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1/11/2016 5:11:18 AM EDT
At work, we carry bushmaster rifles with Trijicon acog 2x20 scopes. We use Frog Lube for cleaning and maintenance and use a muzzle cap. We leave our rifle in an area with no climate control for up to 2 hours and then bring them back into an area that is climate controlled. We do this 24/7. WE do this because our armorer says to and it's his way or the highway. He claims that bringing the rifles from climate controlled are to a non-climate controlled are creates fog on the scope and we would be ready when needed. By doing this, are harming the rifle or the scope?

Here are some of my concerns that I have seen on ar15.com. Are these true? Are there any other issues we should worry about?

Guns drawing moisture

Rounds freezing in Mags

The moisture can freeze your ammo together or the firing pin in place causing an ignition failure.

Cold ammo also shoots under velocity
1/11/2016 12:39:00 PM EDT
[#1]
How cold are we talking?  I doubt it will make much of a difference if the weapons have been properly maintained.  I doubt the rounds will freeze together unless we're taking a LOT of moisture--like they're dripping with water.  Even if they freeze a little, the first shot will probably shake them loose.

Have you considered doing a function test in this environment?

ETA: I would think it would have to be extremely cold for the ammo to shoot a significantly different velocity--to the point I don't think you'd be out in it if it were that cold.  Think of the wars fought in the winter, they still killed plenty of people.  Most of what is going to collect moisture is going to be external surfaces, anyway.  An old trick my dad used to use with camera equipment is to put it in a bag when you brought it inside (with a bag the same temp as the camera).  The condensate would form on the bag, not the camera.  I've never tried it, but told it works.
1/11/2016 5:36:13 PM EDT
[#2]
froglube is not the best cold weather lube, but besides that nothing can freeze up.
1/14/2016 9:46:36 AM EDT
[#3]
Good to know I shouldn't have to worry about freezing and thanks for the bag tip. As far as the Frog Lube, I suppose it does the job; Our armorer is the type of person who see a promo and will immediately swear by a product. Thanks
1/14/2016 1:17:14 PM EDT
[#4]
My only concern would be the Frog Lube. There is way better stuff on the market.
1/18/2016 7:50:22 PM EDT
[#5]
Optics brought in from the cold to a warm heated environment will fog...on the outside...from condensation and will clear at the glass warms up.  (If the scope is not nitrogen purged it will fog on the inside also)
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