Range precautions with a new (to you) used gun?

[TTSH]

My "thinking out loud" question of the day: Do you take any special precautions when firing a new (to you) used gun or a new reload brew for the very first time? I'm not talking about inspecting the gun over beforehand or anything like that. I'm talking about what you might do differently when you get to the range... particularly if the older gun is a little suspect or maybe you are pushing your reload brew to new limits?

These are the kind of things I sometimes ponder at night, especially after my wife brings up a related topic... in this particular case, plastic gun kabooms. Although very rare, they do show that there is a risk of hand or eye injury that could possibly be at least somewhat mitigated.

I am wondering about things like extra-heavy-duty safety glasses or gloves of some sort. Perhaps a heavy jacket or even a full-face mask? At least for the first handful of rounds... and maybe up to the first full box in some cases? Something short of a full-blown handgun test rig but maybe a little better than one's bare hands and run-of-the-mill shooting safety glasses?

At the risk of coming off as a little overly cautious, do you do anything different your first time out with a new (to you) used gun or a new handgun reload brew?

 

[arjay]

Not really,but I'm not particularly cautious.Never even wore a helmet while skiing or riding my motorcycles or mountain bikes..which might explain a few things..[emoji14]

 

[rwsmith]

Sometimes on the first shot....

I've been know to aim downrange and turn my head away on the first shot if I have any qualms at all. Other than wearing safety glasses, that's it.

 

[CajunBass]

If I had any questions about it, I wouldn't have bought it, or loaded it.

 

[Biggfoot44]

( Notwithstanding the infamous Glock Ka Booms )

For a vaguely modern gun I will have already given it an exqmination before purchasing, and if no apearent issues , then you should be using good eye protection anyway.

If you DO have a specific reason for concern , it needs a trip to the gunsmith , not the range.

All that said , if you just have to testfire a questionable gun any way , don't do it halfway. Tie it to a tire , and employ a long string , and preferably stand behind a large tree or other barrier.

 

[billwill]

If you don't have a big old oak tree nearby....then find one. You on one side the new untested toy on the other.

 

[coltle6920]

I always thought that testing new ammo or handgun was an honor one bestowed upon an unsuspecting friend.

 

[TTSH]

I always thought that testing new ammo or handgun was an honor one bestowed upon an unsuspecting friend.

Only on "Pawn Stars" it seems. Poor Chumlee!

 

[TTSH]

If you don't have a big old oak tree nearby....then find one. You on one side the new untested toy on the other.

Too bad there isn't one in the middle of my club's pistol range.

 

[Brian41]

I never did anything different shooting a gun new to me and I've bought some old ones. I inspect the guns of course and wouldn't shoot one I thought had problems.
I do admit I may have cringed when firing some new hot loads for the first time expecting heavy recoil.

 

[TTSH]

For a vaguely modern gun I will have already given it an examination before purchasing, and if no apparent issues , then you should be using good eye protection anyway.

To be honest with you, it's mostly used plastic guns that make me ask the question.

Let me re-phrase my OP this way (and it's a serious question): Has anyone ever been seriously or permanently injured by a "kaboom" in such a way that it could have been prevented or mitigated by better eye/face protection or some sort of hand protection?

 

[billwill]

The worst 'kaboom' I ever had was from setting off firecrackers with our across the street Highway Patrol neighbor. The one that went off in my hand really smarted for a while. He was really nice to my Mom for a couple of months but stayed across the street when he waved!

No firearm Kabooms from mis-loaded or defective equipment.

 

[Arik]

I don't reload but I don't do anything special or different with a new to me gun. Just load, point and shoot

 

[JcMack]

The best way to avoid "Kabooms" is don't shoot somebody elses reloads.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

First thing I do with any used gun is to completely disassemble it, inspect every part for excessive wear or damage, thorough cleaning and proper lubrication. Lots and lots of people over-lubricate their guns, and very few ever do a proper cleaning. Many people disassemble guns, then reassemble them improperly.

I never use hot ammunition, either factory magnums or reloads. Always figured if I really need more power it is time for a larger caliber. I own several firearms that have never been fired with factory ammo, and my own loads are always a bit on the modest side. Been loading ammunition for over 40 years, and I have good reliable equipment, so I have few concerns about my ammunition.

First range trip will start with a function and reliability check. Then an accuracy check (if fixed sights, does the piece shoot to point of aim? If adjustable sights, get them adjusted properly). With semi-autos I like to shoot with every magazine on hand to assure proper functioning in that piece. By that time I pretty well know what is a "keeper" and what needs to go away.

 

[David R]

The best way to avoid "Kabooms" is don't shoot somebody elses reloads.

I am blessed with poor vision. I always wear glasses.


David

 

[JcMack]

F
I never use hot ammunition, either factory magnums or reloads. Always figured if I really need more power it is time for a larger caliber..

.

+10 Amen to that

 

[TenTea]

Too bad there isn't one in the middle of my club's pistol range.

So, youse guys killed it last year then?

I thought there was one?

 

[TTSH]

Okay, I think the results are in at this point. Thanks to all who replied. The conclusion is obvious that added precautions for first time firing of older used guns are pretty rare indeed. That pretty much answers my question.

 

[litenlarry]

On a used pistol, assuming I have bought it, I totally familiarize myself with it..I look for excessive wear to friction points..
Case in point..I bought a WWII 1943 P38 pistol..I have a WWII P38 also..Having a good deal of knowledge with the function of the pistol, I checked with the possible areas of concern on the new one..
Bore was bright and shiny, recoil springs were in good order, friction point's showed very little wear..So off to the range..
No issues , no extra precautions were taken..Altho, I was a bit apprehensive when firing the first mag..