Certainly not trying to "scare" anyone...
But, I don't see a problem with communicating that there's a world of difference between a .22 rimfire, and the 7.62 x 54R, which is one of the more powerful centerfire cartridges. I've seen the aftermath of an M1A "kaboom" at the range and it wasn't pretty.
There's admittedly a large number of guys (or gals) out there that purchase a 100 year old rifle- know absolutely nothing about it- and load 'er up and fire it.
It's up to the shooter as to how much risk he wants to take, and how he chooses to manage it. Sure, you can tie a string to the trigger and stand back...I'd rather just spend the $30 on a headspace gauge and ascertain the condition of the chamber. IMO, that's the minimal level of prudence. There's a large school of thought that would advise a gunsmith to go through it...
But, I don't see a problem with communicating that there's a world of difference between a .22 rimfire, and the 7.62 x 54R, which is one of the more powerful centerfire cartridges. I've seen the aftermath of an M1A "kaboom" at the range and it wasn't pretty.
There's admittedly a large number of guys (or gals) out there that purchase a 100 year old rifle- know absolutely nothing about it- and load 'er up and fire it.
It's up to the shooter as to how much risk he wants to take, and how he chooses to manage it. Sure, you can tie a string to the trigger and stand back...I'd rather just spend the $30 on a headspace gauge and ascertain the condition of the chamber. IMO, that's the minimal level of prudence. There's a large school of thought that would advise a gunsmith to go through it...