A number of "newbies" who get a gun, head out to the shooting range, and then complain about malfunctions they may have inadvertently caused... so our moderators have helped make a list of "TO DO" things as the new gun goes to the range.
1. Read the Manual (twice)
2. Field Strip the Gun for initial cleaning (twice)
This FAQ was the product of the group effort of all the moderators of Taurus Armed.
1. Read the Manual (twice)
2. Field Strip the Gun for initial cleaning (twice)
- Familiarize yourself with the action and how everything works. Consider how you would clear a jam or FTF.
- Look over the clips (magazines) and make sure they look good and function properly. Work the slide a few times (with the gun unloaded) and see if it feels gritty or "wrong in any way." Familiarize yourself with the slide release and the safety.
- Try dry firing while aiming at something (safely, with an unloaded gun and not toward anyone). See if you can keep the sights on the target while firing.
- Dry firing practice with snap caps and the reasons for this prior to shooting for real seems to be stated. It is in a way. The reasons why need to be driven home. The how to portion of sight picture, trigger pull, grip single handed as well as with both hands needs to be stressed as well.
- Too many rounds sent down range can cause fatigue and not be beneficial. There has to be goals defined for that practice.What areas of shooting need to be kept proficient or worked on to bring the shooter up to par need to be considered. Trying to do too much or too little has no benefit at all and can be counter productive. Sending a lot of rounds doesn't make one a better shot. A certain number do. Say 20 to 50 per exercise. That way overkill is eliminated.
- Working on the trigger pull. Holding steady, stopping muzzle dip and other goal oriented achievements need to be looked at when determining what to work on when practicing to get better. I guess what I am saying is that planning of some sort should be done for each practice session, as well as a limited number of rounds per should be fired. This way the training is beneficial and the brain remembers what to do subconsciously.
- I would recommend several brands to see what your gun likes.
- Start out with some basic hard nose ammo, such as WWB (which is also cheap).
- But, also shoot some hollow points to see if they will cycle correctly.
- Don't shoot without it
- and don't rely on the range to have some for you to use.
- After about a half of a box, I'll field strip, run a couple of patches down the barrel and scrub out the slide (with the old toothbrush), lightly oil, and put it back together.
- Then I'll finish the first box, and if everything is working right, I'll shoot a second box, Then clean it again. I'll clean after every fifty rounds until about 300, then clean after every 100 rounds. Some might consider this overkill and unnecessary, but I have very few problems, if any, by following this method.
- Taking it apart frequently also gives you a better understanding of the gun, and allows you to inspect for signs of wear. Depending on what guns I'm shooting at the range, I'll usually bring a large plastic freezer bag with me and disassemble the gun inside the bag, this will prevent any parts from getting lost. There's nothing more frustrating than searching for a spring or small part on the ground with sand and dirt and empty shell casings, etc.
- And it never hurts to have a few pieces of fine grit sandpaper (400/600) in the range bag to smooth out a sharp edge or burr on the slide that you notice when you field strip.
- A small precision tool kit in a zipper pouch including small screwdrivers and a little needle nose pliers come in real handy for fine tuning adjustments on your magazines.
- May not want to do this on the first go around, but before complaining about problems, try to put at least 300 down the tube.
- Be mindful of how the gun is ejecting. Is it throwing brass all over the place, throwing a long ways, ejecting straight up, etc. Until you are absolutely familiar with the gun and its operation, do not attempt to use it for "maneuvers" or quick drawing from a holster. Wait until you are fully aware of the guns abilities and drawbacks.
- I still say faulty mags are responsible for 90% of semi-auto malfunctions. The sandpaper works great for smoothing a rough edge on the mags lips.
- Don't be too anxious to get out there and start blasting away. Patience and careful prep will make the shooting experience more enjoyable the first time out for a new gun.
This FAQ was the product of the group effort of all the moderators of Taurus Armed.
