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It is amazing how Clint can take in everything on the firing line while seemingly concentrating on something else.
Chas.
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Return to “Press check caught an empty chamber”
- Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:09 pm
- Forum: Never Again!!
- Topic: Press check caught an empty chamber
- Replies: 20
- Views: 8238
- Mon Jan 31, 2005 10:27 am
- Forum: Never Again!!
- Topic: Press check caught an empty chamber
- Replies: 20
- Views: 8238
Yes, check!
A systems check should be part of everyone's routine with a self-defense firearm. The systems check stressed at Thunder Ranch requires checking the chamber and verifying the magazine is loaded and fully seated. It's a very good habit to develop.
Now, let me tell a story on myself. My youngest son carries a customized Series 80 Colt Commander I gave him as a present. Several years ago, he came to our home for a visit and pointed out significant over-travel in the trigger. I adjusted it for him, made sure the hammer would fall when I pulled the trigger and handed it back.
About 3 or 4 months later, he and I were at the range and his pistol wouldn't fire; no primer strikes at all. I had mistakenly believed that the Series 80 firing pin lock was disengaged early in the ignition sequence; i.e. before the sear was disengaged and the hammer fell.
This mistake could have had deadly consequences. My son had carried an inoperative pistol for 3 months, simply because I didn't take 5 seconds to do the pencil test. Had I done it, I would have caught the mistake before he left the house.
The thing that really bothers me is that I'm a pilot and would not even think of starting the engine without doing the pre-start checklist, take off without doing the take-off checklist, or land without doing the pre-landing checklist. What in the world possessed me to forgo a 5 second pencil test on a gun my son might have to use to save his life? As they say on Massada, never again!
Regards,
Chas.
Now, let me tell a story on myself. My youngest son carries a customized Series 80 Colt Commander I gave him as a present. Several years ago, he came to our home for a visit and pointed out significant over-travel in the trigger. I adjusted it for him, made sure the hammer would fall when I pulled the trigger and handed it back.
About 3 or 4 months later, he and I were at the range and his pistol wouldn't fire; no primer strikes at all. I had mistakenly believed that the Series 80 firing pin lock was disengaged early in the ignition sequence; i.e. before the sear was disengaged and the hammer fell.
This mistake could have had deadly consequences. My son had carried an inoperative pistol for 3 months, simply because I didn't take 5 seconds to do the pencil test. Had I done it, I would have caught the mistake before he left the house.
The thing that really bothers me is that I'm a pilot and would not even think of starting the engine without doing the pre-start checklist, take off without doing the take-off checklist, or land without doing the pre-landing checklist. What in the world possessed me to forgo a 5 second pencil test on a gun my son might have to use to save his life? As they say on Massada, never again!
Regards,
Chas.