January 30, 2026

How Cold Weather Breaks Firearms

Photo: Cold weather does not just chill shooters. It can slow actions, thicken lubricants, and turn a reliable handgun into a frozen problem.

Winter has a way of exposing weaknesses, and firearms are no exception. While most modern guns are built to handle abuse, extreme cold can quietly turn a reliable firearm into a malfunction waiting to happen. History, hunting camps, and military records all tell the same story: cold weather does not just test shooters, it tests the gun itself.

When Lubrication Turns Against You

One of the biggest culprits is lubrication. Many gun oils that work perfectly in warm weather begin to thicken as temperatures drop. In severe cold, that oil can turn sluggish or even waxy, slowing down firing pins, bolts, and triggers. This is why soldiers in Arctic environments often ran their weapons nearly dry. A gun with too much oil in freezing temperatures may cycle slowly, fail to chamber, or not fire at all.

Metal contraction adds another layer of trouble. Cold causes metal parts to shrink slightly. On its own, that shrinkage is minor. Inside a firearm with tight tolerances, however, it can reduce clearances between moving parts. Bolts may drag, slides may hesitate, and springs lose some of their snap. That loss of spring tension can result in light primer strikes or failures to feed.

Cold Weather vs Ammunition

Cold does not just affect the gun, it also affects the ammunition. Powder burns slower in low temperatures, reducing chamber pressure. This can lead to weaker recoil and short stroking in semi-automatic firearms. Primers can become less sensitive, increasing the chance of a click instead of a bang. In extreme cases, moisture that sneaks into cartridges can freeze, rendering them useless.

Condensation is another hidden enemy. Bringing a cold firearm into a warm environment causes moisture to form almost instantly. That moisture creeps into actions, magazines, and barrels. If it refreezes later, it can lock parts in place. Over time, repeated cycles of condensation and freezing accelerate rust and corrosion, especially in areas you cannot easily see.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

History offers plenty of cold weather lessons. During World War II, both Axis and Allied forces struggled with frozen actions on the Eastern Front. In Korea, soldiers learned quickly that standard lubricants could turn weapons into single shot rifles. Even today, hunters and shooters in northern climates know winter demands a different approach.

The solution is not complicated, but it is critical. Use cold weather rated lubricants sparingly. Keep firearms clean and dry. Store them in stable temperatures when possible. And most importantly, test your setup in the same conditions you plan to use it.

Cold does not care how tough your firearm claims to be. Preparation is what keeps steel working when the temperature drops.

Fun Fact: During the Korean War, some troops wiped their rifles almost completely free of oil to prevent freezing, relying on bare metal instead of lubrication to keep their weapons running.

Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded

Please add randy@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

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