I know its best to always fire a newly acquired used gun before relying on it for protection to determine if it functions reliably and to see where it hits. But, there are some firearms that I feel I know enough about that I can tell if they will feed, fire, extract and eject without actually shooting them....after a thorough inspection and function check of course. Is that being overconfident, or something that others do also?

I've never (yet) fired a shot in anger - nor do I want to, but I don't have confidence in ANY firearm, used, new, whatever, until I've had a chance to run a few hundred rounds through it. That's whether the firearm is intended for target, self defense, home defense, etc.

Regards,

Dave

Used guns, like used brides, should be eyed with some speculation. Personaly, I would try it out before I trusted my life to it.

That truly depends on the gun in question.Some of the semi autos need a bit of breaking in.(So I'm told)
A defensive weapon is only as good as the person that's shooting it.
You can't determine how well a gun shoots without shooting the thing!

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Dum vivo cano

I ALMOST trust S&W 3rd gen autos that much, not revolvers, autos. ALMOST, but not quite, I like to at least check function with all the mags I have.

Revolvers you can check (for function) by dry fireing with snap caps, see if the fireing pin works just by looking etc. Of course that only tells you it will shoot, not where it will shoot.

Semi-autos? You have to test fire a semi. I have seen some that will hand cycle ammo just fine, but won't fire two shots in a row without a malfunction.

Also some (Seecamps are a prime example) that won't hand cycle ammo or snap caps worth poo poo, but never miss a beat fireing live ammo.

I appreciate everyone's opinion. I don't normally carry a gun without firing it first but I've picked up a couple of new ones lately that are just begging to go for a ride...I'm sure they'll be fine but I guess I'd better wait 'till I can get to the range and they prove their worth.

Gunblade: I have a broken right arm (my dominant arm) and am trying to avoid a surgical repair, so several of my new handgun acquisitions are sitting in the safe until my right arm gets better, or I get frustrated enough with dry-firing and start doing a lot of weak hand shooting.

Regards,

Dave

And the new brides too. I can dry fire a new gun before I take it out.

Back in '91, when Navy Arms was bringing the Brazilian 1937s in, I bought one. N frame Smith, what could be wrong with it? I shot it a few times, at the side of the road. Single action, at a 2 liter bottle. Worked great.

Two weeks later I took the concealed weapons course, and decided to use it. First shot fired, then two and three didn't. Hmmmm. Tried again. 1 out of 6 fired. Fortunately I had my Gold Cup with me, so I got the great joy of declipping 8 moon clips (by hand - I didn't know they made a tool back then) so I could finish the course.

Pondered over what could be wrong with that thing for almost a year. Worked fine single action, but would not fire, reliably, double action. Finally I had a brilliant idea. Took the sideplate off and sprayed the innards with Trike. Watched the melted cosmoline (some type of congealed grease, anyway) come running out. Works fine, double action, now. Woulda sucked if I'd needed to shoot a bad guy, though.

I don't care how well you think you know a gun, or whether it's new or used. Don't trust your life to it until you actually know it works.

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I always take precautions

Before I carry any gun, it gets run through with the ammo I intend to carry with it. Not just slow fire or offhand, but fast, double action in case of a revolver etc. Some of my carry guns are over 50 years old, and after they have been run in, I then have no issues about carrying them.

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Vaya con Dios

I always fire my used guns before I call them ready.even the new ones.I put atleast 50 -100 rounds through them then I feel good about carring them.

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God save the SOUTH

Sir, actually, no, it doesn't. A revolver can pass those tests and still not fire because of light strikes. One particular used Model 28-2 taught me that. :-/

Definitely put any gun, new or used, through its paces before you carry it.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

Well, I would before I wouldn't carry anything.

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John 3:16 .

Your not fooling me for an instant. You only do it to burn ammo and have fun. Ya know darn good and well the guns you buy will fire, you just want to go shooting.

Are we going to see your smiling face next weekend?

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Dick Burg

+++1. New or used. I have to put a firearm through a solid try out before I trust my life that it is going to function. We only go through this life once, it's not a dressed rehearsal.

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I drank what? - Socrates

I function test all of 'em before carrying, both old and new. Actually, I've had two brand new guns, both Colts, that would not fire at all fresh out of the box. One was a Colt DS .38 special that had a burr in the firing pin channel and the other was a Series 80 1911 38 Super that had a problem with the firing pin block. The hammer would fall but the block did not quite lift high enough to release the firing pin. The only way to discover that was by live firing or, maybe, by using the ol' "pencil eraser" test. It was obvious that Colt had never test fired these guns and they never should have been allowed out of the factory. I've had function problems with various used guns but never found one that wouldn't fire at all. That honor goes to those brand new Colts.

I always put a couple of hundred rounds through any semi auto pistol, whether it is new or used before I will rely on it for personal protection.

I also always fire any new/used revolver several times for function and timing.

Since you asked, I'd say it's being a bit overconfident. Maybe even a tad lazy (no offense). Just get out there and try it before trusting it with your life.

Like the others have said... I make sure to put any gun, new or used, through a standard test before it becomes carry ready. The only one to fail so far has been a Bersa .380.

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- The Federalist #46 -

USAF385, What kind of problem did you have with your Bersa 380? I also have one and had a couple FTF out of a 100 to 150 rounds.

As I've only purchased pre-owned revolvers for years, the first thing I do is have my gunsmith disassemble, clean, lube, and make any adjustments needed. I'm happy to pay the $25.00 he charges, as far as I'm concerned it is money well spent. Then I put 100 - 150 rounds through it before I feel happy with its' functioning.

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Always Stay Strong!

I live in a great place. Crime is probably as low here as anywhere else in the nation. From time to time there is the rare home invasion and unexplained murder that turns out to be something other than a crime of passion or from an on-going feud. It would be easy under those circumstances to become less vigilent about one's security in and around home. I know lots of folks who have bought guns, loaded them and never fired them.

Personally, I believe that to be a recipe for disaster. I would never depend on a gun for protection without first wringing it out. I don't think a person can expect to effectively handle/fire said gun under stress without having developed instinctive handling of it. The only way to develope that muscle memory and sub-consious safe handling is to practice everything from the draw to firing to re holstering.

Much of this familiarization can be accomplished through dry firing in front of a mirror and drawing/reholstering with an unloaded/snap caps gun.

I have read a lot from so called experts as to the minimum number of rounds to fire b/4 placing said handgun in carry rotation or nightstand service. I would think 200 rounds would be my minimum with a revolver made by S&W, Colt or Ruger. I would not hesitate to practice with and carry for defense my own reloads w/my own cast bullets. The semi-auto is a different story. I would want to, at the very least double the number of rounds fired and would want the vast majority to be with the factory load that I intended to carry. That's what it would take to make me confident.

I don't have to think about doing this very often because I typically fire 50 to 100 rounds minimum from my go to guns at least twice a month and most months weekly.

Rarely a day goes by that I don't spend some time dry firing. Dry firing is an overlooked, effective way to rapidly increase one's skill, if properly done. You must make an effort to practice proper shooting fundementals or you can develope bad habits while dry firing.

I would always go out and test fire my weapons before going back into the field while in Vietnam. Usually five or six days out and two or three days back in before another mission.

Just wanted to make sure.

I don't carry a firearm now until I've fired it "el mucho plenty".

What amazes me, is I've known guys who carry a gun and never shoot it or sight it in.

Rule 303

Well ya know what? Your right. Next time I open my mouth I'll (try to)engage my brain first

For protection I have zero confidence in any used gun until I fire it, but I have no more confidence in a new gun. I have to find out for myself that it will work before I will depend on it. However I do not consider used guns as potential money pits like I do used cars. For my own use I look for guns that appear to have been carried a lot and shot little. I consider them to be best buys if you are wanting a gun to use.

I'd feel more confident taking such a chance with a military styled gun - not just an AR or black rifle per se, but even something like a Mosin. Why? I could put a bayonet on the end of it, and that I'd know would work.

I had a Taurus Model 85 die on me after less 100 rounds (bought it new!), and a really nice looking 19-2 4" nickel locked up on me after very little use. Had another gun - an NAA Mini Mag - that keyholed whenever you shot it with .22 mag ammo. Then there was the old High Standard DM101 .22 Mag that would go off, but couldn't hit a paper plate from a few paces. One time I even saw a young guy, new to guns (I wan't that old myself at the time, but had at least been around them a bit) get off all of one round from his chrome Bryco (I'm actually a fan of cheap guns mind you) before it locked up and between the two of us and the rangemaster, we couldn't get the slide to pull back or the magazine to come out. Reassuring stuff.

Come to think of it, best I try not to think about those bayonets with one flaw or another that I've seen break after moderate use...

If I just had to rely on an untested handgun, I'd opt for a Sig P229 in .357 Sig. I'd stick a pencil down the barrel (empty chamber) and make sure it went flying when I pulled the trigger (and didn't when I decocked). The bottle neck cartridge and other features of the pistol make one very, very likely to work out of the box used or new if remotely within spec.

I also FTFs.. about 1 every magazine or two. I tried a new mag and it didn't help. It was a used gun, and when I took it back I came out with my 642.

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- The Federalist #46 -

I would trust a used S&W revolver if I just had to. I would be very concerned if I knew I was going into a difficulty with any semi-auto without the opportunity to run a few through it. Not so much with a S&W revolver. I have handled them enough that I believe I could dry fire a few times and tell if the mainspring had been fooled with, or other malfunctions were imminent. I have bought two used S&Ws in recent months, and immediately on dry fire, I said to myself, "Myself, something ain't right with this'un." In both cases, the innards were completely dry of any type of lubricant, and had some rust that was impeding proper function. Not really binding, mind you, but just enough to tell. I have a gunsmith friend with all the tools who will open up the side plate and make things right with a detail cleaning and lube for $20. In both cases, I popped the side plate and said, "This is a job for Tommy," and took the gun to him.

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Georgia On My Mind

Totally agreed. Trusting any machine, new car, used car, new CAT or used CAT bulldozer or firearm is like taking delivery of a new / used airplane that nobody thought of retracting and EXTENDING the landing gear on several times!

How do you test the landing gear without flying the plane?

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Not in jail.

It's a one time thing...


This thread is zombiefied!

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

Put it on blocks and cycle the gear. Not difficult at all. Gets harder the bigger the plane but it can be done.

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Minimize the variables

I am sure the answer is "Both".
In my opinion confidence in a carry weapon of any type (firearm, knife, tomahawk.....) is a matter of degree. Without a thorough test my confidence level is very low. With a new-to-me carry gun, new or used, I generally don't have a high level of confidence until I have fired 300 to 500 rounds with flawless results, and the last 1.5 boxes at least will be with the ammunition that I will be carrying it with. Nothing less than stellar performance will give me the high level of confidence I want before possibly staking my life, or that of a loved one, on any firearm. This activity also allows one to hone their skills with the particular weapon being used. And that is also a very important part of the self defense equation. So, for several reasons, two noted above, I would not carry an unfamiliar piece.
Do others do it? Yes. I have seen it done and I wish them well. The odds are with them that the thing will function, yes, but why not take an action that will increase your odds to closer to 100%? Anything less is gambling, and sometimes there is a looser in that game, too.

I loved this comment! It did put me to thinking.... New brides should be viewed with some speculation as well. I had one NIB, no prior owners, etc. My second one, a used version, was much more conducive to a long term relationship. Been together for well over 30 years, with no plans on a trade-in....

I hope no one ever fires a gun in anger, in fear of your life yes, because someone made you angry will get you thrown in jail for a very long time.
now back on subject, I never bet my life on a gun that I haven't shot hundreds of flawless rounds thru. When the stakes are high I like sure bets.

I had a bit of a "reality check" when I bought a 19-3 a few months back and kept it in my nightstand and glovebox for a week or so before firing it.

When I took it out, the gun locked up solid after the first shot. The ejector rod was stripped, and worked forward under recoil. I could not cock the hammer, and ended up having to use an ammo box to knock the cylinder out of the frame just so that I could unload it during cease fire on the range.

The gun has been at the factory for the past month-although I haven't heard any news, I'm guessing that the threads on the inside of the star were buggered also and it needs a new one.

This was a gun that on dry fire any every other non-firing inspection appeared perfectly fine.

Since then, I won't trust my life to any gun that hasn't been fired in my hands extensively.

I should add also that I hope to never have to use a gun defensively, and view having one as a last resort. With that said, if it comes to needing to us one, I want it to work!

I'll also that new guns are not immune to problems, either. I sent a gun back to Ruger this week that I simply could not hit anything with. It also had some other mechanical "glitches" that only showed up under live fire. I have no doubt that Ruger will make it right, and this was not at all a defensive gun anyway(it was a single action revolver) but still it shows that even new guns have problems.

All the guns I've ever carried for self-defense have been NIB purchases. With the first few, it just happened that way, and later it became "policy". I just don't want to risk carrying some previous owner's problem; the gun may check out fine, but the next shot may be the straw that cracks something or breaks an internal part.
When I was still carrying semi-autos, I also made it a point of testing the specific ammo in all mags. As you all know, with good defensive ammo that gets pricey very quickly, but was worth it to me. One of the nice things since I became a certified old fart and conservative enough to go back to my S&W revolvers, reliable feeding is a non-issue.

As for other brands, there are some which, in a pinch, I'd take right out of the box or pick up used and walk into a gunfight without the slightest worry, and others with which I definitely would expect the worst; but I'm not going to name brand names, or this thread would turn into something like some other Voldemort forums (they-that-must-not-be-named) and we'd all get thrown off .

I've never carried a gun I haven't fired 300-500 times.

That's MY comfort level, Everybody's different.

I think it depends on the firearm. I have a 4006 that I used for carry the day I bought it without taking it to the range but I knew the previous owner and I had seen it function at the range.

Other than that I wouldn't carry a gun without checking it out at the range and that would include a gun of mine that had been in the shop.

There's too much riding on it

ETA it occurred to me after reading this that most of us have more than one gun so there's really no need for anyone to carry an untested gun.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Give me ten minutes with one, and I can tell you definitively if a S&W revolver or Glock will function effectively. For others, I need some range time before I'd be comfortable carrying it, and I'd still want the range time soon with a Glock or S&W. I trust my skills, but making sure is making sure.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I thought I could tell an S&W too...until I came across one on which the ejector rod had been loc-tited in well enough to hold it and make it seem fine.

I have 100% confidence in the store that sold it to me, too...and it was good enough to fool them. The problem only showed up when it was fired.

Well, that ejector rod and star would have part of my fit check, but that's just me . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I have seen maintenance crews use aircraft jacks to test landing gears.

I agree with test firing any gun to be sure it does what it is designed to do. But any machine can and will break. as murphy law states it will happen when it's needed the most. After I have tested my gun I carry it based on faith, faith that it will operate like it did last time I fired it. These are my thoughts.

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Carpriver.

I found that new or used, it didn't matter much; you had to shoot it exactly as you would when carrying. Here's a few examples from my experience:
1. I had a Glock 17; I had shot it quite a bit and liked it a lot. Then Cor-Bon ammo came out (this was quite a while ago). At some expense and trouble, I got some as there was none to be found in El Paso. It wouldn't feed in my 17. Glad I found this out in practice rather than in an emergency. I gave the ammo to a friend with a S&W 39 which liked it a lot
2. I bought a Colt Mustang new. Occasionally it would lock up as if the disconnector hadn't reconnected. I took it to the local Colt repair station. They took it apart, found nothing wrong and put it back together. I then shot some 700 rounds out of it with no trouble. I guess they dislodged a burr or perhaps a metal chip left over from machining.
3. I had a Colt Series 70, 45 ACP. It would function just fine until you fired it just as fast as you could, as in a combat situation. After a couple of rounds, nothing happened whn you pulled the trigger. I stripped it and looked at it and could find nothing wrong. Then I stripped out the sear, disconnector, trigger, etc, and compared them to the mechanism of a Rem Rand I had. The spur on the Colt sear was perceptably longer than that on the GI pistol. I found a GI sear, put it in, and solved the problem. You gotta shoot your pistol just like in combat, to be sure it works OK.