Stuck Inside? Several Things to Consider this Winter

The first snow is beautiful, but it also means something. Living in the Midwest where we have four seasons (or sometimes seemingly more), it can be difficult to get outside and do all of the things we enjoy. Fall and winter afford opportunities for things unrealistic the rest of the year, like sledding or skiing. Hunting season also comes into full swing. 

But what about your guns? Ranges close for the winter and hunting season. Some are open, but it may be too frigid to shoot well or comfortably. Changing seasons doesn’t affect everyone. Some only shoot at indoor ranges; others don’t shoot at all over the winter months. Not everyone cares about shooting all the time. The truth is, time spent indoors offers unique opportunities worth considering. 

Winter Blues 

When it’s rainy, you don’t feel so bad cleaning the house. When it’s cold and snowy, you don’t think about mowing the yard or the myriad of other tasks that come with warmer weather. Read a book. Take a class. Go online. The modern world offers near endless opportunities for learning as well as unique ways to do it. No matter your skill level or interest, there is always something to learn. When you take a step back, almost everything offers an opportunity to improve or take a different perspective — if you let it. Here are several things to consider stepping into this winter: 

DIY 

There’s just something about working with your hands. Though you might not see it at first, there are near endless projects down the gunsmithing rabbit hole. It could be as simple as mounting an optic or as complex as building a gun from parts. One of the wonderful things about firearms is their ability to be customized for both appearance and function. You might not have all the tools, but you might know someone who does. If not, Brownells has everything, including resources to learn. 

If gunsmithing is something you’ve thought about, you likely read the first sentence and have already jumped from idea to idea, remembering all of the things you thought were “cool” but never had the time for. On the other side of the coin, you might wonder if DIY is something you can do. The idea is intriguing, but a little scary. Maybe you don’t want to break the guns you already invested in. In this case, look for a project gun to try things on or upgrade what you already own. The end result of the process may just be learning more about the mechanics of firearms. I’m starting by asking questions and reading sections of Brownells Gunsmith Kinks book set. Those with far more years of knowledge than I have suggested this as a reference and way to jump in without feeling overwhelmed. 

Jump into History 

What about those people who can name every gun from every movie? It doesn’t matter if it is only shown on screen for a second — the name is rattled before you consciously register what you saw. Books, and the internet of course, are full of resources that will help you become a gun trivia master. If you already are one, you likely know what interests you. Explore podcasts like High Caliber History or YouTube channels like Ultimate Reloader. Information is presented in unique ways today with content creators finding engaging and fun ways to share information. It doesn’t have to be as dry as consulting a reference book. 

Clean It Up 

This may be the least fun on the list, but have you inventoried your collection? How long has it been since the .22 in the back of the safe saw the light of day? Take the time, at least once a year, to check over all of your firearms and give them a rub-down with CLP to prevent rust. Chances are you also put away some dirty guns. If you don’t plan to touch some of your collection for some time, consider long-term storage options. Arms Preservation Inc., for example, offers anti-corrosion bags that fit a variety of guns and parts. On a dramatic level, the idea is that you could bury a gun in one, dig it up years later and find the gun unharmed. 

Brass Prep and Reloading 

It’s more difficult now than in years previous, but many avid shooters use the off-season to prep for the coming year. Getting into reloading is difficult now due to component shortages, but you can start learning about it and sourcing supplies. Brass prep is a seemingly never-ending process and perhaps a good way to begin. Even if you don’t plan to reload for a caliber, or at all, it can’t hurt to have some brass ready to go if you change your mind or have friends who reload. For those who already know this – just remember – it’s better to spend hours at the bench in the winter than miss time on the range when it’s nice out. 

Shoot…Inside? 

The logical option is to find a local indoor range, but there are things you can do at home too. Though the abundance of novelty laser shooting games on store shelves might look tempting — resist the urge. There exist much more accurate, practical and useful training tools that are fun too. Mantis is one of the most affordable systems. It allows you to improve your shooting accuracy and continue practicing indoors without ammo. Dry-firing on its own is helpful too, but can get boring. It can also be hard to get good feedback. The MantisX system mounts to your firearm and communicates with an app to diagnose issues in your mechanics and track your movements.

The app offers various challenges to keep you on track and engaged. Mantis also offers a Laser Academy utilizing a laser cartridge, an app and physical targets.

This system allows you to compete against your friends. Laser Ammo is another company with similar offerings and in-home simulators that allow you to use your own firearm to run through training drills and fun exercises, including holiday themed targets. I’ve previously written on Virtual Range SITE in Medina, Ohio — a training facility using Laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range. These are only several of the many options available. Systems like SCATT are better-suited to competitive shooters looking for in-depth analytics and ways to shoot “matches” indoors. Don’t be scared by the word “training.” While some seek out dedicated practice, there are options for those who just enjoy shooting for fun but want to save on ammo, stay warm or improve their skills.

Consider Your Goals

Everyone does around New Years, but think about what you want to accomplish in the next year — or just try — as a firearms owner. Maybe you want to try competitive shooting. Maybe you are already a competitor and have certain goals in your sport. Maybe you just want to learn more about guns. While many resolutions are cliché and overarching, most usually go unfulfilled. Narrow your focus and look at your life as a firearms owner, just for a minute. This doesn’t mean weight loss and health can’t fit in — they most certainly do. Lifestyle and health contribute to how you perform on the range, what you are comfortable shooting, and how you carry concealed, if that is something you choose to do. Take the opportunity the change of seasons gives you to learn something — or at least don’t let it stop you from continuing what you already enjoy.