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Hunting takes preparation

'I’ve got 37 guns in the vault now, where last year at this time I had maybe 12'
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File photo.

Darren Cropper, operates Backwoods Gunsmithing out of Rutherglen.  

A fully licensed RCMP gunsmith in the area, Cropper has been very busy getting guns ready for the hunting season. 

“I’ve got 37 guns in the vault now, where last year at this time I had maybe 12,” Cropper said in an interview with BayToday.ca last week.  

“People are starting to catch on, but you know a guy drops off a gun on Tuesday and by Thursday he’s calling and complaining that his gun isn’t done yet because he needs it for deer season, he wants it now. You know what I mean? It does not work that way. Unless you are law enforcement, it’s first come, first serve.”

Ontario deer and moose hunting dates you need to know HERE 

Cropper believes last minute hunting preparation doesn’t work.  

“Waiting until the last minute is a big one,” he said.  

“Like if they need something repaired or replaced. Everybody waits until the last minute thinking that every gunsmith in Canada has every part for every gun in the world. Sometimes it could take months to get parts.”   

Cropper says many of his inspections indicate the owners are not maintaining their gun or guns properly. 

“It’s usually failure to fire or broken parts due to lack of cleaning and maintenance,” said Cropper about a common problem he finds when guns are brought in.  

“You’ll find a lot with the older guys, born in the 40’s and 50’s and stuff, they’ll come in with a gun that barely works and it’s full of axle grease, because that’s what their daddy taught them. And guns only need to be lightly oiled; with a gun oil.”

Here are some more of Cropper's Hunting and Sportsman Tips

1. A common mistake is over-oiling firearms. Oil can become congealed and build up in the barrel causing an obstruction Simply wipe them down with a clean and lint-free oily patch. In this instance less is best, for the care and maintenance of your firearm.

2. Cleaning and drying your firearms is an essential daily maintenance step. When the day's activities are through, clean and inspect your firearms to ensure that they are in tip-top shape for the next days activities.

3. When cleaning your shotgun after a day afield, remove and clean the choke tube and choke area of the barrel as soon as possible upon returning. The carbon buildup can harden surprisingly quickly and cause the choke tube to seize permanently in the barrel.

4. When storing your Firearms during the off season keep them dry.  Keep them in a dry area with as little humidity as possible.  If needed use a dehumidifier to control humidity. 

5. Prior to hunting season, have your firearms inspected by a licenced Gunsmith.Better to find out there is a problem before trying to put a round through it in the field. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

6. If dropped in a swamp, in the mud, sand or snow or the barrel becomes fouled in any way.  Clean the firearm before firing it. A small obstruction in the barrel can lead to tragedy. Please be safe, not sorry.

7. Avoid disassembling your firearm in the field. There are numerous tiny parts and easy to lose parts in the mechanisms. One missing part could ruin and otherwise enjoyable hunting experience.

8. If your firearm is misfiring or bursting shells, please have it inspected by a  licenced gunsmith. This could be a symptom of a serious and dangerous problem. Don’t expect the problem to right itself. 

9. Always keep your shells as dry and clean as possible. If one is dropped, keep it separate in a pocket or pouch until it can be cleaned.

Don’t risk your safety just to take one more shot.

10. At the end of the season, have your firearms professionally cleaned. It would be advisable to do the same before the start of the next season. This will ensure they are ready for the the next range day. 

11. If ever you notice rust or pitting on your firearm have it repaired by a licenced gunsmith  immediately. This my be evidence of early-stage chamber or barrel cracking, a serious and dangerous problem that requires professional care.

12. If you find you have a damaged gun-stock, please do not repair with duct-tape. No matter how serious the damage a skilled Gunsmith can repair it. Please do not use until repaired a broken stock can cause serious injury.


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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