Once the parts have warmed up, temperate zone lubricants can be applied and the rate of fire gradually increased. However, if temperate zone lubricants are used the gun must be kept warm. If it is allowed to become cold it will fail to operate upon resumption of firing. The gun should therefore be cleaned and fired dry and cold until it again warms up. MG's have a high rate of breakages and malfunctions because of the cold weather.
Parts especially affected are the sear and bolt.
Extra parts of this type must be carried by gun crews. Prescribed immediate action for the particular weapon should be applied. As the metal warms, the problem will diminish. A second malfunction is caused by freezing and hardening of buffers. This in turn causes great shock and rapid recoil, thereby increasing the cyclic rate.