ATTENTION Post-Build, Have a PLAN to Test

[GSW10]

GSW10 submitted a new resource:

Post-Build, Have a PLAN to Test - First day at the range, Have A Plan, to make the most of it!

Pretty much a copy straight from the first Posting, here is my view on the first shots that should be fired from any new Build or any used firearm you may be uncertain about...
Sep 10, 2020 · Edited: March 02, 2022

Have a PLAN to Test

After witnessing a few concerning builds and some uncertainty within the Community of how best to test new Builds, I thought it might be helpful to start a discussion on after-build testing.

For the actual Safety Checks, I will suggest everyone should find...

Read more about this resource...

 

[Racer88]

Hooray! I was hoping someone would post this in the early days of this forum. SOOOO important!

Pinned or "stickied!"

 

[Racer88]

I just read it again. Fantastic!

Every builder... even "experienced" builders... should read this. Then they should read it again before testing their next build. Each time they test a new build.

A couple of thoughts...

3. Only load two or three rounds into the mag at first. For one thing, if you have a run-away 'uncommanded' firing condition, controlling your new build through two or three shots is far easier than it running through 33 rounds at once. Also, it will put less pressure on the bottom of your slide. You DO want to run at least one FULL mag through, so you know everything is safe with full tension -hopefully you already bench-tested with a mag full of dummies...

I'm a bit "OCD," and my wife calls me "Mr. Safety."

I start with ONE round in the mag. And, I make sure the pistol was pointed downrange when I chamber it, lest there be a "slam-fire." I fire it and observe that the slide locked back on the empty mag.

Good. Now, I load just TWO rounds. Muzzle down range again while chambering (lest there be a slam-fire). Fire and confirm that only one round fired. Then fire the 2nd round. Slide lock? Yes? Good.

As @GSW10 said... if the gun goes "full auto," it will be much easier to control with 2 - 3 rounds than if you load up a full mag for the first test firing. Yikes!

Next... 3 rounds loaded. Rinse and repeat. Same as above. If all is good, I load 6 rounds. All still good... full mag.

9. Keep a level head. Remember, you are supposed to be a grown-up, ACT LIKE IT. If you detect a problem that you can't solve in the field, just STOP. It may be disappointing, it may be inconvenient, but you CAN schedule another range day. You have built a Freedom Tool, a weapon, NOT a child's toy. Take care of yourself, take care of your new build. Realize it is nothing new to encounter some growing-pains. Be patient, it will work out.

To mitigate that feeling of a "wasted trip" to the range if you have to STOP firing your new build for any reason... Bring another gun along. You have more than one, riiiiiiiiiiiiight? One of your factory guns or another build that has already been proven safe and reliable.

That way you can PRUDENTLY put the not-quite-ready-for-primetime new build AWAY and still have some fun shooting. That way your urge to do some shooting is still satisfied.... not a wasted trip.

Again... outstanding resource article!

 

[GSW10]

Excellent points! In fairness, when I wrote this I felt two rounds in the first mag was a compromise, NO ONE was talking about limiting rounds in test-mags that I recall (I probably just missed them) as I was approaching my 'need' to write this up, and I just wanted to get the point across that loading a full mag on initial testing was a bad idea. I completely agree, Barney-Fife that gun on the first shot.

Load again for the second/third, and again for #s four/five/six, and seven/eight/nine/ten... This gets you the first ten rounds. Now it should be ready for a quick field-strip/inspection, then a full mag(s)... But again, an individual thing on the specifics...

 

[Racer88]

Excellent points! In fairness, when I wrote this I felt two rounds in the first mag was a compromise, NO ONE was talking about limiting rounds in test-mags that I recall (I probably just missed them) as I was approaching my 'need' to write this up, and I just wanted to get the point across that loading a full mag on initial testing was a bad idea. I completely agree, Barney-Fife that gun on the first shot.

View attachment 169

Load again for the second/third, and again for #s four/five/six, and seven/eight/nine/ten... This gets you the first ten rounds. Now it should be ready for a quick field-strip/inspection, then a full mag(s)... But again, an individual thing on the specifics...

Funny... I wonder how many are old enough to get the Barney Fife reference. My wife and I watch re-runs of that show still, today. It's amazing how well the humor has held up. Some of the episodes were made before I was born! Crazy. I think the only cast member still alive is Opie (Ron Howard).

 

[Caleb]

I just read it again. Fantastic!

Every builder... even "experienced" builders... should read this. Then they should read it again before testing their next build. Each time they test a new build.

A couple of thoughts...



I'm a bit "OCD," and my wife calls me "Mr. Safety."

I start with ONE round in the mag. And, I make sure the pistol was pointed downrange when I chamber it, lest there be a "slam-fire." I fire it and observe that the slide locked back on the empty mag.

Good. Now, I load just TWO rounds. Muzzle down range again while chambering (lest there be a slam-fire). Fire and confirm that only one round fired. Then fire the 2nd round. Slide lock? Yes? Good.

As @GSW10 said... if the gun goes "full auto," it will be much easier to control with 2 - 3 rounds than if you load up a full mag for the first test firing. Yikes!

Next... 3 rounds loaded. Rinse and repeat. Same as above. If all is good, I load 6 rounds. All still good... full mag.



To mitigate that feeling of a "wasted trip" to the range if you have to STOP firing your new build for any reason... Bring another gun along. You have more than one, riiiiiiiiiiiiight? One of your factory guns or another build that has already been proven safe and reliable.

That way you can PRUDENTLY put the not-quite-ready-for-primetime new build AWAY and still have some fun shooting. That way your urge to do some shooting is still satisfied.... not a wasted trip.

Again... outstanding resource article!

Pretty much my exact same procedure with any new to me firearm. Except after I get to four or five in the mag, I’ll do a full load.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Racer88]

Pretty much my exact same procedure with any new to me firearm. Except after I get to four or five in the mag, I’ll do a full load.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's actually a very good point! Do this even with FACTORY guns. Excellent point! Thanks!

(Seems like that should be obvious - DUH! But, I'll admit I had not thought of it!)

 

[IDKsheet]

great list, cant be humble enough with safety and testing. ego breeds cavalier bravado and injury. smack me now please. I find note taking of tests, failure typres, round count, parts confugured etc is crucial part of the art and science in this discipline. I am just a rookie though for sure. To mitigate testing trips to a "range" does anyone use a ballistics testing can or other such device? these options will vary on where one lives of course. YOu may not be able to discharge outside even, but could consider an indoor discharging station. Thoughts?

 

[MikedaddyH]

Absolutely a great list ! When I was working for a gunsmith I tested a lot of rebuilt or repaired firearms. Started with one , two , three in a magazine before fully loaded mags . Also PPEs glasses , ear plugs a face shield ( plastic) , leather gloves and a leather jacket. Ran a cotton patch through the barrel after round 1 , 3 , 5 & 10. Another thing we did was to rack the gun 50 to 100 times in the shop before it was cleaned and lubed before the first shots were fired. Safety First was always the line at the jobs I worked at.