do you read the owners manual?
- Thread starter stumper1300
- Start date
If it's a weapon I know thoroughly (Ruger M77, 1911, AR, Blackhawk, Glock) then not necessarily. If I see something I'm unsure of then I will break out the manual in a heartbeat. Many manufacturers have downloadable PDF files of their manuals on their websites now. God bless smartphones.
Okay, I'll go ahead and say it because nobody else has so far that I've seen:
Yes, I read it, but I dang sure hate it because I can't stand being bombarded for the first thirty pages with diagrams and warnings telling me not to be stupid or careless. And yes, I'm fully aware of the litigious nature of our society, and the trial lawyer's insatiable need for the next high profile lawsuit, especially the gun-hating types just itching for a big class-action suit designed to put a manufacturer out of business. It's an unfortunate period we're living in, folks, and it's only getting worse. Before long those warnings rollmarked on barrels will become neon-colored billboards, and owners manuals will start being printed in volumes.
Just my rant for the day (okay, there'll probably be more)
But, just for kicks I do like to occasionally glance at some manuals I have from the 80s that are about 5 pages long, one page of which is an exploded view schematic and no red font writing in the whole thing.
Yes, I read it, but I dang sure hate it because I can't stand being bombarded for the first thirty pages with diagrams and warnings telling me not to be stupid or careless. And yes, I'm fully aware of the litigious nature of our society, and the trial lawyer's insatiable need for the next high profile lawsuit, especially the gun-hating types just itching for a big class-action suit designed to put a manufacturer out of business. It's an unfortunate period we're living in, folks, and it's only getting worse. Before long those warnings rollmarked on barrels will become neon-colored billboards, and owners manuals will start being printed in volumes.
Just my rant for the day (okay, there'll probably be more)
But, just for kicks I do like to occasionally glance at some manuals I have from the 80s that are about 5 pages long, one page of which is an exploded view schematic and no red font writing in the whole thing.
Come on, does anyone here really read gun manuals? Exploded parts diagram is specifically excluded. There's nothing to read!!! I could only wish a helpful manual would come with a gun. One that explains step by step how to detail strip every part in the firearm, with an explanation of any special tools needed, where to purchase them and prices for special tools.
Then there should be a specification section that outlines exactly what the gun is made of, i.e:
Total of 93 parts:
Frame: Investment Cast Stainless steel, 416R
Slide: Forged high-carbon steel
Trigger:.....
Sear:......
Springs:......
(complete with prices and ordering information)
And performance specs:
Muzzle velocity with xyz ammo.....
Accuracy specifications
Durability factor
Trigger lbs.
Trigger take-up and overtravel specs
Lubrication specs and details
Next, there should be a section for "common problems/parts that break" and details (with pictures) on how to fix/repair such problems.
And finally, a comprehensive of aftermarket goodies available for the particular gun.
That's what should be in the Manual.
Then there should be a specification section that outlines exactly what the gun is made of, i.e:
Total of 93 parts:
Frame: Investment Cast Stainless steel, 416R
Slide: Forged high-carbon steel
Trigger:.....
Sear:......
Springs:......
(complete with prices and ordering information)
And performance specs:
Muzzle velocity with xyz ammo.....
Accuracy specifications
Durability factor
Trigger lbs.
Trigger take-up and overtravel specs
Lubrication specs and details
Next, there should be a section for "common problems/parts that break" and details (with pictures) on how to fix/repair such problems.
And finally, a comprehensive of aftermarket goodies available for the particular gun.
That's what should be in the Manual.
With just about everything that I buy, I read the manual. I scan through the stuff I already know, but I have found that there is almost always something I didn't know in the manual.
My Steyer SSG-04 for example, it's stamped on the barrel for .308, but in the manual it says it's capable of handling the NATO loads as well. Since I've found some really good german surplus 7.62, that's my rifles staple diet for now. it's not as consistent as the federal loads with the sierra match king BTHP, but I get sub MOA all day with it anyway (with a few flyers here and there).
I love that rifle, especially when I out-shoot the guys with the fancy Remington 700's!
My Steyer SSG-04 for example, it's stamped on the barrel for .308, but in the manual it says it's capable of handling the NATO loads as well. Since I've found some really good german surplus 7.62, that's my rifles staple diet for now. it's not as consistent as the federal loads with the sierra match king BTHP, but I get sub MOA all day with it anyway (with a few flyers here and there).
I love that rifle, especially when I out-shoot the guys with the fancy Remington 700's!
bigkrackers
New member
I read the manual if I have extra parts after re-assembling.
Kidding aside, if it's a make/model I've no experience with I will read the manual. I had to do that just recently with a Glock. Never owned one before and the slide removal was frustrating me a bit until I remembered reading someone's rant about never owning a gun you have to pull the trigger of to break it down. The manual didn't tell me I had to do that at least in a way I understood.
Kidding aside, if it's a make/model I've no experience with I will read the manual. I had to do that just recently with a Glock. Never owned one before and the slide removal was frustrating me a bit until I remembered reading someone's rant about never owning a gun you have to pull the trigger of to break it down. The manual didn't tell me I had to do that at least in a way I understood.
I'm right there with Greasemonkey.. I love to handle and read the owners manual when I first get a gun. The only one I've bought used didn't come with it so I looked it up online.
I imagine if I ever buy a duplicate of a gun I probably won't read it.
I do have to admit to not reading them carefully when I first started buying. My first was an XD9 and I was putting a little drop of lube down the firing pin channel. It wasn't until a couple years ago I realized that was a no no.
It just recently started giving me light strikes and issues so I had to detail strip the slide and clean all that gunk out. Funny that it took so long to cause issues.
Now I read the manuals in detail, I'm no gunsmith, I need the directions.
I imagine if I ever buy a duplicate of a gun I probably won't read it.
I do have to admit to not reading them carefully when I first started buying. My first was an XD9 and I was putting a little drop of lube down the firing pin channel. It wasn't until a couple years ago I realized that was a no no.
It just recently started giving me light strikes and issues so I had to detail strip the slide and clean all that gunk out. Funny that it took so long to cause issues.
Now I read the manuals in detail, I'm no gunsmith, I need the directions.