Versa max and cold weather
Moderators: Scorpion8, ripjack13, John A.
9 posts
• Page 1 of 1
![]() Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:53 am Location: ontario canada |
Well today I had my first issue with the gun not cycling. It was -18 degrees up here in cold Canada. I was shooting 1oz target loads. So after I fired the first round the action was hanging up and wouldn't close. So after every shot I had to pull my hand up and assist the action to close for a second shot. I was shooting in sporting clays so it really thru me off my game. There was no oil or anything on the action. I thought having it dry was the way to go? I'm wondering if I was shooting heavier loads it wouldn't be a issue. When pulling back the operating handle in the cold it really hangs up about half way back. I have closed to 4000 rounds thru this gun and haven't had any problems till now. Anyone else have this issue or have any suggestions? Thanks
|
That is definitely on the cool side, when temperatures get this low there is a good chance that the metals have shrunk sufficiently to cause some binding. When Accuracy International designed their AW (arctic warfare) rifle they took this into account to stop the guns sticking in extreme cold. As for lubrication, you need some albeit only a thin film. When oil gets cold it's viscosity increases to the point where it can start to gum things up. You could try using a lubricant designed for low temperature use and see if that helps.
Finally the cold can also affect the propellant used in the cartridges. One top shooter of my acquaintance has an electrically warmed cartridge bag to keep his shells warm. Another who is contracted to a cartridge manufacturer has the powder charge filled to a slightly different specification. They both claim it helps with consistency throughout the year. Competitive rifle shooters may also have different loads for winter and summer shooting. |
|
At -18 degrees, not much of anything would work that requires any type of lube / oil to operate.
|
|
![]() Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:53 am Location: ontario canada |
Thanks for the feedback guys. I think the shells I was using was part of the problem. When I'm hunting birds with the heavier loads it doesn't seem to be a issue with cycling. Maybe time to bring out the 870 on those colder days. But darn it I wanna shoot the vm. Lol. Such a good gun on waterfowl. Do any of you guys use the vm in temps like what I'm experiencing.
|
Make sure your action tube, follower, and action spring are clean and only lightly oiled and then make certain that the trigger group is clean and not wet with oil
We have done so much for so long with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing!
|
|
That's not true. Keep in mind that he is Canadian, and O C is 32F. I expect my firearms to run down to -10F. JD |
|
I was out Saturday shooting clays with my 11-87 lubed with CLP and had no problems. One of the guys was shooting a very well worn versamax that was dirty as well and shooting 2 3/4 dram 7/8 ounce Federal target loads with no problem. It was -20C here. Strange you where having problems. That is -1F
Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk |
|
Also note that some powders can tolerate the cold better than others. 700x is notorious for lower pressures in cold weather.
Sent from my LG-VS700 using Tapatalk 2 I would rather die on my feet, than live on my knees...
From George Washington |
|
You need a thinner lube. Eezox works great in cold weather !!
|
|
9 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest