Tip! Privately Made Firearm "First Shots" Safety Protocol

[Racer88]

I originally posted this in the middle of a build diary thread. I just decided it needs its own thread.

Presumably, before the first range trip, you've fully function and safety tested your build at home with Snap-Caps or Dummy Rounds.

I go through a "protocol" with first shots in a build.​

Load one round in mag.
Rack / chamber round (with muzzle downrange and a good grip, in case of a "slam fire").
Fire 1. Check for slide lockback.

Load 2 rounds in mag.
Rack / chamber round (with muzzle downrange and a good grip).
Fire 1. Fire 2. (making sure it doesn't go "full auto") Check for slide lockback.

Load 3 rounds in mag.
Rack / chamber round (with muzzle downrange and a good grip).
Fire 1. Fire 2. Fire 3. (making sure it doesn't go "full auto") Check for slide lockback.

If all is well... load a full mag and fire all rounds.

Good to go if:

1. All rounds load / chamber properly.
2. Slide cycles properly.
3. All empty shells eject properly.
4. All rounds fired as singles (and hit the target!).
5. Slide locks back on empty magazine.

Then, I put the gun down, step back from the shooting lane booth, and do this:

Some miscellaneous photos from the "First Shots" range trip:

Notes / check list for first shots.

 

[NavyVet83]

While not exactly the same, verbatim, I also use a similar set of rules/habits when firing a weapon for the first time. However, majority of my builds are AR platform so…..