Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Hunting season may still be months away, but now is the right time to inspect your rifle, shotgun, optics, ammunition, and other hunting equipment. In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb and Steve explain why waiting until opening morning can lead to avoidable problems.
From checking for rust and loose scope rings to confirming your zero, inspecting recoil pads, finding missing magazines, and buying the correct ammunition, a mid-summer equipment check gives you time to fix problems before gunsmiths, stores, and ranges get busy.
Whether you hunt deer, turkey, waterfowl, squirrels, or other game, this simple preseason firearm inspection can help make sure your gun is safe, reliable, and ready when hunting season arrives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:08 Start Preparing for Hunting Season
00:18 Common Off-Season Storage Problems
00:52 Why You Should Check Your Gun Now
01:05 Remove the Gun From Its Case
01:21 Confirm the Chamber Is Clear
01:25 Inspect for Rust and Damage
01:41 Remember Last Season's Problems
01:54 Check Scope Ring Torque
02:12 Confirm Your Rifle Zero
02:31 Inspect Suppressor Alignment and Tightness
02:38 Check Action Screw Torque
02:56 Inspect the Recoil Pad
03:47 Check Shotgun Plugs and Chokes
03:56 Clean and Inspect the Bore
04:16 Perform a Safety and Function Check
04:33 Replace Missing Equipment Early
04:46 Buy the Correct Hunting Ammunition
05:12 Schedule Gunsmith Work Before the Rush
05:36 Final Reminder
Preseason Hunting Gun Checklist
• Confirm the firearm is unloaded
• Remove it from long-term case storage
• Inspect the metal for rust
• Clean and lightly lubricate the firearm
• Check scope rings and optic mounts
• Confirm suppressor tightness and alignment
• Check rifle action screws
• Inspect the recoil pad
• Locate the correct magazine
• Check shotgun plugs and choke tubes
• Run a patch through the bore
• Test the action, safety, and trigger reset
• Confirm the rifle's zero
• Purchase the correct ammunition
• Schedule repairs before gunsmiths get busy
A few minutes of inspection during the summer can prevent major problems when hunting season begins. Check your firearm now while replacement parts, ammunition, and gunsmithing services are still available.
Have questions about firearm maintenance, hunting rifle setup, optics, or replacement parts? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
Hunting season may still be months away, but now is the right time to inspect your rifle, shotgun, optics, ammunition, and other hunting equipment. In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb and Steve explain why waiting until opening morning can lead to avoidable problems.
From checking for rust and loose scope rings to confirming your zero, inspecting recoil pads, finding missing magazines, and buying the correct ammunition, a mid-summer equipment check gives you time to fix problems before gunsmiths, stores, and ranges get busy.
Whether you hunt deer, turkey, waterfowl, squirrels, or other game, this simple preseason firearm inspection can help make sure your gun is safe, reliable, and ready when hunting season arrives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:08 Start Preparing for Hunting Season
00:18 Common Off-Season Storage Problems
00:52 Why You Should Check Your Gun Now
01:05 Remove the Gun From Its Case
01:21 Confirm the Chamber Is Clear
01:25 Inspect for Rust and Damage
01:41 Remember Last Season's Problems
01:54 Check Scope Ring Torque
02:12 Confirm Your Rifle Zero
02:31 Inspect Suppressor Alignment and Tightness
02:38 Check Action Screw Torque
02:56 Inspect the Recoil Pad
03:47 Check Shotgun Plugs and Chokes
03:56 Clean and Inspect the Bore
04:16 Perform a Safety and Function Check
04:33 Replace Missing Equipment Early
04:46 Buy the Correct Hunting Ammunition
05:12 Schedule Gunsmith Work Before the Rush
05:36 Final Reminder
Preseason Hunting Gun Checklist
• Confirm the firearm is unloaded
• Remove it from long-term case storage
• Inspect the metal for rust
• Clean and lightly lubricate the firearm
• Check scope rings and optic mounts
• Confirm suppressor tightness and alignment
• Check rifle action screws
• Inspect the recoil pad
• Locate the correct magazine
• Check shotgun plugs and choke tubes
• Run a patch through the bore
• Test the action, safety, and trigger reset
• Confirm the rifle's zero
• Purchase the correct ammunition
• Schedule repairs before gunsmiths get busy
A few minutes of inspection during the summer can prevent major problems when hunting season begins. Check your firearm now while replacement parts, ammunition, and gunsmithing services are still available.
Have questions about firearm maintenance, hunting rifle setup, optics, or replacement parts? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
