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Off-Season Maintenance: Protecting Outdoor & Shooting Equipment

Category: Outdoor Maintenance & DIY

When shooting season winds down or humidity starts to rise, proper storage and maintenance become particularly important. Seals can deteriorate, strings can become worn and exposed metal surfaces can develop corrosion if equipment is put away without preparation.

A few simple preventive steps before storing your equipment can help extend its useful life and avoid problems when you next need it.

Here are some useful points to consider when preparing outdoor and shooting equipment for longer-term storage.

1. Airgun Seal Care

• PCP airguns: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage pressure rather than simply leaving the cylinder completely empty or fully charged.
• Seals: Inspect visible O-rings and seals for signs of drying, cracking or damage.
• Lubrication: Use only lubricants recommended by the manufacturer for airgun seals and components. Avoid petroleum-based products where they are unsuitable for the particular seal material.
• Inspection: If an airgun has been stored for a long period, check it carefully before returning it to use.

2. Crossbow String & Rail Care

• String and cables: Inspect them for fraying, damage or excessive wear before storage.
• String wax: Use a suitable archery string wax where recommended by the manufacturer.
• Rail care: Keep the rail clean and use the lubricant recommended for your particular crossbow.
• Regular checks: Equipment that has been stored for several months should be inspected again before use.

3. Metal & Corrosion Protection

• Wipe down exposed metal surfaces before storage to remove fingerprints, moisture and other contaminants.
• Use a suitable corrosion-protection product appropriate for the equipment and its finish.
• Pay particular attention to areas that are regularly handled, as skin oils can contribute to corrosion.
• Keep stored equipment in a dry environment and avoid unnecessary exposure to condensation.
• Where equipment is kept in a cabinet or safe, consider using a suitable moisture-control or desiccant product.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

Airguns

• Inspect seals and O-rings
• Follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations
• Use only suitable lubricants
• Check equipment before returning it to use

Crossbows

• Inspect strings and cables
• Check for fraying or damage
• Wax and lubricate where recommended
• Inspect again before use

Metal Equipment & Optics

• Remove fingerprints and moisture
• Protect exposed metal surfaces
• Keep equipment dry
• Control moisture in storage areas

Over to You: What's Your Off-Season Routine?

• What maintenance jobs do you always carry out before putting equipment away?
• How do you deal with humidity and moisture in your storage area?
• Do you have a particular product you rely on for protecting metal equipment?
• Have you ever taken equipment out of storage and discovered rust, damaged seals or other problems?

Share your maintenance routines, storage tips and experiences below.