Test firing new(ly acquired) C&R rifles

[Tanner68]

So guys, what do you all do when you are shooting a C&R rifle for the first time. Just clean 'er up good and go for it? Strap it to a tire or some weighted down gun strand, and use a string? I favor the latter method. And is it more necessary with some popular C&Rs than others? I have Mosins, K31s, and Garands. Just wondering what some other Calgunners experiences are.

[hybridatsun350]

It all depends on the rifle. Some rifles have inherent headspace issues or other problems. Generally, you're going to be fine with a Mosin, but Enfields and Mausers are more likely to have headspace issues. If you have any doubt, the safest thing to do is to have it inspected by a gunsmith.

[smle-man]

I hand it to my trusting buddy and say, "here's a cool rifle to shoot". If it doesn't blow up when he shoots it I take the next shot.

[Desert_Rat]

I hand it to my trusting buddy and say, "here's a cool rifle to shoot". If it doesn't blow up when he shoots it I take the next shot.

HA HA HA
I have the same question as the OP.I have a new to me No.5 Enfield that has a #2 bolt face in it,and some pitting in the bore

[ZRX61]

I just clean em up, look for any obvious defects & then start slinging lead with em

[Spiggy]

I hand it to my trusting buddy and say, "here's a cool rifle to shoot". If it doesn't blow up when he shoots it I take the next shot.

I use this method myself, works great

the safest way is to have a compitent gunsmith inspect it prior to use, however there are always some small tips to help decrease the probability of weaponary explosion.

1. Modifications, Has the gun been modified in any way?
-any "new barrel" or "new bolt" mod could potentially blow your face off, particularly when it's conducted by an impotent gunsmith. I personally was a victim of this when my newly purchased M1 carbine blew out the barrel because Bubba did not ream the chamber correctly and neglected to tell the gunshop so.
2. Serial Numbers, Do they match?
-A matching rifle has a higher probability of functioning since it would be the correct parts from factory. Swiss rifles are notorious for complete matched parts. To date, only K31 failure I've heard of was due to a broken lug on the cocking handle bar.
3. Age/Condition
-A severely used rusted out rifle probably isn't a good thing to shoot. Trust me on this one.
4. Ammunition
-Not just correct caliber in mind! Certain weapons are crafted with a specific ammunition weight and powder load, know your ammunition before you fire. Never use your friend's "reloads". Your gun may not like his ammunition.


That just about covers it. Don't forget your eyes and ears out there

[renardsubtil]

I pay the $20 to have a gunsmith test fire and check the headspace...

[Bird of Fire]

I use a really long string, and cover the jimmy just in case. Can't be too careful.

[Alex$]

I use this method myself, works great

1. Modifications, Has the gun been modified in any way?
-any "new barrel" or "new bolt" mod could potentially blow your face off, particularly when it's conducted by an impotent gunsmith...

That just about covers it.

You could give him the Canadian pharmacy web address, his condition could improve with medication. Now an incompetent gunsmith, well there may not be any help there.

[TRICKSTER]

I pay the $20 to have a gunsmith test fire and check the headspace...

What smith do you use that headspaces and test fires for $20?

[Tanner68]

And these days, it seems to be taking most gunsmiths at least a month just to look at your gun.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

It depends on the gun. I have had some that freaked me out, even though I knew they were safe. The Ross 1905 comes to mind for that. It was the 1910 models that had issues, but they still made me nervous. I normally check the headspace on a rifle before shooting it. My local gunsmith showed me a trick on doing that, but I ain't posting it here, as you never know what kind of idjit might read it and take it for the gospel truth. If they pass the headspace check, and my inspection, I'll take them to the range and fire a few rounds well away from my face. I check the spent casings for issues. If there are none, I start shooting for real. I have been doing this for many years, so I know what to look for when I am buying a rifle, and when I am inspecting one to shoot. If you don't know what you are doing, take it to a gunsmith who does.

-Mb

[Rogerbutthead]

The Ross rifle, the one you could screw up and assembly into a bolt in your face experience.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=38952

That rifle scares me.

[TheBundo]

I close my eyes and make a funny face, or so I've heard

[gun toting monkeyboy]

The Ross rifle, the one you could screw up and assembly into a bolt in your face experience.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=38952

That rifle scares me.

It's the 1910 model that you can assemble wrong, and it is obvious if you do it. Once you know what to look for. Unfortunately, that doesn't help to calm my nerves with these guns. I'm sure I'll get over it eventually, but dang if I know when that will be. Both of mine are the 1905 version, and in surprisingly good shape. Probably because the old ownerd were nervous about them as well. The kicker is that one is a nice target rifle, and the other is a pretty good sporter. I'd love to use them more, but...