Self-Loading Western Airguns Rattler in Rain, Fog, and Humidity

[Ezana4CE]

What precautions and cleaning steps should be taken before and after using the Western Rattler in fog, rain, and high humidity conditions at or below the dew point? In these conditions the rifle is going to get wet.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

I'm in a fairly humid environment so when going out in cooler conditions I try to leave mine in the case to soak the cold before opening it. While at the range everything gets frosty from the temperature and pressure differences of shooting or after hunting I wipe them down with a dry cotton rag or paper towels before putting them back in the case. After bringing the case inside I let it warm for a few hours so the gun inside doesn't get sweated up once I open the case in the warmer air. Then, the gun.and open case will go in front of moving air to keep and/or dry residual sweat and water. (Foam in cases will trap residual water and secretly rust guns.) A good wiping with Balistol is last before storage.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Airgun-hobbyist Thank you. Most metal and carbon fiber was wet by the time I finished last night. I wiped down with paper towels. Then I set the rifle in an area with a dehumidifier for a couple of hours. Let it sit out overnight. I may shoot it again this evening. Have you used yours in rain or mist? Is there any concern of water migrating or flowing into the internal components?

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

@Airgun-hobbyist Thank you. Most metal and carbon fiber was wet by the time I finished last night. I wiped down with paper towels. Then I set the rifle in an area with a dehumidifier for a couple of hours. Let it sit out overnight. I may shoot it again this evening. Have you used yours in rain or mist? Is there any concern of water migrating or flowing into the internal components?

No, I have not really had it in really wet conditions like that yet. However you have got me thinking about the internals under the action's cover and the likelihood that it is getting dewy or even frosty from possible blow-by air while shooting. It's a good thing we are taking these extra precautions to.protect our investments.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Airgun-hobbyist My guns are tools for hunting. If they’re marketed as hunting guns I’m going to test them and find out if they’re suited for my style of hunting in all sorts of conditions. I just don’t like jumping in blind with a gun that is new to me. If an airgun is delicate, I’d rather know before I purchase or put it through conditions that may be detrimental to it.

I’m really curious about using these Rattlers in rainy conditions.

 

[Pesty3782]

Maybe reach out to Dana @MountainSportAirguns He has been hunting with the Rattler Long strike for some time now.

Tony P.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Maybe reach out to Dana @MountainSportAirguns He has been hunting with the Rattler Long strike for some time now.

Tony P.

@Pesty3782 You just did. Let’s see what he says if he joins the discussion.

 

[Pesty3782]

I know he is heading to Texas right now.

Tony P.

 

[MountainSportAirguns]

Haven't had any problems with wet weather but have noticed the smaller calibers don't cycle well in extreme cold.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I shot for about 90 minutes yesterday and It started raining on me. I packed everything in, but left the tripod/gun on porch. When the rain slowed I went back out to shoot some more. When I finally came inside I wiped the gun down with paper towels. If anything develops as a result of rain exposure I’ll post updates.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Haven't had any problems with wet weather but have noticed the smaller calibers don't cycle well in extreme cold.

@MountainSportAirguns “Haven’t had any problems with wet weather” as in you haven’t shot a Rattler in wet weather or the Rater wasn’t affected by wet weather? What sort of cycling issues have you noticed in smaller calibers? Which caliber(s) specifically?

 

[Ezana4CE]

I shot for about 90 minutes yesterday and It started raining on me. I packed everything in, but left the tripod/gun on porch. When the rain slowed I went back out to shoot some more. When I finally came inside I wiped the gun down with paper towels. If anything develops as a result of rain exposure I’ll post updates.

It’s been about a year and a half since i last posted about this. I’ve hunted in fog and mist with my .357 Rattler and haven’t had any issues that I could identify as a result of exposure to moisture in the air. There have been some nights where I’d been out hours and my boots are extremely wet from walking through wet, calf-high grass. I’ve soaked leather boots completely through my socks and insoles. Everything metal had condensation on it. When I returned to my truck, II wiped the Rattler down. When I got home I may have wiped it down again and put it up. On occasion I’ll oil the outside of the barrel and metal parts using Ballistol. I haven’t noticed any corrosion or rust spots on the magazine or mag lever. I’ll have to go over it very closely, but I haven’t noticed any adverse affects due to moisture or the rifle getting damp while afield. When it rains I try to get I’m under some trees and shield the rifle as best I can until the showers lighten up.

I was going through some older threads here and wanted to update what I could after putting in more time with this gun.

 

[Ezana4CE]

When I have to remove certain parts to clean or work on the gun then I’m thinking this will really reveal how it handles moisture. Since I don’t see anything on the outside I don’t anticipate seeing much internally. I also forgot to mention after wiping the damp gun down, once I get home I place it in a room where I will run a dehumidifier. I think this helps to dry out the gun.