The thermometer read a bone-chilling -42 degrees Celsius, and with the wind factored in, it felt more like -50. Most people hid indoors, but the extreme cold was perfect for finding a late-season elk. We snowshoed a mile into the woods and found three elk bedded on the edge of a line. We set up for the shot, and when the trigger was pulled, a barely audible click raised our brows. The firearm was kept safe, and the cartridges were removed. The bolt was worked several times, and the trigger was pulled to listen to the speed of the firing pin. When convinced the firearm would work, a cartridge was chambered, the elk lined up, and “boom,” we filled the freezer.

Misfires can be dangerous, costly, and knowing how to deal with them is important. Any Alberta deer hunter can attest that hunting the rut is synonymous with cold and winter conditions. The late elk hunts can be even more challenging. Waterfowl hunters also often face moisture and cold and run into issues with slow cycling and shooting guns. The haunting “click” of a firing pin striking the primer on a cartridge or shotshell without the following “bang” is a nightmare nobody wants to experience.

Unfortunately, failing in extremely cold conditions isn’t unusual for a rifle or shotgun. In most cases, the misfire can be blamed on a slow firing pin, delayed by freezing oil or grease that slows its speed. The primer is often slightly indented, but the force of the firing pin hitting it is insufficient to ignite the propellant within the primer charge.

What to do when a misfire occurs
If you ever encounter a misfire, hold the firearm firmly and point it in a safe direction. A delayed ignition is always a possibility. Wait for 15 seconds, and if the firearm is safe, work the bolt or action and remove the cartridge or shotshell. Ensure the firearm is empty. Continue to work the action several times, pulling the trigger to help loosen the firing pin. After half a dozen test fires, the firing pin may start working freely. However, if there is too much moisture, grease, or oil, there will be no opportunity to fix it in the field.

Be prepared
Hunters can prepare their rifles and shotguns for the cold. Before heading afield in the cold, clean your firearm of any oil or grease. New firearms come heavily oiled and greased to protect them from moisture. It is important to strip the grease off the components in the bolt in order to prevent misfires. 

To clean the firing pin, remove the bolt from the gun and hold it over a container to catch solvent and debris. Different degreasers can be purchased, but an aerosol can of brake cleaning fluid works great. Spray the bolt and drench it until it is dripping. You should see dark film flowing with the cleaner. Make sure to turn the bolt and get all moving parts and sides. The brake cleaner dries fast. Repeat the treatment to ensure all grease and oil are removed. If possible, disassemble the bolt to get all the grease.

Cold options
You can run the bolt dry for the cold months and oil it when putting it away after the hunting season. Some gun cleaners resist freezing and can also be used. There are also dry lubricants that can help if performance is not satisfactory. Products like Dry Graphite, Gun-Max Gun Oil offer a protective layer, but always check if they are a cold-weather product.

Hunters cleaning their rifles often oil the bolt to ensure smooth operation. However, lubrication-free in the extreme cold is the best option. You need to dry your firearm if exposed to any change of temperature that could cause condensation. Moisture buildup is a concern, so do not leave any firearm encased after being out in the cold. Instead, take it out, let it warm to room temperature, and air dry it properly before being stored. The actions could be required nightly if you regularly hunt during the cold season. When the season is over, make sure to apply a thin coating of lubricant on all metal and working parts of the firearm to prevent humidity during storage from causing any rust.