As winter's coming I thought I'd pose a themed question. Did any WW2 forces do anything to guard against getting objects frozen into the barrel or actions of their rifles? I've seen the various action covers, but those tend to suggest more for dirt. Did any of the forces have special snow covers (Am I dreaming thinking I've seen mauser clips that fit onto the front sight?). Did they have any rubber or plastic based implement that they wouldn't have to worry about losing? (like the condom on the M16 idea?
Snow guarding milsurps?
- Thread starter H Wally
- Start date
The Germans had rubber muzzle plugs you could shoot through for most of their guns. The MG34 and 42 had a canvas muzzle cover you could also shoot through.
The M1 muzzle was covered with a condom only for amphibious assaults - you could shoot through it as well.
There was also a canvas muzzle cover you could shoot through, marked "US" with a snap-secured wrap around the base. It covered the front sight too however, so aiming would have sucked if you had to shoot through it. It was intended to be removed if/when the action started.
The M1 muzzle was covered with a condom only for amphibious assaults - you could shoot through it as well.
There was also a canvas muzzle cover you could shoot through, marked "US" with a snap-secured wrap around the base. It covered the front sight too however, so aiming would have sucked if you had to shoot through it. It was intended to be removed if/when the action started.
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If you don't want to buy a 'French letter', any kind of tape over the muzzle will do nicely. Duct tape or electrical tape work. So will a balloon.
Anything stuffed into the muzzle isn't a great idea. Creates an obstruction.
"...some movie..." The Big Red *One*. As opposed to the Big *Red* one.
Anything stuffed into the muzzle isn't a great idea. Creates an obstruction.
"...some movie..." The Big Red *One*. As opposed to the Big *Red* one.
Other than the US canvas model which is illustrated,the only issue muzzle cover I've encountered is a steel and brass cap issued by the Finns for their MN rifles.Such accessories are easily lost in the field and I don't think would have found much use in combat conditions. The condom is a much more practical solution.Canvas snap-on action covers were issued for the Lee Enfield,but the intent was more to keep out mud and dirt.Troops in combat pay close attention to the readiness of their personal weapons and will devote the time and effort to keeping them clean and functional,no matter what the environment.
MapleSugar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- On the loose from NIMH
I bought a bunch of little "gun rubbers" about 15 years ago and used them while hunting in the snow.
FWIW electrical tape works just as well.
Oh yeah, remember to take them off when you come home and run an oiled patch down your barrel if necessary. I noticed that even wtih the "rubber" on, the copper residue in the bore of the barrel was oxidizing near the muzzle.
I figure the barrel still sweats inside the bore when the steel gets cold.
FWIW electrical tape works just as well.
Oh yeah, remember to take them off when you come home and run an oiled patch down your barrel if necessary. I noticed that even wtih the "rubber" on, the copper residue in the bore of the barrel was oxidizing near the muzzle.
I figure the barrel still sweats inside the bore when the steel gets cold.
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
You can buy a box of those small latex "finger condoms" in any drugstore.
They are used to cover band aid or gauze dressing bandage on fingers exposed to dirt or harmful liquids.
Just slip one on the muzzle's end when hunting in snow. It simply blows off when you shoot the firearm with no adverse effects on accuracy.
PP.
They are used to cover band aid or gauze dressing bandage on fingers exposed to dirt or harmful liquids.
Just slip one on the muzzle's end when hunting in snow. It simply blows off when you shoot the firearm with no adverse effects on accuracy.
PP.
