Quick Tip: 2024 Hunting Season Preparation

Caleb Savant & Steve Ostrem

one month ago

Introduction

Hey everyone, Caleb and Steve from Brownells here, and it’s that time of year again—hunting season! Before you rush out the door and head for the woods, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your guns are ready. In this video, we’ll give you some essential reminders to get your firearms in top shape, ensuring a successful and safe hunting experience. Let’s get started!

Importance of Cleaning and Oil

The first thing we always mention before the season kicks off is cleaning your gun. If you’re pulling your firearm out of storage after a year, you want to make sure it’s dry and free from moisture that could have accumulated. Steve recommends giving it a light coat of oil and making sure the bore is clean. Even if you cleaned it after the last season, it’s a good idea to punch the bore again just to be safe. If your firearm has mechanical parts, like a semi-auto or revolver, check to make sure nothing is binding. Don’t forget that certain lubricants like WD-40 can gum up inside the action, so it’s important to use the right products. As Steve points out, WD-40 is not a lubricant—it’s a water-displacing oil, which can cause issues if used incorrectly. So, be sure to check the moving parts and give everything a quick function check.

Checking Mechanical Functions and Zero

Once your firearm is clean, the next step is to make sure it’s functioning properly. This includes not only mechanical functions but also making sure your rifle is still zeroed in. We recommend heading to the range and firing three to four shots to confirm that your zero is where it needs to be. If your shots are grouped tightly, you’re good to go. If not, it’s time to spend a little more time at the range to get things dialed in. Steve reminds us that depending on what kind of gun you’re using—whether it’s a lever-action 30-30 or a scoped rifle—the process might be a bit different. If you’re using open sights, you may be fine with testing at 50 to 75 yards. But if you’re using a scope and plan to shoot longer distances, it’s especially important to double-check your settings.

Ensuring Scope Mount Screws Are Tight

While we’re on the topic of scopes, it’s essential to check that your scope mounts are secure. Caleb mentions that it’s strange how screws can sometimes loosen just by sitting in a safe, but it happens more often than you’d think. Go over your scope mount screws with a torque wrench to make sure everything is tight. If you want extra peace of mind, you can even add witness marks to the screws. This gives you a quick visual reference to make sure they haven’t moved. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it’s a helpful tip, especially for bolts on larger guns.

Gunsmith Services and Timing

Now, if you’re realizing that something on your firearm is broken and needs repair, don’t wait until the last minute to head to the gunsmith. Steve points out that gunsmiths are extremely busy right before hunting season, as everyone tends to bring in their guns for repairs at the same time. While most gunsmiths will do their best to help you, they aren’t miracle workers and can only work so fast, especially with multiple “quick fixes” piling up. Caleb jokes about hunters coming into the shop in full camouflage and blaze orange, expecting a same-day repair. If you’re bringing in your gun the day before the season starts, just lower your expectations—you might be facing an express charge if you need your firearm back immediately.

Adjusting Firearms for Growing Kids

If you’re taking a youngster hunting with you this season, make sure the gun still fits them properly. Kids grow fast, and if they’ve grown since last year, they might need a longer stock or adjustments to the recoil pad. Caleb shares a personal story about his son, who grew a foot over the past year, making his old rifle no longer a great fit. The good news is, if you have multiple kids, you can pass down the rifle and let the older child use one of yours. This ensures everyone has a properly fitting firearm for a comfortable and safe hunt.

Shotgun Maintenance Tips

For those heading out for shotgun hunting, there are a few specific maintenance tasks you’ll want to handle. If you lost or misplaced your choke last season, now’s the time to find a replacement. Additionally, Caleb warns about the possibility of a loose choke from last season. Sometimes debris can get caught between the choke and barrel, making it difficult to remove. If this happens, a good soaking in solvent should help loosen things up. If your shotgun hasn’t been functioning properly, particularly if it’s not feeding well from the magazine, it might be a spring issue. This is especially true if the spring has weakened over time. Steve reminds us that it’s not going to fix itself, so it’s worth checking your shotgun’s magazine spring and making any necessary repairs.