Loss of spark in cold temps

[11th corps]

I have used WD 40 on my front stuffers and revolvers since the 1970's. I live in Indiana where it gets cold in the winter.
I haven't had any issues related to lubricants. And my rifles/pistols are not rusty or debilitated.

Edited to add
I don't use WD40 to stop chain firing on my ROA's. Have always used Crisco to seal the chambers. Never had a chain fire.

 

[westrayer]

I too spray the lock and flint with GunScrubber before hunting for the season. Alcohol works fine but the pressure of the GunScrubber gets the 1000+ lube out from the coils in the hammer spring.
Once I am done for the year, I apply the 1000+ back on the parts, except the flint and frizzen face.

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

Just a SWAG on my part.....but I carry a pair of Binoculars in my truck all the time. When it's cold and I pull them out of a warm truck, the lens's fog over from the temp difference between the lens and the air.

I would assume you're keeping the rifle in your vehicle where it's nice and warm....then when you get out that warm steel hits the cold air. I would think the steel also attracts moisture from the air. I know BP residue certainly does.....like a sponge!! I carry those little alcohol patches you buy in the drug store. After any shot (and when it's a miss) I will clean the lock frizzen and pan with an alcohol patch to remove the BP residue so moisture won't be attracted to it.

So, next trip out (or using the freezer test), before you prime the pan, wipe down the frizzen and pan with an alcohol patch. The alcohol dries very fast and it takes any moisture along with it.

 

[Flintlock Fellow]

I have used WD 40 on my front stuffers and revolvers since the 1970's. I live in Indiana where it gets cold in the winter.
I haven't had any issues related to lubricants. And my rifles/pistols are not rusty or debilitated.

Edited to add
I don't use WD40 to stop chain firing on my ROA's. Have always used Crisco to seal the chambers. Never had a chain fire.

That’s really fascinating! Years ago, I had a conversation with a locksmith who mentioned that WD-40 is, surprisingly, one of their biggest sources of business. According to them, many people use it on their locks, thinking it will help keep them functioning smoothly. According to the locksmith, however, over time, the lubricant tends to attract dust and grime, leading to sticky or even completely jammed locks.

I used to be a big WD-40 fanboy, but I haven’t touched it in years. My father claims he used to liberally spray his guns (inside and out) with WD-40 and never had an issue.

The general consensus from online “experts” seems to indicate that WD-40 should only be used to displace water on firearms, and then promptly removed with solvent, but how does one argue with the anecdotal evidence of others who have been using the product for fifty plus years? It can be tough navigating through all the conflicting advice and information out there—it’s hard to know what’s truly effective and what might cause more harm in the long run.

 

[Wirehair]

The locksmith is right. WD-40 in a ML barrel will work but I wouldn't use it in locks, trigger mechanisms or anything with intricate moving parts.

 

[westrayer]

WD-40 has a carrier agent and if left on a gun long enough it results in a sticky lacquer type substance.
If you are a diehard DIYer, there are plenty of recipes for BP bullet lubes that will work on patches.

 

[Raz]

Our ml club shoots all year. In the winter, temps will often be in the 20s or colder. Sparking has not been a problem that I have heard folks complain about. If there is a problem, it is usually the flint.