1
18DAI
Guest
I did not want to derail BatteryOaksBillys excellent thread on the 1911 reliability bet.
But I noticed a couple of things there I wished to comment on. I noticed a few times how folks pointed out that "Revolvers can fail!". I have heard that a few times over my 49 years with handguns. Mostly from fans of the 1911 pistol.
And YES ANY gun can fail. In fact, some models/types have a reputation for doing so. I avoid those guns. And so should you - for serious purpose. Any gun can be a good, fun range gun. A carry gun is a different matter.
Reliability is non negotiable. And I am not talking about going bang everytime at the local one way range, using a two hand hold. You should practice with your carry gun using your weak hand, with a poor or less than optimal hold on the gun, firing it quickly - as studies show that folks tend to rapidly empty their guns under stress - and you should move and shoot with it too.
The "perfectly reliable gun" sometimes isn't when it is drawn or fired under less than optimal conditions or with a less than optimal hold.
And a word on maintenance. You would not jump in your car everyday without checking the tires, or fuel guage or at least making sure all the big parts were there amd secure. Do you check your carry gun? Everyday? Do you revolver guys check the tightness of the ejector rod, carry ammo for high primers and make sure the screws and grips are tight?
Are the semi auto carriers sure their guns magazine is firmly seated, gun is sufficiently lubed and the rounds are properly seated in the magazines?
See where I am going with this? Yes, any gun can fail, but there are things you can do to reduce the liklihood of it happening. Good maintenance and a clean carry gun loaded with quality factory ammunition is all cheap insurance to assure proper function.
And so is avoiding guns that already have a reputation for being "finicky" "maintenance intensive" or "an enthusiasts pistol".
That Glock or Ruger or old S&W may not be a highly desireable piece or tacticool or start a conversation at the local range, but if it goes bang EVERYTIME you want it to, especially when its raining or dark or you have adrenaline coming out your ears or sweat/blood running in your eyes with wet/injured hands - it is priceless. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI
But I noticed a couple of things there I wished to comment on. I noticed a few times how folks pointed out that "Revolvers can fail!". I have heard that a few times over my 49 years with handguns. Mostly from fans of the 1911 pistol.
And YES ANY gun can fail. In fact, some models/types have a reputation for doing so. I avoid those guns. And so should you - for serious purpose. Any gun can be a good, fun range gun. A carry gun is a different matter.
Reliability is non negotiable. And I am not talking about going bang everytime at the local one way range, using a two hand hold. You should practice with your carry gun using your weak hand, with a poor or less than optimal hold on the gun, firing it quickly - as studies show that folks tend to rapidly empty their guns under stress - and you should move and shoot with it too.
The "perfectly reliable gun" sometimes isn't when it is drawn or fired under less than optimal conditions or with a less than optimal hold.
And a word on maintenance. You would not jump in your car everyday without checking the tires, or fuel guage or at least making sure all the big parts were there amd secure. Do you check your carry gun? Everyday? Do you revolver guys check the tightness of the ejector rod, carry ammo for high primers and make sure the screws and grips are tight?
Are the semi auto carriers sure their guns magazine is firmly seated, gun is sufficiently lubed and the rounds are properly seated in the magazines?
See where I am going with this? Yes, any gun can fail, but there are things you can do to reduce the liklihood of it happening. Good maintenance and a clean carry gun loaded with quality factory ammunition is all cheap insurance to assure proper function.
And so is avoiding guns that already have a reputation for being "finicky" "maintenance intensive" or "an enthusiasts pistol".
That Glock or Ruger or old S&W may not be a highly desireable piece or tacticool or start a conversation at the local range, but if it goes bang EVERYTIME you want it to, especially when its raining or dark or you have adrenaline coming out your ears or sweat/blood running in your eyes with wet/injured hands - it is priceless. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI