Tape over the barrel

Does anyone put tape over the barrel to prevent rain and crud from getting in? I have read about using masking tape and electrical tape with no damage if you shoot. I can't make myself do it for fear of a bigger boom than desired. Just wondering if my fears are unfounded.

Thanks
Pheroze

Try Saran Wrap. Plastic wrap. Thin enough that there is ZERO chance of a big boom.

Pheroze,
I have done as you have described for years on all types of firearms with no detrimental effects whatsoever.

In my typical deer hunting scenario where the bush is thick and wet, we normally run one length along the barrel covering the muzzle hole and then one or two short lengths perpendicular to the bore just to hold it in place (electrical tape).
Gases escaping from the shot remove the tape well before the bullet gets there.

This is A LOT different than having a physical obstruction IN your barrel which is, as we should all know by now, a dangerous situation.

pheroze ive not seen any difference in shooting with tape over the barrel .
once the firearm has been discharged the tapes gone every time .
the muzzle brake makes sure of that .
when hunting samba down here I always have a bore snake along with me and use it after every hunt , to make sure everything is clear .

I use electrical tape over my barrels everytime I go to Alaska (4 so far). No problems with accuracy or damage at all. I cover the bore, then wrap several layers around the barrel to not only hold the piece covering the bore in place, but to provide additional tape to cover the bore again if needed.

If it is raining/snowing I will use electrical tape.....if I remember to bring it. Never had any problems.

I have also used the foam ear plugs. Roll one up and insert it halfway into the barrel. The pressure pops it out way before the bullet gets there.

That is great, thanks. It certainly seems like a very prudent thing to do (although, my packing list is already getting embarrassingly long. lol )

Before I got on a hunt I take the time to apply a few wraps of electrical tape on the barrel, three wraps, cut to 3" lengths. That way I always have tape with me and it's pre-cut into the right length for immediate usage.

I always hunt with the barrel taped. It's not just rain: sticks, pebbles, dirt, pine needles...they can all get into a barrel. The tape normally prevents it but it's also a sign: if the tape is damaged, then I should inspect the bore for obstructions.

I've done extensive testing at the gun range on the taped barrel. The truth is that it never hurts accuracy. The air trapped in the barrel is forced out in front of the bullet, blowing the tape off. The bullet is never impacted by the tape.

Anyway, Electrical Tape is worthwhile.

Pheroze,

Post up your packing list!

Oh man, I keep four plastic storage tubs full of camping/hunting gear for myself and two boys. Everything from pots and pans, sleeping bags, bug spray etc to head lamps and knives. I keep the lists in each plastic bin. Firearms stored separately of course. My camping gear this year has become very involved as I picked up a Cabelas Alaskan Guide tent and cots. Heavy let me tell you! I am going to camp up north of Lake Superior in Ontario this year for moose. A bit outside of my comfort zone (no 5 star rating, no pool... lol). Trying to be DIY and save the coin for a quality trip to Africa.

To put this in context, this city boy started hunting by using a guide but I have come to think that the African experience will be even more enjoyable if I have a better understanding of hunting my own backyard. I chose the Alaskan Guide Tent as it seemed way more weather proof than a wall tent. I decided on cots because I figured the base camp should be as comfortable as possible. Yep, getting a heater too. This year I will be able to drive to where I am pitching the tent but I am not sure how this will work if we decide to go further north. If I don't jump in I will never swim, right?

I am curious, to what extent do people camp and hunt vs. lodges, cottages or nearby motels? (should this go to a different thread or forum?). Is the African hunting experience ever a basic hunt camp? How rudimentary does the camping get for you folks?

Pheroze,

It's funny. I started hunting late in life - mid 30's. No parent ever taught me to hunt. I camped and backpacked all over the Sierra's for 15 years as a kid though. It was all about me and my curiosity and my need for the outdoors that ultimately got me hunting. Then a friend from Texas took me under his wing and started showing me the ropes.

Texas hunting to me though is, in my opinion, more akin to grocery shopping with a gun. Here come the deer...here come the pigs...now let's see, which one do I like best?

It was good to learn but I wanted to more. I needed to learn about spot and stalk. So I went from Texas Blind Hunting with a lodge to an Alaska Sitka Blacktail hunt on Kodiak Island the day after Thanksgiving. It had snowed 30" that week and this was going to be a coastal tent based hunt. Imagine my surprise when the 5 man Cabelas Alaskan Guide Tent the Outfitter had set up was crushed under 18" of solid ice. We had to break out the back up 4 man Cabelas Guide Tent. Both were solid tents by the way - nothing wrong with your choice. We had a heater in the tent and zero degree bags on cots - it was...well, a touch tight but not bad for two. The heater was turned off at night and used mostly just for drying the ever wet clothing. The bolt handle on my Rem. Custom Shop AWR picked up a bit of rust in spite of being stainless and ceramic coated.

On the other end in Africa the rooms were spectacularly well appointed and we had a nightly turndown service with heated blankets and the like. The water did freeze in the pipes though and cold showers were brutal. Dinner was spectacular...

There are some African hunts that are tent hunts or thin camps - light bedrolls and stuff. I am tempted by those hunts...maybe one day!

Peace, Robert

Oh, and I have three plastic totes in the garage filled with camping gear. Just load them and go. No need to remember anything except clothes!

Gentleman, the best solution I have seen used by one of my hunters is to fit a small balloon over the end of the barrel. The rubber ring is small enough to grip onto the barrel by itself with the pressure bursting the balloon before the projectile actually gets there. Just carry a bunch in your pocket and you can replace them after each shot.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

Finger Condoms!

I use electrical tape sometimes when hunting.
Specially in heavy rain or when it is lots of wet snow on the trees and bushes.

Many years ago when I was young and unexperienced I experienced to get much water into the barrel of my 30-06 from very heavy rain when hunting Red Deer.
I carried my gun in a shoulder sling while stalking when I spotted 3 deer at 60-70 meters. I took the gun down from my shoulder and fired a slam dunk shot.
The recoil and noise from the gun was much more than normal and there was a large cloud in front of me like I shot with black powder.
Then I was not able to open the bolt for a long time and then only with much force.
Clear signs of way to much pressure.
The bullet did not hit the deer either.
I learned a lot from that experience.

There are sold special muzzle "condoms" too.

All good ideas but I use the "barrel cots" from Cabelas - about $2 for ten. I don't like the sticky residue from the tape. plus the cots can be moved from gun to gun until fired.

Greetings,

Here in Alaska, the weather is often wet so, most resident hunters have tried most or all of the already described ones that everyone has described, at one time or another.
They all work very well but, I have settled on the plastic food wrap method, with a rubber band to keep it in place.
But it is mostly because those two are always abundant in my kitchen so, I never have to search for them or, make a special stop at a store, etc.

Cheers,
Velo Dog