Firearms Vs. Wildfires, The Gunsmiths Advice
Many in the nation have heard of Greenville, CA, because it recently was burned up in California’s Dixie fire. It’s the Gunsmith’s hometown, he lived there over 55 years. Nearly everyone we know was affected in one way or another, it’s a very helpless feeling. What we can do offer advice for fire affected firearms, the gunsmith wrote this up.
Some info for those affected by the fires burning up firearms. First, save yourselves, second…save yourselves. Guns can be replaced, people can’t, stay safe. Some advice how to treat firearms that have been through a fire.
First, DO NOT try to shoot them until they have been checked by a professional. Steels properties change when subjected to heat as low as 500 degrees.
Most receivers are heat treated for strength and that’s where the problem is. Any softening of the receiver can possibly lead to a catastrophic failure and it would be really bad to survive a fire only to be injured or killed by a firearm that has failed.
Charring of wood starts at around 500 degrees or so, it the wood is charred, there’s a strong possibility receiver material is damaged. If the springs have gone soft it’s definitely a no go.
If the springs have survived, intact and still have spring, make certain they are unloaded, use personal protection (remember, fire equals carcinogens) remove the stocks, wash in water with soap to remove the acids from the smoke, combustion byproducts and fire fighting foams, etc., liberally coat with oil to protect any finish or bare metal that remains. Wash the stocks and dry as best you can and do the same with any optics of course being a little more careful with the water application and scrubbing. Then get them to the professional ASAP. Time is critical because of the acids in the smoke. Stay safe, happy shooting and more on this subject shortly.