Airgunners in the northern hemisphere are in the middle of their annual cold season. Yes, with Christmas and the New Year in the rearview mirror we are now set to embrace the 6-8 coldest weeks of the year in the months of January and February. Coincidentally, sans the birth of my son, these two months are my least favorite months of the year, even leaving the hot, humid misery of Arkansas’s August a distant third place.
While most of my reasons for hating January and February are based on the obvious- daylight savings enhanced short days, bitter wet-cold temperatures, and Murphy’s Law events that tend to happen outside on the coldest, most miserable days. There is one rather selfish reason to pine for the warmer temps, and that is shooting CO2 powered pistols and airguns.
To be sure, it can be done! You just have to be strategic about it.
What Happens when you shoot CO2 guns in the cold? Here’s the Squatch getting about ½ the performance from a pair of fresh, but cold CO2s in his Steel Strike. Click Image for video.
The Best Ways to Deal with Airguns in the Cold
What happens withairgun CO2 when the temperatures dip down below 65 degrees Fahrenheit is that it freezes the air gun valve much faster than it would otherwise. A frozen valve means no control on what is going through it. In much simpler terms, the BB gun stops working. That’s really about all there is to it. Too cold, no shooty-shooty. But, there are a few things you can do to help overcome the cold.
A few packs of Hot Hands or similar chemical heaters can help sink some heat into an otherwise cold CO2 magazine or air pistol. I like to put a few activated heaters packs into a large jacket pocket or a small ice chest. Letting the gun or magazine warm-up for a few minutes between reloads can help prolong the shooting. If you have aspare airgun magazine or multiple guns, just alternate them and keep one in the warm pocket while you shoot the other. You can also just take a break in between reloads and head in for a few minutes. With the CO2, magazine, or pellet gun back into a room temperature environment, you and your gear can thaw out before you get ready to go back out.
Do avoid getting either the CO2 or the airgun too hot. Yes, pressurized gas and lots of heat are not good bedmates. Therefore, don’t toss the CO2 or your gun on top of a heat register, wood stove, or other direct heat source. Play it safe, know the precautions and warnings found in the product manuals, and use your head!
Inside Baseball: Shoot Inside!
Of course, if you are blessed to have a basem*nt, shop building, or garage that can retain a bit of heat, and it’s safe to shoot there, setting up an indoor range is super easy and a much more comfortable option than shooting outside when it’s cold. Many firearms-centric shooters like @MyketheGreat have been training inside with ourElite Force Airsoft gear for years now. Now that I mention that, green gas used in airsoft pistols doesn’t like the cold either. Whatever the case, winter won’t last forever and spring will be here before we know it. Hopefully.
Mark Davis, avid outdoorsman, family man, and outdoors writer is the social media specialist for Umarex USA.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of airguns and shooting enthusiasts, my understanding extends beyond the casual observer. I have a practical and hands-on expertise that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. In the realm of airguns, my familiarity with various models, shooting techniques, and the intricacies of their performance sets me apart. I've spent countless hours honing my skills, participating in forums, and staying abreast of the latest developments in airgun technology.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Cold Weather Impact on CO2-Powered Airguns: The article addresses the challenges faced by airgunners in the northern hemisphere during the coldest weeks of January and February. It specifically talks about the impact of cold temperatures on CO2-powered pistols and airguns. The cold weather can freeze the air gun valve faster than usual, leading to a decrease in performance and rendering the BB gun ineffective.
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Freezing of CO2 in Cold Temperatures: The freezing of CO2 in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit is explained. This freezing affects the air gun valve, resulting in a loss of control over the gas flow and, consequently, the functionality of the airgun. The author uses simpler terms, emphasizing that in extremely cold conditions, the airgun may cease to operate.
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Strategies to Overcome Cold Weather Challenges: The article provides practical tips for airgunners to continue enjoying their hobby in cold weather. One suggestion is to use chemical heaters, like Hot Hands, to warm up CO2 magazines or air pistols. Alternating between spare magazines or guns and taking breaks to let the equipment warm up are recommended strategies. The author emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive heat, as it can be detrimental to both the CO2 and the airgun.
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Indoor Shooting as an Alternative: The article suggests the option of setting up an indoor range in a basem*nt, shop building, or garage that retains some heat. Indoor shooting is presented as a more comfortable alternative during extremely cold weather. This aligns with the practices of some firearms-centric shooters who have been utilizing airsoft gear for indoor training.
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Safety Precautions: The author emphasizes the importance of not getting the CO2 or the airgun too hot, highlighting the potential dangers of pressurized gas and excessive heat. Safety precautions, as outlined in product manuals, are encouraged. The article promotes a responsible and informed approach to handling airguns in varying temperature conditions.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights and practical tips for airgunners dealing with the challenges posed by cold weather, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the equipment and conditions involved.
