For those that use or have used a precision rifle professionally, a question for the forum. A colleague of mine keeps his muzzle taped in storage to keep it debris free. Just to clarify, not just during stalks, in storage in his vehicle, when not using it. I am much more comfortable with always running a patch before shooting, keeping it in a simple case, or even using a cloth muzzle cover such as the one used in conjunction with Eagle or Blackhawk scope covers. I don't think keeping the muzzle always taped is such a great idea, as it may lead to condensation or corrosion. For the panel: Keeping the muzzle taped in storage a bad idea or am I overthinking this?
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Fieldcraft Taped muzzle
- Thread starter Pat II
- Start date
Re: Taped muzzle
If I am somewhere that isn't shooting off a bench, like out and about hunting or shooting in the middle of nowhere I always keep a roll of electrical tape in my kit and put a piece over the muzzle. It keeps shit from getting inside of it and god forbid I drop the damn thing or nosedive into some dirt Im not cleaning sand out of it (hopefully).
As far as storing like this, I wouldn't advise it. There may be condensation, oil or foreign material that got into the barrel/chamber and is working its way down the barrel (assuming the barrel is down or sideways). The tape would prevent it from coming out.
If he wants to store it, use a case or muzzle/scope cover.
If I am somewhere that isn't shooting off a bench, like out and about hunting or shooting in the middle of nowhere I always keep a roll of electrical tape in my kit and put a piece over the muzzle. It keeps shit from getting inside of it and god forbid I drop the damn thing or nosedive into some dirt Im not cleaning sand out of it (hopefully).
As far as storing like this, I wouldn't advise it. There may be condensation, oil or foreign material that got into the barrel/chamber and is working its way down the barrel (assuming the barrel is down or sideways). The tape would prevent it from coming out.
If he wants to store it, use a case or muzzle/scope cover.
Re: Taped muzzle
roger that on condensation
if this is any help to you...after your dry patch, if the environment permits, you can insert a (subdued color) earplug on a string and run the string back under your barrel...it'll withstand some dragging. at your FFP, pull the plug out and use the string as a final debris check btwn barrel & stock. stash it for the next use.
roger that on condensation
if this is any help to you...after your dry patch, if the environment permits, you can insert a (subdued color) earplug on a string and run the string back under your barrel...it'll withstand some dragging. at your FFP, pull the plug out and use the string as a final debris check btwn barrel & stock. stash it for the next use.
Re: Taped muzzle
Hello,
I always tape my muzzle when out in the field. As stated above it keeps debris out and there is no problem shooting through it. I agree that condensation can be a problem if the tape is left in place long term. Rust is my main concern as it would take a serious amount of condensation to be dangerous.
I don't think I would keep an ear plug in my muzzle as I could see myself forgetting it and causing some problems. I've never tried shooting through a plug but don't think I'll try either.
Sim
Hello,
I always tape my muzzle when out in the field. As stated above it keeps debris out and there is no problem shooting through it. I agree that condensation can be a problem if the tape is left in place long term. Rust is my main concern as it would take a serious amount of condensation to be dangerous.
I don't think I would keep an ear plug in my muzzle as I could see myself forgetting it and causing some problems. I've never tried shooting through a plug but don't think I'll try either.
Sim
Re: Taped muzzle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
Re: Taped muzzle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
</div></div>
Or not.
Then you could post a picture in the "Accidently Shot Myself" thread on the LE page!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
Then you could post a picture in the "Accidently Shot Myself" thread on the LE page!
Re: Taped muzzle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LanceS4803</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
</div></div>
Or not.
Then you could post a picture in the "Accidently Shot Myself" thread on the LE page! </div></div>But if it's an LE rifle you must wear universal precautions to prevent the transmission of STDs.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LanceS4803</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pyplynr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used the fingertip of a latex glove on the muzzle while hunting on rainy days. </div></div>Of course, if you do that you must remember to remove your hand from in front of the muzzle before you shoot.
Then you could post a picture in the "Accidently Shot Myself" thread on the LE page! </div></div>But if it's an LE rifle you must wear universal precautions to prevent the transmission of STDs.
For stalking plugging the muzzle is recommended. Storage is a different story. After shooting you should properly clean your rifle. After cleaning, if storing for a long period of time (i.e. longer than 5-7 days) you should apply an oil (e.g. CLP) to your bore after fully cleaning. Insure that you run a dry patch through the bore, before the next time you shoot.
This topic came up at the range one day. Everybody had an opinion on whether to do it, what to use, how to apply it, etc. Everybody also had an opinion in what the tape did to POI, but it became clear none had actually checked it.
So I had to find out.
I had black plastic electrical tape and blue painters tape handy. I fired a group with no tape, a group with electrical tape, and another with blue tape, all at the same aiming point at 100 yards.
The no-tape group and blue tape group were together. The black electrical tape group was about an inch high and right.
Fwiw, I applied the tape across the muzzle so the ends came back along each side of the barrel about 1.5 inches. It occurred to me that I should have tried it again with the orientation rotated 90 degrees just to see if the electrical tape group moved in a different direction, but I've never thought to check this when at the range.
I noticed the two tapes reacted differently. The blue painters had a neat, .30 cal, cookie-cutter hole punched in it. The electrical tape was more ragged and peeled back.
Just FYI. One little experiment, and a very limited one at that, but it did show the type of tape used might affect POI..at least in that rifle.
So I had to find out.
I had black plastic electrical tape and blue painters tape handy. I fired a group with no tape, a group with electrical tape, and another with blue tape, all at the same aiming point at 100 yards.
The no-tape group and blue tape group were together. The black electrical tape group was about an inch high and right.
Fwiw, I applied the tape across the muzzle so the ends came back along each side of the barrel about 1.5 inches. It occurred to me that I should have tried it again with the orientation rotated 90 degrees just to see if the electrical tape group moved in a different direction, but I've never thought to check this when at the range.
I noticed the two tapes reacted differently. The blue painters had a neat, .30 cal, cookie-cutter hole punched in it. The electrical tape was more ragged and peeled back.
Just FYI. One little experiment, and a very limited one at that, but it did show the type of tape used might affect POI..at least in that rifle.
on full metal jacket they used condoms on the bore, seemed nifty. What I do though is squirt a tube of silicone down my barrel, let it set up, and then store it in the safe, righty fine job of protectin me bore from dust if you ask me. I even leave it there while I stalk, you may ask how I get it out, easy nuff, I simply start a fire using my MRE trash and melt it out, it basically vanishes like it was never there, very black ops type shit.
I have seen several methods in the field and will list them below.
A foam earplug stuck in the end of the barrel but still sticking out so you could take it out before shooting, not all the way down the barrel like mentioned above.
A piece of tape over the muzzle, just stuck to the front tho not wrapped around and down the barrel. (Although that seems to be ok with the blue tape as stated above)
AR's have black plastic "shoot off" muzzle protectors that you can just shoot off if needed but I'd take it off and save it if I had the time.
Yes the condom idea works too, use a rubber band about 2" down the barrel to secure it, regular non lubricated is best. (CVS and like stores should also have finger condoms that would work)
And if you are a level 52 on Call of Duty you can try the silicone method, not recommended for newbs.. Hahaha
A foam earplug stuck in the end of the barrel but still sticking out so you could take it out before shooting, not all the way down the barrel like mentioned above.
A piece of tape over the muzzle, just stuck to the front tho not wrapped around and down the barrel. (Although that seems to be ok with the blue tape as stated above)
AR's have black plastic "shoot off" muzzle protectors that you can just shoot off if needed but I'd take it off and save it if I had the time.
Yes the condom idea works too, use a rubber band about 2" down the barrel to secure it, regular non lubricated is best. (CVS and like stores should also have finger condoms that would work)
And if you are a level 52 on Call of Duty you can try the silicone method, not recommended for newbs.. Hahaha
muzzle taped in storage is a bad idea, worse if muzzle up when stored at home, even worse if taped with something "inside" the barrel_
when stored at home, for me it's ok to have the rifles muzzle down,with the muzzle protected with some rubber or synthetic protector,like the AR, and the protector must have a tiny hole on his center_ this way we can prevent condensation issues and leave any oil residue seeping down, without contacting any bedding,trigger group, wooden stocks, etc_rifles with the protected muzzles won't suffer when leaned muzzle down inside the safe_ the inside of any barrel must be free,ever: no rags,no tampons,no q-tips,nothing_
I don't remove the holed protectors at home, on my workbench,in their cases or at the shooting stand, if the muzzle end isn't directly interested, because I know that soon or later I WILL scratch it against something _ That's about my "civilian" (OCD) storage
when stored at home, for me it's ok to have the rifles muzzle down,with the muzzle protected with some rubber or synthetic protector,like the AR, and the protector must have a tiny hole on his center_ this way we can prevent condensation issues and leave any oil residue seeping down, without contacting any bedding,trigger group, wooden stocks, etc_rifles with the protected muzzles won't suffer when leaned muzzle down inside the safe_ the inside of any barrel must be free,ever: no rags,no tampons,no q-tips,nothing_
I don't remove the holed protectors at home, on my workbench,in their cases or at the shooting stand, if the muzzle end isn't directly interested, because I know that soon or later I WILL scratch it against something _ That's about my "civilian" (OCD) storage
Another reason I like using a suppressor. even without a cover, you are very unlikely to get debris in the bore, and a suppressor is easy to cover and/or clean.
I tape up the muzzle during stalks(AIAW with muzzle brake)Forgetting to remove it before firing at the op while laying in water will result in a large signature though !!!That was embarrasing
I don't cap any of my guns for storage. Never saw the need. Not a whole lot of mud or rain in my gun safe.
I don’t worry about it now either, but there was a time. We tried everything. Use to have muzzle caps for M16s, they worked but were rare as hen’s teeth in the Jungle.
Tried tying the accessary bag from C-rats, they worked quite well covering the muzzle and there were plenty of them around. Just put them on and forget about it. The little plastic bags that the C-Rat spoons come in work too. Plenty to be had. Those items come right off with the first shot.
To be truthful, most of the time we didn’t worry about it. I don’t recall ever being a problem with a gun blowing up. Something you didn’t think about, too many other things to worry about.
I don’t worry about it now either, but there was a time. We tried everything. Use to have muzzle caps for M16s, they worked but were rare as hen’s teeth in the Jungle.
Tried tying the accessary bag from C-rats, they worked quite well covering the muzzle and there were plenty of them around. Just put them on and forget about it. The little plastic bags that the C-Rat spoons come in work too. Plenty to be had. Those items come right off with the first shot.
To be truthful, most of the time we didn’t worry about it. I don’t recall ever being a problem with a gun blowing up. Something you didn’t think about, too many other things to worry about.
I have taped my muzzle when I was hunting in wet conditions, however, I would never leave it taped during long term storage. I have used several items to cover the muzzle in a field environment, if you are talking about an AR platform the DOD has a very nice and cheap plastic cap that slides right over the flash suppressor. I wish I had the NSN for you but I just can't remember it. You can easily shoot right through them if you had to and there doesn't seem to be much affect on accuracy out to about 100 yards. I have seen guys use plastic bags with a rubber band around them to hold them on. I have even heard of (but never really seen) guys using condoms to get the job done.
If you lived in a dessert and the guy was always in your truck I could see someone keeping the muzzle covered. They really should check it often and clean it often to prevent rust from building up.
If you lived in a dessert and the guy was always in your truck I could see someone keeping the muzzle covered. They really should check it often and clean it often to prevent rust from building up.
On my last hunt I was thinking about the chances of something falling inside my barrel while moving through some rough parts in the mountains. I tried carrying my rifle muzzle down most of the time but a few times I caught myself with the muzzle up. I'll try to remember the tape thing for next year if I get drawn again. I'm glad I saw this thread. Thanks to all for the good info.
I did not have a poi shift using electrical tape. I have been doing it for years, some of the stuff I have to walk through is thick. On the other hand, at the time I tested it I was happy with an inch and a half group (five) at a hundred with my savage hunting rifle with factory ammo. All that has changed. I would not cover my bore during storage even in the dry climate I live in. Do it once wrong and you are trapping moisture in your barrel. Not worth the risk.
