Probably a dumb question regarding blanks

[kent11202]

OK, my wife and I each own a full size M&P 9mm.

My thoughts are - shoot an indruder right off the bat.

Her thoughts are - fire a blank first and then go full tilt if they take even one more step. (At least all is not lost. )

So, the question is this. If the first round were a blank, would it be powerful enough to cock the firearm for a second round?

She also has a .38 revolver and, as such, this has obviously never been a question.

If this is feasible, who makes a blank round that can do this?

Thanks in advance guys and Merry Christmas!

 

[Jyezahn]

I'm not sure about handguns, but 5.56 blanks in M-16's work just fine, but only cycle with a blank firing adapter. (basically a plug in the end of the barrel that forces the gases to cycle the bolt. And they will do damage if fired at a person without the blank firing adapter, but you'll only get the one shot. There will be burnt powder and fire coming out the front.

My opinion is that if confronting a burglar in your home, or any other self defense situation, verbal warning would be the most I would do before putting a real bullet into them.

 

[handgunner356]

Blanks won't cycle a unmodified semiauto. Sounds like a bad idea all around, shooting is either justifiable or it's not.

 

[Jyezahn]

Just a thought, firing a blank round would probably be considered a "warning shot". Some municipalities have regulations about whether or not warning shots can be fired.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I would not do that. Simply yelling "Get the @#%$! out of my house" is the first thing to do after you called 911. That will work a lot of times (so I've heard). It would work with me, if I were in that situation. Keep in mind most burglars just want your stuff/money. They don't want to get killed in the process. If you are going to fire at them, it shouldn't be a blank. I know warning shots are often against the law (seems odd). Firing a blank would be too? Firing a blank may provoke them. They may even fire back in self defense. If you really need to bring a gun into it, you should have a bullet envolved too, IMHO.

 

[JaPes]

Warning shots are for movies. The very act of pulling the trigger means that you are in a grave situation in fear for your life. You may only get one shot.

 

[jinx]

If you have a gun for self defense it better be loaded with real bullets.

 

[BruceM]

Again, blanks will not operate an unmodified autoloading pistol. A pistol modified for blanks cannot be fired with real ammunition because the barrel is restricted and recoil springs are modified.

Firing blanks in a revolver is another situation entirely because the action is operated with your finger and not a firing cartridge.

Bruce

 

[geoff40]

Though your wife's thoughts have good intention behind them, the fact is once it's time to shoot, blanks are going to cause delay which might cost someone their life. It could turn the table against you and cause you/her to lose.
Additionally because itis a blank, there is a high risk of failure or jam.

 

[Lost Lake]

I'm making popcorn...

This is going to be a well posted thread!!!

I'd never have a blank as the first round. You may only get one shot.

 

[danysw]

Wow… as Lost Lake wrote this is going to be an interesting thread. As said before in a semi auto blanks does not work, just in special prepared guns for doing that. My brother has the theory of “racking the slide”. He said that in your home is better to have your gun without a round in the chamber, when you heard somebody inside your house you take your gun and rack the slide, this precise sound is well known by burglars and bad guys and will be enough to make them go away. IMHO I think that this is not a good idea, what about if those people are determined to kill anybody in the house when they feel at risk? The slide racking sound will put them on guard. I always have one chambered round in my EDC (M&P 9C) and one round in the chamber of my HD (Sig p226 Tac Ops) always having in my mind that pulling the trigger is the last resort but always prepared to do it if I have to. And remember, practice, practice, practice, fast draw, fast opening of your night side safe without even looking at it and hundreds of hours at the range doing drills will help.

 

[Maddmax]

I'm making popcorn...

This is going to be a well posted thread!!!

I'd never have a blank as the first round. You may only get one shot.

I'll grab the beverages.. Pop,beer or break out a bottle of the good stuff ?

 

[mcbizkit02]

You'll be firing a blank while he is firing real bullets. Sounds like a great idea!

 

[Kelly Green]

If pointing a weapon at an intruder doesn’t stop him, pulling the trigger will. Be safe not sorry. Blanks are for starting races.

 

[Forsmithers]

Kelly Green,
I agree 100%!!

 

[Jyezahn]

Wow… as Lost Lake wrote this is going to be an interesting thread. As said before in a semi auto blanks does not work, just in special prepared guns for doing that. My brother has the theory of “racking the slide”. He said that in your home is better to have your gun without a round in the chamber, when you heard somebody inside your house you take your gun and rack the slide, this precise sound is well known by burglars and bad guys and will be enough to make them go away. IMHO I think that this is not a good idea, what about if those people are determined to kill anybody in the house when they feel at risk? The slide racking sound will put them on guard. I always have one chambered round in my EDC (M&P 9C) and one round in the chamber of my HD (Sig p226 Tac Ops) always having in my mind that pulling the trigger is the last resort but always prepared to do it if I have to. And remember, practice, practice, practice, fast draw, fast opening of your night side safe without even looking at it and hundreds of hours at the range doing drills will help.

I agree, keep one in the chamber. You may not have time to rack the slide. There is no rule that says the intruder has to make any noise to alert you before entering your room with a gun or a knife. No rule that says you will wake up with enough time to rack your slide.

 

[robkarrob]

No civilized person wants to take another's life. What your wife is thinking, maybe they will run away. Keep the gun loaded and ready to fire. Not a bad idea but if she wants a warning shot, use a real shot, only directed to a safe area. Not too much damage to drywall. The sound of a handgun in a home is deafening. Also be prepared for the flash, if dark. But train to be prepared to use deadly force. Your home is your castle and you have the right to defend it, even if deadly force is required.

I agree at this point you don't know if your life is in danger. Is it a teenager looking for something to sell for drugs? But don't let your guard down, they could mean to harm you. I am a retired LEO and had hundreds of opportunities to shoot at perps. I never fired as they were all non life threatening offences. But I was the department sharpshooter, and if deadly force was required, I was more than ready to make it happen.

Bob

 

[Jyezahn]

Not a bad idea but if she wants a warning shot, use a real shot, only directed to a safe area. Not too much damage to drywall.

I gotta disagree with this. This is one of the main reasons warning shots are not legal in a lot of municipalities. You never know where your round is going to end up. 9mm will go through more than just drywall, and you cannot be sure of a "safe area" unless you have no nearby neighbors and know that there is nobody walking down the road, etc. Especially if you have other people in the house (children, grandparents, etc) you never know where they are. They may have gotten up because of a sound and are hiding somewhere other than their bed. The uncertainty is too risky. IMO, a verbal warning would be the safest warning to give, if any.

 

[pineappleshooter]

If I shoot an intruder all they will hear is "Bang, Bang, Bang" followed by "Freeze or I'll shoot"!

 

[chief4guns]

Even in a revolver I have found blanks to be a bad idea. Without the force of the bullet exiting the case on ignition, the shell does not seat aganist the recoil shield.The primers will pop back and hang the gun up. If you dont believe this, load a round or two with primers and give it a try. Blanks in an auto. Not unless you want to practice clearing a jam if the slide even makes it that far. Just a bad idea all around from the mechanical functioning standpoint! Chief