Winter Rifle Maintenance: Keep Precision Ready When the Cold Hits

When the temperature drops, your rifle doesn’t get a break. At Christensen Arms, we build rifles engineered to perform in demanding conditions. But even the finest build needs care. These winter rifle maintenance steps will help you maintain your rifle through winter’s cold, moisture and grime so it stays ready for the hunt.

Cold-Weather Inspection

Start with a thorough inspection before storing or heading into the field. Check for:

• Free and smooth bolt operation (freeze-up is real when lubrication thickens).
• Any accumulation of moisture or snow in the action, chassis or stock bedding.
• Fasteners, mountings and optics screws; the cold causes contraction and may loosen hardware.
• Barrel and muzzle area for any debris, grit or ice that could affect initial shots.

Cleaning & Drying

Winter conditions mean extra chances for contaminants: salt, slush, road spray, snow melt, grit from boots and sleds.

• Barrel & chamber: Clean the bore, chamber and bolt face. Use a proper solvent and patches until they come out clean. A clear bore protects accuracy.
• Action: Remove the bolt (if your rifle allows) and clean debris, paying special attention to the bolt lugs and receiver face.
• Stock / bedding: For chassis or composite stocks, wipe down for moisture, check for trapped slush in recesses.
• After cleaning, allow the rifle to dry thoroughly because any moisture will expand or freeze and can degrade tolerance or accuracy.

Lubrication for Cold Conditions

Choosing the right lubricant makes the difference between function and failure in cold.

• Use a low-viscosity lubricant rated for sub-freezing temperatures. Avoid thick oils that turn sluggish.
• Apply a thin film inside the bolt, on the locking surfaces, and receiver raceways. Excess lubricant attracts grime and may freeze.
• Wipe off excess after initial application, especially on the external surfaces; snow melt or salt spray can cause corrosion.
• After cold exposure, wipe again and re-apply if needed. Winter maintenance is iterative.

Storage Strategy

If your rifle will sit idle during extreme winter months:

• Store it in a climate-controlled environment if possible.
• If storage will be in an unheated space, consider placing the rifle in a dry box with desiccant packs to reduce internal moisture.
• Remove the magazine and clear the chamber for safe storage.
• Loosen external strap tension or storage bindings to avoid stock/forearm stress under contraction in cold.

Pre-Field Check Before the Hunt

Before heading into winter terrain:

• Verify zero after cold-start conditions. Ammo and barrel behavior changes in cold; run a confirmation group while still warm.
• Inspect optics: lenses may fog or collect condensation. Use lens covers until you’re on position.
• Check bipods/tripods, sling mounts, accessories, the cold makes metal brittle and hardware can shift.
• Warm up the rifle if possible (e.g., chamber a couple of dummy rounds) before moving into a critical position.

After-Use Maintenance

After a day in the cold:

• Wipe down the entire rifle with a clean cloth to remove snow, slush, salt or grit.
• Clean the bore and bolt face before returning home. Don’t wait until spring.
• Store it as per above. Make entries in your maintenance log, your cold weather hunts should be logged with any anomalies (clicks, slow bolt, condensation, etc).
• Consider re-lubing after the first use to refresh the protective layer.

Why This Matters

At Christensen Arms we don’t design our rifles for compromise—they’re built for strength, precision and durability. Cold, moisture and grit are enemies of precision. By executing proper winter rifle maintenance, you preserve the tolerance, the alignment and the accuracy guarantee we stand behind.

Final Word

Winter hunting and shooting conditions demand your gear be dialed in. Maintain your rifle with intention. Inspect, clean, lubricate, store smart, and field-verify. You’ll carry into the cold with confidence—because your rifle is ready for anything.