More Silly Questions from Helmer the Neophyte

[Klein Helmer]

This is sort of a follow up to this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/321843-tell-me-im-crazy.html#post137283071

Let me start again by saying thanks for the helpful responses in the above linked thread. If anyone has any further advice I would very much appreciate them sharing it.

Long story short, I saw a stainless steel, N frame 629 at the gun store, realized I didn't have my card, so gave the store a few hundred bucks in cash to hold it for me. I was asked to hold the gun in order I could verify (what I believe was) the serial number. In any case, my hands were a bit dirty at the time (a bit of rust and grit), and thinking back on it I was worried that I may have transferred a corrosive or otherwise damaging element onto my gun.

The posters on the board seemed to think there was little for me to worry about, but suggested either calling or visiting the store. They seemed to think that gun stores usually wipe down guns after being handled, thus eliminating my concern, but this had not happened.

Anyway, I went to the store to give them some more money and inquire about my misgiving regarding the handling of the gun. The guy took it out, said it seemed fine, and without asking me, causally started handling the gun, playing with the hammer, taking out and rotating the cylinder, etc. This took me off guard, and I involuntarily made a face that probably communicated, "um, dude, what are you doing with my gun?"

I then asked him if the gunsmiths at the store did trigger jobs. He started by saying, "Yes, they are renowned for their trigger jobs, and they are also relatively inexpensive." Great, I thought, he had me sold. Then, still casually playing with my gun, he adds, "You can also give yourself a trigger job," and proceeds to dry fire my brand new revolver about ten times.

Again, taken completely off guard, I slightly recoil, and say, "Oh, that's alright, I'll just have the professional take care of it." He insists again that not only is dry firing the revolver harmless, but in fact, per the instructions of Smith and Wesson, beneficial for the piece. He then starts firing it AGAIN!

After all of this, the gun never got rubbed down, and the guy at the store, without my permission, played with the hammer and cylinder, and dry fired the thing probably close to two dozen times.

My questions:

Do you think it is safe to assume that the gun is still in mint condition despite being handled with somewhat gritty/possibly rusty hands?

Do you think the gun is still in mint condition despite being repeatedly dry fired?

Is it true that dry firing is harmless for a stainless steel, N frame, 629?

Do you think I was justified in being slightly put off by a complete stranger handling and repeatedly dry firing one of my first guns without permission?

With regard to gun maintenance, what steps should I take to avoid unnecessary wear, rust, etc?

I live in a climate that can become quite humid during the summer months. I want to make sure I do everything I can to counteract the potentially negative effects of the weather (I've heard fluctuating humidity can rust guns), and also to be careful after shooting on a hot day (in case the grips get sweaty).

I was also wondering how often (and how) I should clean the cylinder or any other parts of the gun.

I was also wondering what sort of cloth, if any, I should use to wipe down the gun.

Again, I am brand new to this, and these purchases are somewhat significant and I want to do absolutely everything possible to take care of them.

I would very much like to hear what you all have to say to the preceding questions, and please let me know if there is anything I have left out.

Best,

- Helmer

 

[Jimk686]

I had questions about dry firing when I first got my 686. I'm sure you can find other references to it on this site, but Smith & Weson says there is no problem dry firing their revolvers (some exceptions such as rim fire I believe). I can also say that dry firing to get familiar with the gun prior to being able to get to the range helped work my trigger in nicely. This would have also happened had I been firing ammo during that time, my guess it was just the number of trigger pulls that did it. I was satisfied that S&W said it is just fine.

Found the link to their FAQ's, 3rd one down... FAQ's

 

[DonD]

I talked to Herb Belin, revolver program manager at S&W when I was getting my first .500 Mag in 2003. He said dry firing was fine, didn't really like some who told him they sat in front of the TV for hours dry firing but as a general rule, no issue.

I think your gun is fine but I too would not appreciate some counter jockey playing with my new gun, it isn't his, leave it alone.

Not sure I'd trust his comment about a trigger job based on his behavior. You can always send it back to S&W's custom shop for more work if you desire or send it to a well known custom shop like Cylinder & Slide or others.

Cleaning your cylinder? Not needed if you've cleaned it after shooting. After you've cleaned the firing "crud" off and run a damp patch through each cylinder bore, run a dry patch through and there'll be plenty of corrosion resistance left behind unless it is stored in a very humid environment for a long period. One note, never shoot any gun with a lubricated or greased chamber, it will result in excessive pressure against the action as the case will want to slide to the rear instead of expanding to grip the chamber walls.

One thing though, NEVER apply steel wool to a stainless gun, it my create corrosion initiation spots. Use an impregnated cloth from cleaning company's product lines such as silicone cloths.

Enjoy a fine revolver. Don

 

[Breechloader]

The guy is correct that dry firing a centerfire revolver is fine and does help break it in. Does a lot less to it than that .44 mag going off is gonna do

 

[snubbyfan]

I dry fire my snubby pretty much every night. It really helps with trigger control at the range. Don't just sit there pullin' the trigger. Point the gun at something across the room, get a proper grip and sight picture and practice a steady trigger pull while keeping the gun on target. Just make sure to check and double check that the gun's unloaded and that what you're pointing the gun at and what's beyond won't cause too much damage "just in case." Practice both single and double action, Shooting with both eyes open and weak hand. If dryfiring on empty gun makes you nervous, get some snap caps.
I've got a laser on my snubby and I put a red dot on my wife's favorite Pooh Bears tummy and practice keeping it there while I pull the trigger.
I clean my gun after every range session and wipe it down occasionally with an oily rag. Since it's also my carry gun, I unload it every night, wipe it down, check the bore and chambers for debris and wipe them out if necessary, reload it and keep it next to me.

 

[mc5aw]

Do you think it is safe to assume that the gun is still in mint condition despite being handled with somewhat gritty/possibly rusty hands?

Yes. The gun shop clerk would need to do a lot more than handle the revolver and dry fire it a few times to make it less than mint.

Do you think the gun is still in mint condition despite being repeatedly dry fired?

Yes. You have no idea how many times the 629 has been dry fired before you found it. Maybe none, maybe 100 times, maybe more. If you checked it over, and the timing is fine, then it should be good to go.

Is it true that dry firing is harmless for a stainless steel, N frame, 629?

Everything in moderation. If you want to be entirely sure about safely dry firing the revolver, invested in a pack of snap caps.

Do you think I was justified in being slightly put off by a complete stranger handling and repeatedly dry firing one of my first guns without permission?

Yes. I would have been annoyed also, but it's not much different than worrying about what goes on in the restaurant kitchen with your food before it's served. Technically it's not yours until you have paid in full and walk out with it. Let Jr. have his fun ... the 629 will be with you soon enough.

With regard to gun maintenance, what steps should I take to avoid unnecessary wear, rust, etc?

Shoot it, clean it. End of story.

I was also wondering how often (and how) I should clean the cylinder or any other parts of the gun.

Shoot it, clean it. End of story.

I was also wondering what sort of cloth, if any, I should use to wipe down the gun.

Cotton patches are best as they are minimal lint leavers. Good quality automotive shop rags also work well. Use the firearms lubricant of your choice for cleaning and storage. BreakFree is excellent, as is Hoppes. Ballistol has its fans too. There are many to choose from.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Dry firing is not harmful. It smooths the action, and helps you learn the trigger. The old S&W instruction sheets used to recommend dry firing with an empty gun.

Break free CLP works fine to prevent corrosion. Put some on a patch and apply to the barrel and each charge hole. Some on an old T-shirt is a useful rag to wipe down the exterior.

As to frequency of cleaning, some clean after each shooting session. Some do not. Some clean once per shooting season (once per year).

The important issue is to keep a light coat of oil on the exterior and inside the barrel and each charge hole to guard against rust.

As to handling with hands covered with rust and grit - no biggie. Just wipe it down and re-oil once you get home.

 

[TACC1]

Helmer,
Had to chuckle at your response to the clerk doing
the dry firing. I feel just the same. I about fell over
when a fellow at the shop started dryfiring a nice, old,
I-frame. Couldn't help myself.
If you have doubts about dryfiring, get some snap-caps.
Somewhere arounf 500-700 snaps on a new 442, out of
a rhousand, made the trigger smooth right out. You could
feel the obvious difference.
Nothing in the world like a new gun!
TACC1

 

[DonD]

Some do not. Some clean once per shooting season (once per year).

I don't know about you but to me that's neglect, about like not changing your cars oil but once every 5 yrs and I'd suggest likely to compromise reliability. Don

 

[Hillbilly77]

I was pissed when the "counter-jockey" cycled the action on my NIB SP101 last year.
We were doing the final check of the paperwork, etc. before I left the store with my brand-new, still-in-the-plastic-bag-gun. As part of the check, the Dept. Manager had to verify the serial number on the gun. He took the gun out of the see-through plastic (not sure why he needed to take it out of the plastic bag - IT'S SEE-THROUGH!!) and verified the S/N. Then, as if he had some irresistible compulsion, he cocked the hammer back and cycled the action. Grrrr....
I know that guns are test-fired, etc., but as far as I'm concerned, that doesn't count when the gun is NIB at the store.
Some buffoon can't keep himself from messing with your gun? Yup, irritating to no end. Will it hurt the gun? No. Aggravating? Yes!

Anyway, I agree with other posters - it didn't hurt your gun, but I agree with the sentiment to not take his word for it about the action job he offered - have your gun tuned elsewhere if you so choose.

Again, enjoy your new gun.