As the north east experiences single digit temperatures there are those of us that continue to go to the range during these below freezing temperatures. While we think about everything from heat packs, insulated hearing protection, cold weather lubrication for our firearms, and of course that hand protection that has the trigger finger cut open as to not interfere with the perfect shot. What we do not think about is the hidden ice under the snow or frozen grass at our ranges. Besides the fact that we are practicing the basic gun safety rules we forget about the dangers of falling with our guns. One wrong step could mean anything from a bruised knee to a negligent misfire of the weapon. Our minds and bodies have to adapt to the elements that we shoot in to prevent any injuries or worse.
I’m an advocate of training in adverse weather conditions. The elements offer a variety of conditions in a training block, which with the proper preparations both physically and mentally can provide the shooter an understanding of his or her abilities and equipment performance they may face outside of the Shooting Range Environment. Safe Travels to all.
~Mike