Have recent severe weather events across the United States, and across the world, led you to re-examine your preparedness? Personally, I’ve found myself frequently contemplating what if scenarios like the one found elsewhere in this issue and wondering if all my gear is up to the task. Self-defense is always a key aspect of any emergency preparedness plan, so the idea of firearms operation in frigid environments has become a source of concern. Thankfully, this isn’t a new topic — as long as firearms have been available, they have been used successfully in cold conditions. However, there are some major differences between filling a muzzleloader with a colonial powder horn and clearing a malfunction on a 21st century AR. After scouring through a multitude of sources regarding operating an AR in the winter and spending hours outside at a snow-covered range in northern Michigan, I’ve collected a few key takeaways that may come in handy the next time you encounter a tactical or self-defense situation when the flakes are flying.
Dealing With Bulk
When the mercury drops, the first thing most sane people do before they venture into the cold is cover exposed skin with bulky, insulative apparel. The colder it gets, the more layers get added — a wise choice for preventing hypothermia and frostbite, but also
