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Target Shooting Matches, Discussion & Events => Field Target Gates => Topic started by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 12:14:16 PM

Title: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 12:14:16 PM
What tips do you have for preparing a wood stocked spring-piston gun so it can perform (and survive) in heavy rain?
Is there a best finish to seal the wooden stock? Is a traditional oil finish and wax adequate?
Do you take enough tools to the match to disassemble the action after the day's drenching?

I am asking in advance, so that I DON'T do something in desperation that I will regret later.
Any rain-soaked boingers out there?
Thanks,
Bob
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gonzav on October 30, 2018, 01:25:05 PM
Many have recommended minwax indoor/outdoor helmsman spar urethane for wood stocks for wet weather.
Always bring tools to take apart my rifle and wipe dry the inletting of the stock.
I use a custom made field target stock that is completely painted. It sheds water pretty well.
Some recommend a can of compressed air to blow water away from crevices.
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 02:05:21 PM
Thank you, Leo!
Your custom stock was probably never sealed with oils, then? Strictly wood sealer / primer and color coat?
Bob
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gonzav on October 30, 2018, 03:03:01 PM
I think my stock has a primer and automotive paint (metal flakes).
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 03:07:52 PM
That makes sense.
Thanks, buddy.
B
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on October 30, 2018, 03:09:48 PM
What tips do you have for preparing a wood stocked spring-piston gun so it can perform (and survive) in heavy rain?
Is there a best finish to seal the wooden stock? Is a traditional oil finish and wax adequate?
Do you take enough tools to the match to disassemble the action after the day's drenching?

I am asking in advance, so that I DON'T do something in desperation that I will regret later.
Any rain-soaked boingers out there?
Thanks,
Bob

Bob,
There was a match at Diablo.
I was shooting with Pat.
The rain was pouring off the roof at the 2nd bay (#5) right onto the TX200 and into my open rifle case.
When I arrived home the rifle came out of the stock and the stock was allowed to dry on its own.
The rifle exterior was completely soaked in WD40 (Water Dispersant) and allowed to sit overnight.
Then everything was wiped down again with a rag soaked in WD40.
Ballistol for everything after it was all back together.
No rust.
No mildew.
NADA
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: fbiergiel on October 30, 2018, 03:56:11 PM
You could save your self a lot of wood stock grief and just use a synthetic,polymer,etc. stock.  I suppose there is a better than even chance that the zero and trajectory will need tweaking, but if you know that in advance and by roughly how much, you should be able to make any required adjustments during sight-in prior to the start of a match.  It would be a shame to muck up you custom wood stock with multiple coats of sealers and finishes that may not be compatible with each other...........OR you could just sit back and have a beer during inclement weather.
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 04:44:47 PM
.......OR you could just sit back and have a beer during inclement weather.

Fred, you are ever the master salesman.
My eyebrows rose with "polymer" ... then my jaw dropped with "BEER".
Masterful writing, my man. Masterful.
B
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: Gear_Junkie on October 30, 2018, 05:35:27 PM
Easy peesy!
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on October 30, 2018, 05:41:14 PM
Oh my.
B
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: Pistoleer on October 31, 2018, 06:13:17 PM
RAIN!?!?!?  IN OREGON !?!?!?
SSSSSSHocking!

Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on November 02, 2018, 07:00:58 PM
RAIN!?!?!?  IN OREGON !?!?!?
SSSSSSHocking!

Yessir. Real Weather.
Who knew??
B
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: Gear_Junkie on November 02, 2018, 07:15:14 PM
An EZ Up will be your friend when shooting at your house.  If you have to take that gorgeous stock out in the rain, I would recommend Minwax Special Dark.  I've used it on my oiled walnut Daystate stock and on my beech Weihrauchs, and I've been happy in both cases.  However, I admit that I've never had the guns in rain and would probably still avoid it when possible. 
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on November 03, 2018, 11:04:44 AM
Thanks, guys.
I'm examining the possibility of shooting a match in rain and dealing with rain that cannot be avoided.
Yep, if I were practicing or just fun shooting I would opt for staying dry.
Thanks,
Bob
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: JKC on November 03, 2018, 02:28:27 PM
FWIW, these guys make good stuff:

https://thecrystalacstore.com/products/crabcoat-exterior-marine-finish-clear-uv-topcoat

 :D

Jack
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: fbiergiel on November 03, 2018, 04:56:40 PM
I do remember reading in a post ,after the 2017 Nationals I think,  that one of the best ways to water proof a wood stock is to apply several coats of polyurethane finish, I don't think it would make any difference whether you used a glossy, a semigloss, or a mat finish.  The underlying finish should be just a water proof.  Just make sure you get every nook and cranny.  As for the metal parts, a light coat of oil prior to the match, followed by a good WD40 flush, a canned air blow dry and finally as much disassembly and re-lubed as you are comfortable with.   Best of Luck.
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on November 03, 2018, 06:35:41 PM
Thanks, Jack and Fred!
So, if we were to decide to go polyurethane, that means stripping off the current oil and waxes, si?
B
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: JKC on November 03, 2018, 06:40:08 PM
Thanks, Jack and Fred!
So, if we were to decide to go polyurethane, that means stripping off the current oil and waxes, si?
B

First step might be to contact the stock maker and find out what he used for the his original finish.
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: Bryan Heimann on November 03, 2018, 06:53:20 PM
I’d just leave it alone.  Remove the barreled action from the stock and wipe everything dry after the match.  Probably spray the barreled action down with ballistol, or maybe some blakemore reel and line magic, afterwards.  The blakemore reel and line magic can be sprayed into the cocking slot as well.

I also use an outer’s trip care gun cloth, which is good for wood.   This is what a I wipe my M4 down with in the field as well, so I have a half dozen of them.  Seems to keep rust at bay.

You don’t have to go overboard as long as you perform regular mmaintenance, only extra steps I would take would be removing the stock for a good wipe down and spray, ballistol or blakemore reel/line magic on the metal and wipe and let the stock air out.

Edit- Never shot field target.  Mostly, just hunt, and plink.  But they get wet in the woods for sure! 
Title: Re: Preparing a spring-piston rifle for a very rainy match
Post by: gokidd on November 03, 2018, 07:07:42 PM
I’d just leave it alone.  Remove the barreled action from the stock and wipe everything dry after the match.  Probably spray the barreled action down with ballistol, or maybe some blakemore reel and line magic, afterwards.  The blakemore reel and line magic can be sprayed into the cocking slot as well.

I also use an outer’s trip care gun cloth, which is good for wood.   This is what a I wipe my M4 down with in the field as well, so I have a half dozen of them.  Seems to keep rust at bay.

You don’t have to go overboard as long as you perform regular mmaintenance, only extra steps I would take would be removing the stock for a good wipe down and spray, ballistol or blakemore reel/line magic on the metal and wipe and let the stock air out.

Edit- Never shot field target.  Mostly, just hunt, and plink.  But they get wet in the woods for sure!

Thanks!
This seems to be the way to go for my existing stock.
If I go for a second stock, I think I'm going to ask for a painted finish.
Thanks, gang!
I appreciate the good feedback.
Bob