Why am I not surprised? You don't see lots of things that are obvious.
Had to go back to the trailer one year on opening morning because I took aq spill off a mule and mud ended up in the barrel. Another time I crawled 100 yards on my back, pushing myself headfirst through snow and sage and catus with my feet. I managed to keep the barrel clear of snow and debris until I sat upright to take a shot. Fortunately the bull was very patient, but I was lucky. Tape would have been an easy solution in both situations.
Also, I'm guessing you don['t get much freezing rain in Florida. Ice build up in our barrel will change you mind quickly.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.