Tip When Reworking Semi Auto Firearms

[Old CW4]

I know a lot of you folks work on your own guns so here's a gunsmith's safety tip:

When you've done an extensive or complete dissassembly of ANY semi auto firearm, have it back together, and are about to test fire it, load ONLY two rounds in the mag, and repeat this two or three times to ensure the firearm functions correctly!

This is just in case you've inadvertently turned your semi into a full auto. I've seen semis on the range go full auto and it can be really dangerous as the startled shooter is suddenly spraying bullets at a high rate of fire. I've seen this happen twice with 1911 45s, once with a 30 Carbine, a MI Garand, and a few times with various other makes and models, in one case, even a tube fed 22 semi auto rifle. BTW, when that shooter's Garand let go I was behind him and still remember the weird 'BARRANG' sound. I also retain a vivid mental image of all eight brass and the clip in the air at the same time. It knocked the guy down and broke his shoulder.....

When a customer brings in a semi with a problem I always test fire at least twice with only two rounds in the mag. After repairs I do it again. A rapid full auto 'burst' from only two rounds you can control but 8 to 15 or more rounds at full auto is another matter entirely especially with a pistol.

On, just in case someone asks how do you put only two rounds in a Garand's eight round clip? Just put in six empty brass with the live rounds the last two at the top.

 

[sotto]

I once watched a middle-aged professional looking guy take a fancy tricked out Colt .45 auto into Rettings in Culver City wanting to sell it or trade it in. The old guy behind the counter, someone who'd been around the block more than once with firearms, proceeded to run it through the typical safety function tests for a gun of that type, i.e. putting the barrel muzzle down onto a table top and pushing against it slightly while trying to pull the trigger, trying to fire the gun without pressing against the grip safety, trying to push the hammer past the half cock position onto the firing pin, etc etc. One by one, that fancy tricked out semi-auto failed every test, and the guy was told the gun was worse than worthless in the condition it was in.

 

[338375]

Its a good point to bring up CW. I've been doing my own 1911 and Glock work for quite a few years. When talking to someone about working on firearms, and they say," There easy. There aren't that many parts", I get a feeling for the level of work they do...

In years past, I've been surprised by comments from some of the so called gun smiths, and even a few horror stories from the clients. I'm sure you have heard a few too.

There are a lot of good books and videos pertaining to working on various firearms, and its a great place to start for those that don't have anyone to help them.

When I'm working on guns, I go out in the shop and lock the door.
I don't want people walking in while I'm trying to concentrate. The wife use to think I was just anti social