Many people eagerly await hunting season each year. If you are a hunter, no matter what you are hunting, taking out your rifle and going on your first hunting trip of the season is very exciting. A high-quality hunting rifle can last for many years if it is cared for properly. One thing that must be paid attention to is properly storing your rifle at the end of a hunting season so it is ready to use next year. Taking the time to prepare your hunting rifle for the offseason is not difficult — it will just take a little bit of your time. Use the following tips to prepare your hunting rifle for storage during the offseason:
Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Depending on how many hunting trips you take during a hunting season, your rifle may have fired hundreds of bullets. Prior to storing your rifle for the offseason, make sure that you conduct a thorough inspection first. Look very carefully to see if you can notice any pits, cracks, or other forms of damage anywhere on the firearm. If you notice any damage, it may be possible to have the rifle repaired. Failure to inspect your hunting rifle prior to storing it can lead to problems the next hunting season when you try to use it.
Do a Deep Cleaning
One of the most important things that you can do before putting your hunting rifle in storage is deep cleaning. Deep cleaning a hunting rifle typically includes at least partially disassembling the firearm, so make sure that you either have the gun's manual or know how to put the rifle back together. Take your time while cleaning the rifle to ensure that all oil and residue have been removed. Avoid placing your newly cleaned rifle in storage until it is completely dry, inside and out.
Store Your Rifle in the Right Place
The best place that you can store your hunting rifle during the offseason is a gun safe that can be locked. Placing your rifle in a locked gun safe is especially important if you live in a home with young children. Ideally, you want to make sure that your gun safe is in an area that is temperature-controlled and has low humidity. Storing your hunting rifle in the right place will help keep it in your condition so it is ready to be used next hunting season.
Contact a local gun shop to learn more about hunting rifles.
