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Old November 4, 2010, 01:45 PM   #1
pwrstrkd
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How to tell if a rifle works properly..

This may be a stupid question but I don't have time to go to the range. My snap caps already have indentations so how can tell the firing pin is doing what its supppst to do on a new rifle?
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Old November 4, 2010, 01:48 PM   #2
Rampant_Colt
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Use the pencil check
Drop a pencil down the barrel with the eraser facing the firing pin and see if it ejects from the barrel.

My 1911 can launch a pencil with authority into the ceiling, so take precaution
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Old November 4, 2010, 01:55 PM   #3
demigod
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Why wouldn't the firing pin be doing its thing?

I sometimes do the pencil check on stricker fired pistols, but I've never felt it necessary to try it on a rifle.
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Old November 4, 2010, 02:06 PM   #4
Rampant_Colt
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The firing pin might not be hitting the eraser..

try this using Bic pens:



Cut off the cap and use it as a flange to center it in the chamber/barrel for larger calibers like .44 and .45, and shove a standard number 2 pencil eraser in the other end

VoilĂ 
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Old November 4, 2010, 02:50 PM   #5
300magman
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Quote:
how can tell the firing pin is doing what its supppst to do on a new rifle?
If it goes BOOM...and you still have all your body parts after

sorry, I'm a smart ass today
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Old November 4, 2010, 03:04 PM   #6
precision_shooter
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I dry fire all my new guns to check for functionality, trigger reset, etc...

I then do a Test Fire at the range or out back of my parents house to check that it does go bang.

It it goes bang, then I start the sighting in process...
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Old November 4, 2010, 09:06 PM   #7
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Man, I hope you come back and give us a few more details. The more I think about this thread, the more uneasy I become about it. Not razzin' ya here, but I DO wonder- are you intending the rifle for home defense or hunting? Either way- make time to go to the range and get the rifle sighted in. Without knowing where it will hit- you really don't have as much of a rifle as you do a loud liability stick. Or, a loud stick that may cause an un-ethically wounded critter to wander off and die slowly... NO hunter should find that acceptable. Please, take the time to make a range trip if you plan on firing it- unless you only want to be able to tell a prospective buyer, "Yup, I'm pretty sure it'll do what it's s'posed to do."
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Old November 4, 2010, 10:34 PM   #8
Rampant_Colt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pwrstrkd
This may be a stupid question but I don't have time to go to the range.
I suggest finding the range time unless you want to hear click instead of BOOM to prevent that ten-point buck from scoffing at you and leisurely traipsing away back into the woods never to be seen again until May
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Old November 4, 2010, 11:16 PM   #9
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How about using a primed case? Works for me. When the primer goes off you'll know it is functioning properly.
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Old November 4, 2010, 11:24 PM   #10
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Ya, you could pull a bullet and dump the powder and see if it goes pop. I'd still do it outside and point it in a safe direction.
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