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

[waynewhitacre]

Check bore for obstructions (like squibs)

 

[ColbyBruce]

I used to own 1/2 interest in a Ransom Rest, it came in handy for testing handguns, if you had the proper frame adapter.

I have seen a similar device that was homemade. I was told it used a arm off a commercial skeet throwing machine and a clamp from a USGI Jeep mount for a .30 M1 carbine. It held whatever was in it securely, but had too much slop in it to use for accuracy testing.

 

[zzzippper]

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.

You don't always look where you're shooting?

 

[ky wonder]

new bolt guns are pointed safely in the dirt as the bolt is closed on any long gun, (had a German MarkV Weaterby in 257 web mag, go off one day at the range after repeated safe shots, trigger set screw backed off after several rounds),

 

[Hack]

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.

^^^I do this also.

 

[TTSH]

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..

Clearly, there are different issues with different vintage guns. My dad left me an old Wesson & Harrington .22 revolver (originally his uncle's gun) that I'd love to shoot but I'm really not sure it would hold together.

A couple months back, I found an old Iver Johnson .32 caliber revolver that looked to be in pretty good shape at a very attractive price, but the sales person warned me that I might not want to shoot it.

So far, I own 7 modern plastic wonders bought used. Two are rimfire and they are fine. Can't even call them used. Two are 9mm and no issues there either. The last three are .40's and two of them I trust 100%. Again, near new. It's that third "used & abused" .40 that I'm not so sure about and I haven't fired yet. I had planned to go this week.

Eyes and fingers. Very hard to replace! I want to keep all of them!

 

[zonker5]

On any new gun to me I only load 1 round for the first few shots. Never had a problem but if things go wrong I like to limit the amount of powder involved.

Likewise on a semi-auto I only load 1 or 2 if I have been working in the action. If I screw up and get into slam fires I like to limit exposure.

 

[Walter Rego]

I too like to detail strip, carefully inspect in case I missed anything in the pre-purchase inspection, and clean and lube before any range visit. I will add that with any autoloaders, I never load more than three rounds for the first few magazines. That is enough to tell if it will feed, eject and lock back after the last round (provided that is a normal function for that model) and if it goes full auto it will be a lot easier to control and safer than it would be with a whole magazine full.

 

[Kinman]

I only have one pistol that I was slightly worried about, its a fourth change M&P in 32-20, I was told they had weak cylinders and have never pushed anything past 900fps, I was told even factory loaded stuff can bust them up. Beyond that I have never worried about anything I've ever fired. When firing a newly built muzzleloader its pretty common practice to tie the rifle or pistol to a spare tire and pull the trigger with a long string, never heard of one blowing up. I do have buddy that had an old well used 1851 repop Navy do a multiple cylinder shot on him when he tried to reinforce the recoil ring and got things a bit too tight around the nipples. Fortunately for him there was no damage to the pistol are anyone else, only his ego as a self taught gunsmith. We did notice the extra loud report when three rounds went off together and his sheepish look when he peaked around the corner of the building.

 

[dmar]

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


David

In my best Clint Eastwood voice, 'Ya gotta ask yourself, did I pull that reloader handle one time, or two? Well, did I, punk...?' .

But seriously, I don't go too far with my reloads, but if I do work up a hot one, that's what they make Rugers for... I have a few sacrificial Rugers to be my test pilots, before the new load hits my S&Ws, or Colts.

As for shooting a new to me gun, I buy guns that are in good condition, and don't over think the situation. S far, so good!

 

[Biggfoot44]

Without beating around the bush about generic plastic pistols, the phenomin is regarding certain Glock .40 's. Nowhere near as common as rumored at one time , but has been documented to have happened. Without pulling all the details from my head , Dean Spier's website has the largest collection of infro on the subject I've run across.

Other than that .... If you are working up your loads 0.1gr at a time, the possability of going from a safe load to blowing somthing up in the space of 0.1gr I want to say is impossable. But never saying never , so improbable as to round to zero. You WILL see some flavor of warning sign before anything will blow up.

 

[nevada duke]

It is always a good idea when test firing a newly assembled 1911 type pistol, to test the disconnector function. Load one round and fire it, then load two rounds and fire, three rounds and then you are probably good to go with a full magazine. Full auto in a 1911 is something you don't want to experience.

Best regards, nevada duke

 

[ironhead7544]

I make sure the bore is clean and lockup is OK. Then fire one factory round first. If everything looks OK, then fire some 20 or so factory rounds, looking again for any problems.

Each new handload is tested with one round first. Inspect case and gun for problems. I have had starting loads stick in the chamber.

 

[chief38]

The only hand guns I have bought in the last 21 years have been vintage ones so as soon as I bring it home it gets completely disassembled, cleaned, lubed and thoroughly inspected by me. After that it gets shot. Works for me!