baccusboy
Member
Depends on the model. If it's a Glock, I'd try a box of ammo. If it's a Kahr, follow the minimum instructions they list (something like 300?).
How many rounds until you ccw?
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chriss2760
Member
200 for a revolver, 1000 for a pistol.
team sidewinder
Member
While I carried my Sig. 229R 9mm concealed with not more than 50 rounds through it I had no problems counting on this gun to be reliable with any ammo or my ability to use this weapon for SD. But all that said I followed up with a tactical pistol training school shooting 200 rounds with a expert instructor. I think sometimes the higher round count through your firearm while important isn't as important as the proper way to actually handle your firearm in a SD concealed firearm situation. I can't believe how much the tactical pistol school improved my confidence with CCW and corrected some bad habits I had. Money well spent IMHO.
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giddyupsut
Member
I'm of the school of thought- "Shoot what you'll carry"
It is more expensive but there will be no surprises.
It is more expensive but there will be no surprises.
pff
Member
And all things mechanical fail eventually. Quality arms have a longer MTBF but brown stuff happens.
You DO practice your immediate action drills, don't you?
With the sorry state of QC in ammo, you'd best do so.
Regards,
Pat
"Why should I clean it? It's brand new!"
That's the same guy who'll take a brand new crate engine, fill it with fluids and install it without first dropping the oil pan to look things over inside. A few minutes of prep time can prevent a whole lot of fix-it time.
Doug M.
Member
Wilson combat specifically says NOT to disassemble/clean their new pistol until shooting 300-500 rounds. It's probably an exception to the general rule, but they have their reasons for that position. I'm a lot less concerned when testing a revolver, although a malf (when a gun doesn't work it is a malfunction - "jam" goes on toast) in a revolver is a much harder problem to resolve than in an autopistol; most of those are solved with an immediate action drill.
The last autopistol I tested was an issued G21. It got about 200 rounds of ball and 300 rounds of duty ammo before qualification, partly for familiarization with the different feel and new holster, partly because of the need to test. That's minimal. It also got a couple hundred rounds around the qualification course and related events.
I have an early Wilson KZ9. When they first came out, the mags were a soup sandwich. I helped the then shop manager with testing and evaluation of the mags and their evolving configuration. When they were confident it was right and I got it back, I ran over 800 rounds of mixed ammo, mostly good carry ammo, without cleaning, and with no malfunctions. I still have not had a malfunction since. I do not use cheap ammo; most of my practice ammo is Black Hills, and serious ammo is BH, Winchester, or Speer Gold Dot.
My Hilton Yam built 1911 has had a couple thousand rounds through it since I have owned it. 4 malfs were related to using +p ammo for which it was not tuned - answer: don't do that. I think I had 1, maybe 2 others, using the cheap department training ammo. Over 1000 rounds of duty ammo and a decent amount of BH ball - no malfs.
The last autopistol I tested was an issued G21. It got about 200 rounds of ball and 300 rounds of duty ammo before qualification, partly for familiarization with the different feel and new holster, partly because of the need to test. That's minimal. It also got a couple hundred rounds around the qualification course and related events.
I have an early Wilson KZ9. When they first came out, the mags were a soup sandwich. I helped the then shop manager with testing and evaluation of the mags and their evolving configuration. When they were confident it was right and I got it back, I ran over 800 rounds of mixed ammo, mostly good carry ammo, without cleaning, and with no malfunctions. I still have not had a malfunction since. I do not use cheap ammo; most of my practice ammo is Black Hills, and serious ammo is BH, Winchester, or Speer Gold Dot.
My Hilton Yam built 1911 has had a couple thousand rounds through it since I have owned it. 4 malfs were related to using +p ammo for which it was not tuned - answer: don't do that. I think I had 1, maybe 2 others, using the cheap department training ammo. Over 1000 rounds of duty ammo and a decent amount of BH ball - no malfs.
Edmo
US Veteran
Here is the deal: Run it until you feel comfy with performance and function. Test each magazine (clips for those who cringe at the term) for function and work some carry ammo though it. You should shoot enough to feel confident in the gun's function.
I would feel good carrying a new (insert G-word brand here) fresh from the box! For some of the other autos out there it might take a few more rounds to feel confident...
From my experience a revolver should take even less, unless it is one of new polymer BG38 "Bodyguards".
I will not quote a number because there is not a "real" number out there. Some of the manufacturers (Kahr for instance) mentions 200 round for break-in. If you say 50 rounds, 500, or 5,000 rounds someone will say you are crazy unless you fire that many rounds + 100 through it!
Remember, if they give you grief ask them how often they change their motor oil!
Edmo
I would feel good carrying a new (insert G-word brand here) fresh from the box! For some of the other autos out there it might take a few more rounds to feel confident...
From my experience a revolver should take even less, unless it is one of new polymer BG38 "Bodyguards".I will not quote a number because there is not a "real" number out there. Some of the manufacturers (Kahr for instance) mentions 200 round for break-in. If you say 50 rounds, 500, or 5,000 rounds someone will say you are crazy unless you fire that many rounds + 100 through it!
Remember, if they give you grief ask them how often they change their motor oil!
Edmo
crofoot629
Absent Comrade
Buy a G19?
save ammo
Emory
save ammo
Emory
PBR DRIVER
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With my carry type of ammo, 500 minimum with no issues which would be ammo related.
Sounds like a lot to some but how much shooting is your life worth?
Sounds like a lot to some but how much shooting is your life worth?
They say that because they want you to be familiar with the gun you bring to class. They don't have the time to wait on you to get things straight once the class starts.
Ralph G. Briscoe
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Why in the world would you need to put 250-300 rounds through any revolver to establish reliability???? I'm a revolver guy. One of the beautys of the wheelgun is it's functioning with virtually anything you feed it. If it's in time, and if it's not one of those 11oz wonders that are wont to pull bullets, a couple of cylinders full to establish that there's no problem with light strikes (which should only happen if the gun has been the victim of bad amateur gunsmithing) should be completely sufficient. Bottom-feeders are another matter entirely--just don't try to tar the wheelgun with the reliability issues of the autoloader.
pff
Member
I also prefer resolvers for their reliability and uncomplicated manual-of-arms.
The weapon and its ammo is a system and need be tested together.
The ammo used in a round gun needs to be verified in that weapon to _your_ comfort level. For me its at least 100 with the same load/lot number I'm carrying.
I have seen a lot of Federal 158gr LSWCHP (yes, old reliable) that would pull bullets in a steel K frame, so it just ain't the AirLites that are the problem. TEST!
I also test a revolver at least a couple of strings as fast as I can fire to get it seriously hot. Had a Model 15 once that would lock up into the 2nd or 3rd cylinder when hot. Firing at a deliberate pace at the range, no problems.
Again, its what my comfort level is, which is what the OP asked for.
Regards,
Pat
The weapon and its ammo is a system and need be tested together.
The ammo used in a round gun needs to be verified in that weapon to _your_ comfort level. For me its at least 100 with the same load/lot number I'm carrying.
I have seen a lot of Federal 158gr LSWCHP (yes, old reliable) that would pull bullets in a steel K frame, so it just ain't the AirLites that are the problem. TEST!
I also test a revolver at least a couple of strings as fast as I can fire to get it seriously hot. Had a Model 15 once that would lock up into the 2nd or 3rd cylinder when hot. Firing at a deliberate pace at the range, no problems.
Again, its what my comfort level is, which is what the OP asked for.
Regards,
Pat
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AJMBLAZER
Member
500 rounds for an auto. By the end of that 500 everything should be running fine. As someone mentioned before there may be issues during that time but not after.
That's just the "break in" period to me. Sorta like the initial ownership of a new vehicle where you are supposed to drive very sedately and not strain it. Parts are wearing in and sorta "heat treating" themselves.
It's like putting new gears into an axle. You HAVE to wear them in properly including several heat cycles to get the proper durability out of them. People have told me that's BS but I've also seen some of those same people shatter ring gear that shouldn't have done so.
Never owned a new revolver but generally until I'm comfortable with it being reliable and trouble free.
That's just the "break in" period to me. Sorta like the initial ownership of a new vehicle where you are supposed to drive very sedately and not strain it. Parts are wearing in and sorta "heat treating" themselves.
It's like putting new gears into an axle. You HAVE to wear them in properly including several heat cycles to get the proper durability out of them. People have told me that's BS but I've also seen some of those same people shatter ring gear that shouldn't have done so.
Never owned a new revolver but generally until I'm comfortable with it being reliable and trouble free.
gmanbat
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This is my first post other than my introduction. After reading posts here I think you guys would have mercy on someone who is greener than a sea-sick frog. 
I have not yet shot my new S&W 38 Special 642-2. I have cleaned the gun. I am planning on going to the range today with my daughter and granddaughter. I only have a box of Winchester 130 grain Full Metal Jackets, (50), and a box 25 Hornady Critical Defense. I am thinking that is not adequate for a break in period but will do as an introduction for 3 people who have never fired a pistol. Do I have my mind right?
I have not yet shot my new S&W 38 Special 642-2. I have cleaned the gun. I am planning on going to the range today with my daughter and granddaughter. I only have a box of Winchester 130 grain Full Metal Jackets, (50), and a box 25 Hornady Critical Defense. I am thinking that is not adequate for a break in period but will do as an introduction for 3 people who have never fired a pistol. Do I have my mind right?
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AJMBLAZER
Member
Wouldn't consider that an adequate break in period myself.
That said the 130gr FMJ's will probably be a decent "starter" easy round for your daughter and grand daughter. Low power and low recoil.
The Hornady rounds may not be as friendly though.
That said the 130gr FMJ's will probably be a decent "starter" easy round for your daughter and grand daughter. Low power and low recoil.
The Hornady rounds may not be as friendly though.
Don't expect the same point of impact with those two types of 38 Special ammo though. I'm trying to remember how many rounds I shot through the M16A1 I was issued before the Army expected me to trust it. 18 if I remember correctly spent zeroing it once I arrived at my duty station. Plus another 18 round magazine the Range NCO gave me for practice once I was zeroed.
gmanbat
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We shot 100 rounds of Winchester 130 grain Full Metal Jackets and shot just 5 of the Critical Defense. That was about all we could accomplish with just the 1/2 hour before quiting time and 4 people sharing 2 guns, ( we rented another 38 SPL from the range).
It is easy to see that all of us need a lot more range time and some training from the pros there. I will do what I can on the internet gleaning knowledge, though. Amazingly, I seemed to do better with the Harnady's.
It is easy to see that all of us need a lot more range time and some training from the pros there. I will do what I can on the internet gleaning knowledge, though. Amazingly, I seemed to do better with the Harnady's.
AJMBLAZER
Member
You were probably just trying a bit harder when firing those. More potent/stiffer recoil/cost more/etc.
My girlfriend has a .357 Model 60 snub and I swear to god she fires .357 rounds better than .38 in it. Always seems like she's more focused and gripping it tighter while shooting the heavier stuff. Put .38 plinkers in and she sorta relaxes and doesn't do as well.
My girlfriend has a .357 Model 60 snub and I swear to god she fires .357 rounds better than .38 in it. Always seems like she's more focused and gripping it tighter while shooting the heavier stuff. Put .38 plinkers in and she sorta relaxes and doesn't do as well.
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