As the aspens turn and the mornings get that first bite of cold, it’s a good reminder that hunting season is right around the corner here in Colorado. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry for elk, sighting in for deer season, or just dusting off a shotgun that’s spent the summer in the safe, fall is the perfect time to give your firearms, and your gear, a proper once-over.
A gun that’s been sitting since last season isn’t necessarily a gun that’s ready to go. Here’s your checklist for making sure everything is safe, reliable, and field-ready before you head out.
1. Give Every Firearm a Full Inspection
Before you clean anything, inspect it. Check for:
- Rust or corrosion, especially around the muzzle, chamber, and any exposed metal
- Cracks or splitting in the stock or grip
- Loose screws, sights, or optics mounts
- Any leftover residue or debris in the barrel from last season’s final cleaning (or lack thereof)
If something looks off, a pitted barrel, a wobbly scope mount, a trigger that doesn’t feel right, that’s worth a trip to a gunsmith before it’s worth a trip to the field.
2. Deep Clean, Don’t Just Wipe Down
A quick wipe-down isn’t the same as a proper cleaning. At minimum, run a bore snake or cleaning rod through the barrel, apply solvent to break down carbon and copper fouling, and follow up with a light coat of oil on all metal surfaces. Don’t forget:
- The action and bolt
- Magazine and feed ramp
- Trigger assembly (a light touch here – over-oiling can attract dust and grit)
If you haven’t cleaned a firearm since last spring, expect more buildup than usual, particularly if it was stored without a light coat of protective oil.
3. Check (and Replace) Your Ammunition
Ammo doesn’t go “bad” quickly, but it’s not immune to the effects of humidity, temperature swings, and time. Before the season starts:
- Inspect for corrosion on casings or discoloration
- Confirm you’re using the right load for your firearm and intended game
- Pattern your shotgun or re-zero your rifle scope, don’t assume last year’s zero still holds
A few rounds at the range now is a lot cheaper than a missed shot in the field.
4. Inspect Your Optics and Accessories
Scopes, red dots, and slings take a beating in storage just like everything else. Check that:
- Battery-powered optics have fresh batteries (and pack a spare)
- Rings and mounts are torqued to spec
- Slings and swivels aren’t cracked or brittle
- Rangefinders and other electronics power on and hold zero data if applicable
5. Review Your Storage and Transport Setup
If your gun safe hasn’t been opened in a while, take stock of what’s inside. Check that:
- Any dehumidifiers or desiccant packs are still doing their job
- Firearms not in use are stored unloaded, with ammunition separate
- You have a proper case or sling setup for transporting firearms in the field or in your vehicle, in compliance with Colorado transport laws
6. Know Before You Go
Fall also means it’s worth a quick refresher on the rules that apply to you this season, hunting regulations, transport laws, and any recent changes to Colorado firearm legislation. Laws have shifted quite a bit over the past couple of years, and it’s always better to double-check than assume last year’s rules still apply.
Bring It In
If you’d rather have a professional set of eyes on your firearm before the season starts, or you need parts, ammo, or a new optic, stop by Basalt Firearms. We’re happy to help you get squared away, whether that’s a full cleaning, a function check, or just answering questions about what’s changed since last fall.
Basalt Firearms 231 Midland Avenue, Basalt, CO 81621 (970) 279-5128 Open Tue–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–4pm
