Pistol reliability tips
- Thread starter snyper85
- Start date
Bob Wright
New member
Tried black powder once. Never could see where my bullets hit, by the time the smoke cleared, the dust had settled.
And, one round touched off some unburned powder in front of the firing line, had us a little blaze going there for a minute as the grass continued to burn.
And then my brass was so smoked up, like to have never got my cases clean.
And, my bore got so fouled, my groups climbed nearly six inches in less than fifty rounds.
I'll stick with smokeless.
Bob Wright
oh I love it all the same, wheelguns, BP and autos. About 30 minutes ago was glock time on the front porch. Thats everyday or every other day for me. Not my funnest because its all the same but I love to push myself and my duty gun on top of that. Not all cops will shot at the BG and hit every bystander in harms way!
@ AH.74 I use flitz metal polish. I love how everyone in this thread is bashing me for giving tips that I found to be usefull. I never said anybody HAD to do anything I said. I'm sure my gun would have functioned fine without buffing it, but I wanted to do something to mimic the break in period. Also I know many people that own unreliable by design guns (ppk,colt mustang) because they like the way they look or feel. I made a friends ppk extremely reliable by doing the tips I previously stated. I was just trying to help some people that may be having problems with there firearms.
marine6680
New member
The "whats your life worth" argument was brought back up again...
Its like some people don't understand the term "budget"...
Some people would love to own a nice HK, Sig, Colt, etc, etc... But they can't even afford to buy a used Glock.
There are people out there that find it hard to save $150 over the course of several months or more... Live paycheck to paycheck, always worried they can't pay rent this month... or the alternator on the car goes out, and now all they can afford to eat is pinto beans for the next month... You really expect them to save up $800+ for a new gun?
Then there are those that are not so bad off, but $400 dollars spent on something less than directly practical, like a tv or gun is a big consideration... and the intangible what if/maybe scenario of needing to defend oneself sometime in the unknown future is even more hard to justify.
When a bad guy is in front of you, the $150 Hi-point in your hands now... is a hell of a lot better than the $800 Sig still sitting in the display case at the gun shop.
Just because you can afford to spend the $800... even if you have to save for several months... Does not make you a better person or better as a gun owner... Don't forget that there are those much less fortunate than you... And they deserve to have the ability to defend themselves just like anyone else... they are not inferior just because they are poor.
I've lived the "pinto bean poor" life as a child... We were not on welfare or food stamps... My parents were too proud for that, both worked long hours to keep bills paid... They would work so long of hours, that me and my sister had to learn responsibility young. We got ourselves up for school and handled most of the household chores. (including cooking when we got old enough... about 12-13) I often lived in some shady trailer parks in small town Alabama... definitely some white trash places full of questionable motives.
One day when I was about 7, the sole of my shoes started coming loose, soon it got so bad that I let my parents know... my mom said I would have to wait until she could save up enough for a cheap pair, and that I might just need to use duck tape or something until then... My dad didn't like the idea of sending me off to school like that. We went to walmart and I got a cheapo pair of $10-15 shoes... that little bit of money spent on shoes wiped out our food budget, and we had to eat pinto beans every day for a week.
Did I or my family not deserve the same as everyone else? (At least within our capabilities anyway, we didn't do handouts)
Fortunately I am no longer in that situation, as I grew older, our lives improved, we managed to get into a house in a better neighborhood. I finished school and pursued well paying fields... and my mother is doing much better now. Finally got a decent paying job, and she is remarried to an engineer, they just built a real nice house as they approach retirement. She deserves it... she worked long hours sometimes two jobs and even attended college courses at night for a while.
Ok... end long tangent filled rant
Its like some people don't understand the term "budget"...
Some people would love to own a nice HK, Sig, Colt, etc, etc... But they can't even afford to buy a used Glock.
There are people out there that find it hard to save $150 over the course of several months or more... Live paycheck to paycheck, always worried they can't pay rent this month... or the alternator on the car goes out, and now all they can afford to eat is pinto beans for the next month... You really expect them to save up $800+ for a new gun?
Then there are those that are not so bad off, but $400 dollars spent on something less than directly practical, like a tv or gun is a big consideration... and the intangible what if/maybe scenario of needing to defend oneself sometime in the unknown future is even more hard to justify.
When a bad guy is in front of you, the $150 Hi-point in your hands now... is a hell of a lot better than the $800 Sig still sitting in the display case at the gun shop.
Just because you can afford to spend the $800... even if you have to save for several months... Does not make you a better person or better as a gun owner... Don't forget that there are those much less fortunate than you... And they deserve to have the ability to defend themselves just like anyone else... they are not inferior just because they are poor.
I've lived the "pinto bean poor" life as a child... We were not on welfare or food stamps... My parents were too proud for that, both worked long hours to keep bills paid... They would work so long of hours, that me and my sister had to learn responsibility young. We got ourselves up for school and handled most of the household chores. (including cooking when we got old enough... about 12-13) I often lived in some shady trailer parks in small town Alabama... definitely some white trash places full of questionable motives.
One day when I was about 7, the sole of my shoes started coming loose, soon it got so bad that I let my parents know... my mom said I would have to wait until she could save up enough for a cheap pair, and that I might just need to use duck tape or something until then... My dad didn't like the idea of sending me off to school like that. We went to walmart and I got a cheapo pair of $10-15 shoes... that little bit of money spent on shoes wiped out our food budget, and we had to eat pinto beans every day for a week.
Did I or my family not deserve the same as everyone else? (At least within our capabilities anyway, we didn't do handouts)
Fortunately I am no longer in that situation, as I grew older, our lives improved, we managed to get into a house in a better neighborhood. I finished school and pursued well paying fields... and my mother is doing much better now. Finally got a decent paying job, and she is remarried to an engineer, they just built a real nice house as they approach retirement. She deserves it... she worked long hours sometimes two jobs and even attended college courses at night for a while.
Ok... end long tangent filled rant
Last edited:
warningshot
New member
I'm with snyper85
I had to set the timing on my brand new Echo Chain Saw with 10 pound sledge hammer one time. Didn't hurt the hammer at all.
I had to set the timing on my brand new Echo Chain Saw with 10 pound sledge hammer one time. Didn't hurt the hammer at all.
marine6680
New member
Some tough shoes to last 25+ years.
marine6680
New member
The post was a bit long and rant'y...
Basically, I find that the "whats your life worth" argument pointless and counter productive. It tends to come off as condescending or uninformed.
Some simply can not afford to spend a lot, we need to be willing to help and steer those people to something that not only can they afford but will also serve them well. Be it a cheap used S&W revolver, or an even cheaper Hi-point 9mm.
There are some cheap brands to avoid, but some function well despite the low cost and crude manufacturing.
Basically, I find that the "whats your life worth" argument pointless and counter productive. It tends to come off as condescending or uninformed.
Some simply can not afford to spend a lot, we need to be willing to help and steer those people to something that not only can they afford but will also serve them well. Be it a cheap used S&W revolver, or an even cheaper Hi-point 9mm.
There are some cheap brands to avoid, but some function well despite the low cost and crude manufacturing.
Winchester_73
New member
Wrong marine. Your post is wrong for many reasons the chief one being you actually didn't understand me at all. I will reply to what you said in the thread that you basically started about my post, which you completely misunderstood.
The sad thing is that I read my post before finalizing, re-read it, and purposely tried to make it non-offensive, accurate, fair, and truthful and yet still, people don't get the moral of the story.
Your reply to me is really a reply to everyone in your life who wronged you because of their snobbery, or a perception by you of them. Either way, your reply was out of sorts and baseless.
I really hope that nothing happens to anyone who is new to guns and concealed carry because of the crap that is sometimes posted on this forum.
New shooters or people who are just getting involved in guns are just like we once were. I when I was in junior high school bought pistols for $100.00. They weren't cheapos some were smiths some were Cheapos. But I started somewhere and now I know what I had, I understand what I want now and I got to do what has to be done to get it. My best gun so far is a Glock 22 gen 4 and new it only costed $419.00. For a gun that's not terrible expensive. And if I had no money or little money. I'd either save to pay the 400 in payments or buy a used gun for cheaper. They're out there from time to timeayne not around every corner but they are. But I wouldn't get a el cheapo and grind this, bend this and flitz this to make it shoot. In the end you still have a el cheapo that is unreliable and prob full of problems continually. I know the Op is talking about helping his gun function that's all, and is prob a great gun but then that one poster got panties in a wad about being poor and none of his post made sense to me. Everyone mainly will start out and upgrade through the years. Some will start off with Sigs or HKs. So, I dont care. I'm still doing what I'm going to do in the end., staying away from el cheapo. But I do love pinto beans.
marine6680
New member
I didn't mean to be overly sensitive... I'm not in a huge huff over here.
I just never find it a productive way to go about things.
I have people reply with that argument, and never actually contribute, they parrot the same thing several times in the same thread.
"Get something more expensive"
"I can't afford to"
"don't care do it anyway"
I'm not saying anyone in this thread has done so.
I just never find it a productive way to go about things.
I have people reply with that argument, and never actually contribute, they parrot the same thing several times in the same thread.
"Get something more expensive"
"I can't afford to"
"don't care do it anyway"
I'm not saying anyone in this thread has done so.
In the context of deciding on which kind of gun to get to defend your life, whether you're poor or rich, I'm not getting why it's being "condescending or uninformed" to ask the question "what's your life worth" as a yardstick for making an informed choice. As the oldest of seven children living on the edge of poverty for all of my childhood, Marine, I can match your "sob story" with my sob story every year of my life growing up. But when it came time to get and decide on what kind of house insurance to get, my father made sure we had the right kind, even if beans became a menu staple, because he knew that in the event of a fire or some other catastrophe, "what's your home worth" was a valid question. Likewise, when choosing a firearm to be used for self-defense, I think it's entirely appropriate to ask the question: What's your life worth?
marine6680
New member
(Lets get off my life... as its really not that important to the point at hand.)
It isn't so much inappropriate in essence, but how its gone about.
Instead of "whats your life worth"
Say... This is a tool that may be needed to save your life one day, make sure its up to that task. Choose wisely in a budget you can afford, holding off a few weeks to have enough for something a little better may be a better way to go. Unless of course there is an immediate know danger to yourself and you need something soon.
Sure, it doesn't roll off the tongue as well... but it more clearly states the intended goal.
And admittingly, those in immediate danger are not very likely to be on here, but those in bad neighborhoods may be.
It isn't so much inappropriate in essence, but how its gone about.
Instead of "whats your life worth"
Say... This is a tool that may be needed to save your life one day, make sure its up to that task. Choose wisely in a budget you can afford, holding off a few weeks to have enough for something a little better may be a better way to go. Unless of course there is an immediate know danger to yourself and you need something soon.
Sure, it doesn't roll off the tongue as well... but it more clearly states the intended goal.
And admittingly, those in immediate danger are not very likely to be on here, but those in bad neighborhoods may be.
bedbugbilly
New member
Wow. I tuned in to this thread as I thought thee might be some tips on insuring your handgun is maintained and reliable if needed. So far, we've had a debate over Dremel Tools . . . or maybe and advertisement . . . can't decide which yet . . . another debate over "what is your life worth" and some feuds.
What gives?
A handgun or any weapon is a piece of machinery and all machinery must be maintained. It doesn't matter if it's a cheap Saturday night special or a custom Colt . . . it needs to be maintained.
My tips:
1. If you carry a "pocket" gun, safety says it should be in some type of holster in the pocket which will prevent accidental firing yet allow it to be easily drawn. That said, some folks do sometimes carry their handgun (semi or revolver) in their pocket. I carry a 357 LCR on a belt holster but at times, I do slide it in to my pocket late at night if I'm taking the dogs out. The biggest problems with carrying in any pocket is "lint". It can accumulate and cause your weapon to not function or it can build up in the bore. Solution - make sure your weapon is unloaded and check the bore, cylinder (on a revolver) and other areas to make sure none has accumulated.
2. Check your ammunition regularly. Some folks keep the same ammo in their weapon for weeks on end, never checking it. Ynload your cylinder or clip on a regular basis and inspect your cartridges. On my LCR, I do this once a week at least and usually rotate ne cartridges into the cylinder. This also goes for speed loaders, etc. Make sure they are functioning properly.
3. Semi-auto magazines - check them on a regular basis to make sure they are going to feed the cartridge up. This is easily done by simply unloading them. Some will say that you don't need to "rest' a spring loaded magazine - I disagree. I had a 1911A1 for a long time that I kept a loaded magazine in and hidden for home protection. I kept several extra magazines loaded as well. Upon inspection of the magazines one time, I discovered week springs in two of them that wouldn't feed the cartridge properly. Both were magazines that I had purchased at a gun show - I have no idea of the mfg.
4. Clean your weapon on a regular basis. I do this for my CCW whether I've shot it or not. It's just a good practice to get in to.
5. Check your carry holster on a regular basis. I make custom holsters when I'm in AZ for the winter. In certain climates, the leather will dry out and it needs to be nourished like any other natural product. Unload your weapon and holster and un-holster your weapon to make sure that it doesn't hang up and it can be drawn quickly if need be.
Personally, I dont' see what the big hoopla is over when it comes to the price of a handgun and "what's your life worth". A person buys what they can afford. If you are going to use it for CCW, then put rounds through it and break it in - see which ammo shoots and functions best. The same goes for the caliber - it's whatever a person feels comfortable with. You like 357s or 9mm . . . great. My LCR is 357 and I carry it full of 38 spl. as I'm plenty comfortable that they will do the job. Only 5 shots . . . I'm comfortable with it for my normal situation. If I'm traveling in the boonies in AZ (we are 40 miles north of the border) I carry my SR9 as the situation is totally different than my usual trips to the city.
I'm mainly a "revolver guy". I own Colts, Smiths, Rugers, Heritage and others. I sold my 1911A1 as it wasn't my cup of tea . . . somebody bought it and I'm sure it is theirs which is fine. By putting $$$ as an indicator on how good a weapon is then I should be carrying my Colt Python since it is worth more than my LCR? Don't think so. The only reason I have kept the Python is for investment purposes . . . as a firearm, I hate it. To me it's a boat anchor. To the next guy, it might be the perfect gun.
In a SD situation . . . I don't care if you are seasoned LE or an ex seasoned combat veteran or somebody who has never been in a gun fight . . . you never know how you will react. Each time is different. When the chips are down, it's about knowing your weapon, being able to keep your head and reacting in a prudent and responsible manner. 50% is the weapon and 50% is what is behind the weapon.
If a person wants reliability . . . then keep your weapon clean, keep your ammo clean and practice, practice, practice. Regardless of the weapon, that's what "reliability" is all about.
What gives?
A handgun or any weapon is a piece of machinery and all machinery must be maintained. It doesn't matter if it's a cheap Saturday night special or a custom Colt . . . it needs to be maintained.
My tips:
1. If you carry a "pocket" gun, safety says it should be in some type of holster in the pocket which will prevent accidental firing yet allow it to be easily drawn. That said, some folks do sometimes carry their handgun (semi or revolver) in their pocket. I carry a 357 LCR on a belt holster but at times, I do slide it in to my pocket late at night if I'm taking the dogs out. The biggest problems with carrying in any pocket is "lint". It can accumulate and cause your weapon to not function or it can build up in the bore. Solution - make sure your weapon is unloaded and check the bore, cylinder (on a revolver) and other areas to make sure none has accumulated.
2. Check your ammunition regularly. Some folks keep the same ammo in their weapon for weeks on end, never checking it. Ynload your cylinder or clip on a regular basis and inspect your cartridges. On my LCR, I do this once a week at least and usually rotate ne cartridges into the cylinder. This also goes for speed loaders, etc. Make sure they are functioning properly.
3. Semi-auto magazines - check them on a regular basis to make sure they are going to feed the cartridge up. This is easily done by simply unloading them. Some will say that you don't need to "rest' a spring loaded magazine - I disagree. I had a 1911A1 for a long time that I kept a loaded magazine in and hidden for home protection. I kept several extra magazines loaded as well. Upon inspection of the magazines one time, I discovered week springs in two of them that wouldn't feed the cartridge properly. Both were magazines that I had purchased at a gun show - I have no idea of the mfg.
4. Clean your weapon on a regular basis. I do this for my CCW whether I've shot it or not. It's just a good practice to get in to.
5. Check your carry holster on a regular basis. I make custom holsters when I'm in AZ for the winter. In certain climates, the leather will dry out and it needs to be nourished like any other natural product. Unload your weapon and holster and un-holster your weapon to make sure that it doesn't hang up and it can be drawn quickly if need be.
Personally, I dont' see what the big hoopla is over when it comes to the price of a handgun and "what's your life worth". A person buys what they can afford. If you are going to use it for CCW, then put rounds through it and break it in - see which ammo shoots and functions best. The same goes for the caliber - it's whatever a person feels comfortable with. You like 357s or 9mm . . . great. My LCR is 357 and I carry it full of 38 spl. as I'm plenty comfortable that they will do the job. Only 5 shots . . . I'm comfortable with it for my normal situation. If I'm traveling in the boonies in AZ (we are 40 miles north of the border) I carry my SR9 as the situation is totally different than my usual trips to the city.
I'm mainly a "revolver guy". I own Colts, Smiths, Rugers, Heritage and others. I sold my 1911A1 as it wasn't my cup of tea . . . somebody bought it and I'm sure it is theirs which is fine. By putting $$$ as an indicator on how good a weapon is then I should be carrying my Colt Python since it is worth more than my LCR? Don't think so. The only reason I have kept the Python is for investment purposes . . . as a firearm, I hate it. To me it's a boat anchor. To the next guy, it might be the perfect gun.
In a SD situation . . . I don't care if you are seasoned LE or an ex seasoned combat veteran or somebody who has never been in a gun fight . . . you never know how you will react. Each time is different. When the chips are down, it's about knowing your weapon, being able to keep your head and reacting in a prudent and responsible manner. 50% is the weapon and 50% is what is behind the weapon.
If a person wants reliability . . . then keep your weapon clean, keep your ammo clean and practice, practice, practice. Regardless of the weapon, that's what "reliability" is all about.