branches, or earth during long walks through forests, crossing swamps, overgrown marshes, or deep snow.

·                         When purchasing from a store or owner – to check for transport plugs, caps, defects, as well as damage resulting from previous improper use.

In this case, the primary assessment is the cleanliness of the internal surface. Even the slightest obstructions in the barrel bore can significantly affect the shotgun's performance. In the worst-case scenario, it could rupture, and the shooter could be injured.

Sighting-in

A technically sound firearm cannot, by itself, guarantee successful use in hunting. It can be sighted-in at a special range according to the following rules:

·                         Firing must only be conducted in a specially equipped area, adhering to all requirements established at the facility and within the legislative framework.

·                         The firearm must be pre-inspected, prepared, cleaned, and ammunition selected according to calibre and technical specifications.

·                         Sighting-in for the sight is performed separately from the similar procedure for the front sight.

·                         When

When shooting with a rifled model, one should take into account factors such as copper fouling, barrel heating from firing, and other nuances that significantly affect accuracy.

Each hunter's hunting armament consists of one or more shotguns of various types and calibers. When preparing for the opening of the season, it is important not to mix up and to correctly select cartridges for them. The weapon must be de-conserved, cleaned, lubricated, the barrels checked for fouling and defects, and, if necessary, sighted in at a shooting range or at a firing range.