Over the top in practice

[alfsauve]

For some time, I've wanted a portable fan that I could use to cool off my guns.   Initially I thought about using it while rifle shooting to cool the chamber/barrel between shots.   Now that I'm going to the range two to three times a week with my pistols.  And shooting in excess of 100 rounds through each gun I need a way to cool off them off.  (Short of dunking them in a bucket of water like they did on the 1911 test.)

Of course I could buy duplicate guns, or at least replacement barrels.  A cheaper alternative is to buy a cooling fan.  I didn't want some dinky toy-like, personal fan but something a little more substantial and capable of a little more volume.    I looked at computer fans (muffin fans) and at various "hobby" fans, nothing jumped out at me.  But then I went to Fry's Electronics (not the grocery store---same founder though) and ask to see the USB "toys".   You know, things like little Christsmas trees and lava lamps, that plug into and are powered by your computer's USB port.

Looky.  Looky, what I found.




So I took it home and plugged it in.  It gave a nice amount of airflow.  For size comparison here it is next to my 629



Rather than cut off the USB connector and wire it to my own battery pack, I decided to hardwire in an alternative connector.  So I turned it over to take the base plate off and BINGO.  It had it's own built in battery holder in the base.   Takes 4 "AA" batteries.  I've taken it to the range twice, now.  Run it for an hour each time.  When it's not cooling my gun, I set it up to blow cool air at me.


Sorry there's no on-line link to that one, but here's another one they offer on-line.  If I can find it at the local store I'll get this one too.  I don't think I could find a 6Vdc muffin fan and build my own for $11.  



http://www.frys.com/product/5442979?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Or just Google  "USB FAN" and you'll see a lot more alternatives.

[fightingquaker13]

You're shooting Smith and Wessons Alf. They deserve better than some plebian fan. Try one of these.
FQ13

http://www.dyson.com/fans/#

[alfsauve]

Actually I did look at those at Fry's.   They are fascinating. 

Two problems, they're not battery powered, and they're just a little pricey.

[Solus]

Have not idea of the cost or availability, but might a slab of dry ice in a cooler covered with a towel serve the purpose between sets?

I guess that would be cumbersome if the fan does the job well.

[Badgersmilk]

The dry ice is good advise imo.  Drag racers have been using it for years and years to cool off fuel rails and intakes.  You can get it cheap at most grocery store butchers departments.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

I can see where Alf is bettr off with the fan.
It just packs in with his shooting gear and is always ready when he is with out stopping to buy supplies .
Or more importantly REMEMBERING to stop and buy supplies 

[fightingquaker13]

Pretend that they are Glocks. Piss on them, reload, and keep firing. Hell, it counts as cleaning too.
FQ13

[Solus]

I can see where Alf is bettr off with the fan.
It just packs in with his shooting gear and is always ready when he is with out stopping to buy supplies .
Or more importantly REMEMBERING to stop and buy supplies  

Now if I was an entrepreneur I'd look into cornering the dry ice concession at shooting ranges.

Would work well with a fan too.  Blow lots of cold air
 

[kmitch200]

I use this one to cool rifles....


http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Rechargeable-QuickPump-Unit/dp/B002LBC19O/ref=pd_sbs_a_2

Holds a charge well, runs a long time and puts out a LOT of air.

[alfsauve]

Cool KMitch.  I hadn't thought about rechargeable, battery power blowers.   That' exactly what's need for my rifles.

Dry Ice is a pain to have to pick up and to have carry a container.

I forgot the fan today.   But the range is having trouble with their A/C and they have these portable floor units.  I just propped my gun on top of the unit's output and cooled it in about 3 minutes after every 40 rounds.

While I am concerned about "overheating" the gun, the big problem is the get a little hot to handle after a while.  EVEN Glocks and XDs.  Their frames start heat up and the support thumb starts to feel a tad uncomfortable touching the frame. 

On the plus side, I completed the Sharpshooter level today with my .44 Mag.  Mostly done double action too.   Bad news is I was actually trying to keep my times under 10 seconds (20 is required at this level) and I wasn't being too successful.  I may have to switch to the .357Mag for the Distinguished Marksman level.