Rifle ice/snow freeze eval 2025

[prm]

Any input on Kimber actions? They're a scaled down pre-64, but is the trigger the same? Looks like it's a different, enclosed design. Also interested in the Jard or Triggertech options for them. The Jard is non-adjustable and looks very enclosed.

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My 84M froze one year after a couple hour hike in heavy snow and busting through snow covered willows. If my recollection is correct the rifle was then kept in the tent overnight when temps dropped way down. I went to chamber a round and it felt odd. It didn’t cock. A little heat from my stove fixed it pretty quickly. I now keep the metal dry and don’t keep the rifle in the tent.
A purpose designed scope cover could go a long way towards both protecting scope from drops and keeping moisture out.

 

[ElPollo]

A damn dust cover for one. I dont understand why no bolt action has one. A dust cover over the ejection port, tight fit on the top side of the stock, and simple gap filling piece on the safety and trigger holes would address all normal problems.

Now a rifle that can work after being submerged in a stream in sub zero temps? I'd have to be water tight. The whole thing will be a solid block of ice through and though and no mechanical device is going to function when frozen when slam full of water.

I would agree on the dust cover, but it would largely be directed at keeping the bolt from freezing up. If your dust cover freezes, you’d likely be in the same situation. The best approach to deal with this is a removable action cover that you put on when it’s raining or snowing. This is nothing new. People used to do the same thing with flintlocks.

I suspect the critical spot to keep the gun functioning is the hole for the safety lever and in some cases the bolt release. Both of these will funnel stuff right into your fire control equipment. The actions that seem to do the best tend to have enlarged heads on the safety lever to block entry of debris into the action or bolt-mounted safeties. The Tikka is a good example of that. Their bolt release is also mounted on the side of the action without a lot of space for debris to enter. Simple triggers like the old-school Mauser and M70 are also key factors for success. Complex cassette triggers with a lot of moving parts seem to be sensitive to debris and ice. I think that Mauser really got those parts right for reliability of function in the 1890s. Most of the stuff we’ve done to try to improve on his designs have not helped reliability in bad weather.

 

[Choupique]

Mauser really got those parts right for reliability of function in the 1890

Yes. I modern M1896 action would be tits. Cock on close, safety is on the bolt, very simple but very good 2 stage trigger, true CRF. Modify the shroud a bit for blown primer protection and viola, perfect hunting rifle action.

It'd never sell, because it would be fairly expensive, cock on close is disliked, trigger not readily adjustable, IE none of the "modern" features that sell bolt action rifles. IMO its the perfect hunting rifle action. You could even enclose it and put a dust cover and AISC magazine...

Man that would be sweet. It was designed for war fighting in the mountains in Europe. Handling backcountry elk hunting would be a walk in the park.

 

[ElPollo]

Yes. I modern M1896 action would be tits. Cock on close, safety is on the bolt, very simple but very good 2 stage trigger, true CRF. Modify the shroud a bit for blown primer protection and viola, perfect hunting rifle action.

It'd never sell, because it would be fairly expensive, cock on close is disliked, trigger not readily adjustable, IE none of the "modern" features that sell bolt action rifles. IMO its the perfect hunting rifle action. You could even enclose it and put a dust cover and AISC magazine...

Man that would be sweet. It was designed for war fighting in the mountains in Europe. Handling backcountry elk hunting would be a walk in the park.

All it would need would be a fixed 8x56 SWFA with good glass. I think you, me and maybe a dozen other guys in the world would be super happy. Everyone else would not even know it existed.

 

[CMP70306]

Yes. I modern M1896 action would be tits. Cock on close, safety is on the bolt, very simple but very good 2 stage trigger, true CRF. Modify the shroud a bit for blown primer protection and viola, perfect hunting rifle action.

It'd never sell, because it would be fairly expensive, cock on close is disliked, trigger not readily adjustable, IE none of the "modern" features that sell bolt action rifles. IMO its the perfect hunting rifle action. You could even enclose it and put a dust cover and AISC magazine...

Man that would be sweet. It was designed for war fighting in the mountains in Europe. Handling backcountry elk hunting would be a walk in the park.

Mauser still makes the M98 rifle and you can order one today, the only downside is the $14,000+ price tag.

https://www.eurooptic.com/mauser-rifles-m98?f=X3JwcF89NDgmYmdfZmNoXz1NYW51ZmFjdHVyZXJzJTNFTWF1c2VyJTNFTWF1c2VyK1JpZmxlcyUzRU1hdXNlcitNOTgrUmlmbGVzJl9zcF89YXNj

 

[robtattoo]

Mauser still makes the M98 rifle and you can order one today, the only downside is the $14,000+ price tag.

https://www.eurooptic.com/mauser-rifles-m98?f=X3JwcF89NDgmYmdfZmNoXz1NYW51ZmFjdHVyZXJzJTNFTWF1c2VyJTNFTWF1c2VyK1JpZmxlcyUzRU1hdXNlcitNOTgrUmlmbGVzJl9zcF89YXNj

Arguably a 'better' design, but really only in it's overpressure venting capabilities. The '96 action is far superior, as far as reliability goes. The cock on close itself would eliminate a lot of frozen firing pin issues, just by dint of the amount of pressure you exert on it by slamming the bolt closed. Once you get used to cock on closed, it's really no less awkward that cock on opening. The original flag safety is unbelievably reliable (although it gets right in the way of a scope) & there tool less bolt stripping, carried over to the '98, is genius.

 

[JohnJohnson]

My 84M froze one year after a couple hour hike in heavy snow and busting through snow covered willows. If my recollection is correct the rifle was then kept in the tent overnight when temps dropped way down. I went to chamber a round and it felt odd. It didn’t cock. A little heat from my stove fixed it pretty quickly. I now keep the metal dry and don’t keep the rifle in the tent.
A purpose designed scope cover could go a long way towards both protecting scope from drops and keeping moisture out.

Purpose designed in what way? The LS Wild padded scoped action armor seems to fulfill that purpose at least on paper.

 

[prm]

Purpose designed in what way? The LS Wild padded scoped action armor seems to fulfill that purpose at least on paper.

By purpose designed, I mean with the specific intent of protecting the scope in the event of drops and for keeping crap out of the rifle that could interfere with function. It might include the correct density of material to absorb a fall, keep out rain and snow, ease of removal, or whatever. Maybe it already exists?

 

[Formidilosus]

A purpose designed scope cover could go a long way towards both protecting scope from drops and keeping moisture out.

How is that better than just using equipment that doesn’t need a diaper wrapped around it to work?

The rifle/scope covers cause all kinds of clusters with people. Not to mention- that they only work while they’re on the rifle. Take it off in preparation for a shot while it’s snowing or raining, or while stalking through the timber, etc: and you are back to an action and trigger that is fragile, and scopes that are weak.

 

[Choupique]

The original flag safety is unbelievably reliable (although it gets right in the way of a scope) & there tool less bolt stripping, carried over to the '98, is genius.

Mine has an aftermarket safety that functions fhe same as the flag but has a modified handle shape to clear a scope objective. Works great and is very simple to use. Still by far my favorite rifle ever made.

 

[Marbles]

How is that better than just using equipment that doesn’t need a diaper wrapped around it to work?

The rifle/scope covers cause all kinds of clusters with people. Not to mention- that they only work while they’re on the rifle. Take it off in preparation for a shot while it’s snowing or raining, or while stalking through the timber, etc: and you are back to an action and trigger that is fragile, and scopes that are weak.

I'm not sure they work on the rifle. My scope lenses are fogged and wet after I take a cover off on a rainy day. True with a neoprene cover I've used and with a simple scope/action wrap. I keep wanting them to work though.

 

[Formidilosus]

I'm not sure they work on the rifle. My scope lenses are fogged and wet after I take a cover off on a rainy day. True with a neoprene cover I've used and with a simple scope/action wrap. I keep wanting them to work though.

Yes sir. It’s a bandaid at best, and one that comes with several of its own issues. It’s a very subtle par way to try and address the problems. About the only real use for all around hunting of the covers is when the rifle is exposed on a snow machine/ATV. Then take it off the moment you stop.

 

[JohnJohnson]

By purpose designed, I mean with the specific intent of protecting the scope in the event of drops and for keeping crap out of the rifle that could interfere with function. It might include the correct density of material to absorb a fall, keep out rain and snow, ease of removal, or whatever. Maybe it already exists?

Sounds like this thing.

PRO SERIES- Padded Hunter Scoped Action Armor

LS Wild LLC premium innovative outdoor hunting gear backpacks Thunderbird Long Range shooting bags

www.lswild.com

 

[robtattoo]

Mine has an aftermarket safety that functions fhe same as the flag but has a modified handle shape to clear a scope objective. Works great and is very simple to use. Still by far my favorite rifle ever made.

I'd love to get a look at that, if you wouldn't mind posting a few pics.....

 

[Choupique]

Yea I'll put some next time I have it out

Timmney makes them. I have an extra one someone can have if they want. It wont fit my other one because somebody put a stupid timney trigger with a 700 style safety in that one.