Tape over end of rifle barel?

[GeneRector]

  Howdy! I saw on a couple of hunting shows on TV that some of the hunters had what looked like electrician tape covering the opening of the rifle barel.  I got the impression that they were going to shoot with the tape still attached. What exactly is the tape for in this situation? Your views appreciated.Thanks!

[jpsmith1]

Keeps water and dirt out of the barrel in extreme conditions.  Tape will fly off on firing without any problem.

[beemanbeme]

Put one piece over the muzzle and cut a back up piece and wrap it around the barrel a couple inches from the end.
It does not affect accuracy nor POI at all.

[dw06]

I've put tape over end of muzzle for years,works great in rain and snow as I hunt no mater what the weather is.I also put a coat of carnuba wax on barrel and action to protect from moisture.If you don't use wax and tape barrel,just a tip,remove tape and clean well and put new tape on after hunting in rain as rust will start under it in a day or so.

[Dave in WV]

I've put tape over my muzzle for over 25 years. Usually the tape over the muzzle is gone after the shot. I've only had the tape stay put with a hole in it once.

[Redhawk1]

I also have used it for years. It keep water out of the barrel and in Alaska water and cold weather don't mix well in barrels. 

[HuntingGuy]

I heard it works great.. Anyone know what kind of tape to use 

[quickdtoo]

Same here, have used tape for years, duct tape, cloth tape or plastic electrical tape all work, duct or cloth tape sticks better tho, and is easier to remove when you want to.

Tim

[safetysheriff]

i use standard or camo'-type of duct tape.   i also have used electrical tape.   i would not bother with masking tape because it tears so easily.   i use it to keep the bark out when i rest the rifle against a tree, and to keep dirt and snow out of the barrel if i should (very rarely) carry it improperly or drop it or fall while i'm hunting.

i use the tape on handguns as well as rifles.

no problems with accuracy using those three kinds of tape, i can assure you.

take care,

ss' 

[HuntingGuy]

Sounds great, will try this year.

[old06]

I've used this trick for years and a few guys look at me like I was going to blow up my self but the stuff just flys off well before the bullet gets to it great tip tell your friends

[sgtt]

I have used elec. tape for a long time.  I further complicate my life by adding a short (12" or so) of sewing thread.  It will give you a rough idea of which way the wind is blowing.

[Coyote Hunter]

I use electrician's tape, just a little more than is needed to cover the end with the extra folded over on itself to make a flap for easy removal.

[bearfat]

I concur with the rest. I've used it over various rifles including black powder.

After the shot there is a neat little round hole in the tape. 

[Dave in WV]

I use electricians tape. Cut a piece long enough to extend down either side of the muzzle the width of the tape and place it centered over the muzzle. Wrap another piece around the muzzle end of the barrel once and you're done.

[jro45]

I think it is a great idea. Haven't done that but will in the future. I've always known it works but never think of it until its to late.

[GeoW]

Note of caution. A strip covering the muzzle is fine but never insert or plug the barrel with anything to keep it clean and dry. Could make for a long day! 

GeoW

[crow_feather]

Now I've really researched this tape business, firing nearly 3,000 rounds at the range to determine the best variations and colors.

Red tape is the most accurate, but you have to be careful cause people think your carrying a toy rifle.

Next to the red tape in accuracy is the light blue tape - I have found that the light blue color also tends to relax the animal prior to a person blasting it to smithereens.

The wide 3/4 inch tape is more accurate than the 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch.  You don't have to double tape the bore and cause unequal pressure.

If you use a masking tape, it easy to paint your barrel while you are hunting.

Electrical tape does not prefent all your bullets in the rifle from exploding if you touch your barrel to a 10,000 volt line.  (don't ask)

Do not use Duck tape cept on your shotguns -(illegal)

No thanks necessary

[charles p]

Last year in elk camp my guide put it on my rifle.  Said twigs can get in rifle scabbord and when the rifle barrel is crammed down the scabbard, a trig could get shoved up the bore.  Made sense.  I saw lots of debris go in my scabbord as my horse drug me under every overhang possible.  We used duct tape.

[Savage .250]

 To protect my barrel from anything getting into it (rain, dirt, whatever) my "protector"
   is your basic, small party balloon.
  Put a black one on your barrel (when needed) and your good to go.
  Pull it down till it stops and the "small" end keeps it there.   Been doing this for years
  and it works for me. 

[Questor]

One thing to be careful of is using this technique when the temperature is fluctuating right around freezing. There has been at least one case where the barrel blew up because enough water was admitted behind the tape to freeze into a plug. So if you're going to use tape, be sure it's water tight.

[Zachary]

I've only used tape on one occassion, so I don't have a lot of experience with it, but I can say that accuracy was not affected that one time that I did it.

Given that many members here have reported no problems whatsoever after 20+ years of use, I would definately view that as a great endorsement.

Zachary

[HuntingGuy]

Given that many members here have reported no problems whatsoever after 20+ years of use, I would definately view that as a great endorsement.

Always makes me nervous to put ANYTHING in between my bullet and the animal's vitals, but like you mentioned, it obviously isn't an issue.  I'll probably try it this year.

[dw06]

Always makes me nervous to put ANYTHING in between my bullet and the animal's vitals, but like you mentioned, it obviously isn't an issue.  I'll probably try it this year.

If you think about it,the bullet never touches the tape as air trapped in front of bullet as it goes down the bore is what breaks the tape,and after looking close you see that the round hole is larger than bullet.At least thats what I think.

One thing to be careful of is using this technique when the temperature is fluctuating right around freezing. There has been at least one case where the barrel blew up because enough water was admitted behind the tape to freeze into a plug. So if you're going to use tape, be sure it's water tight.

Good point Questor and I agree,thats when I put first piece on I press it down on the muzzle,then wrap a coulp wraps around the ends to seal it and to have more to use after shooting or if it starts to come loose.

[Doe]

I usually use finger condums . I might try ele..tape this year.

[alsatian]

I put scotch tape over my barrel while elk hunting this year.  There was snow -- sometimes heavy snow -- almost every day in first rifle season in SW Colorado.  Walking through timber with your rifle slung snow can fall down onto your rifle and into the barrel, perhaps melting a little  and refreezing.  Generally a dangerous situation it seems to me.  Unfortunately I did not get to take any shots while the tape was in place so I cannot add my testiment about the non-effect of tape on shooting.

[quickdtoo]

I can tell you exactly what happens when a little snow from an overhanging limb gets in the bore of your slung over your shoulder rifle!! The spike elk you shot at  isn't hit and the front sight on your rifle disappears and in it's place is a buldge that results in your barrel becoming about 3" shorter after being cut off and recrowned by your gunsmith before you hunt with it again! Then you start covering the muzzle with tape or whatever works for ya and don't worry about it again!!

Tim