Читать книгу The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery онлайн

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Now, to test the firing pin, we’ll use the Bic Stik or the #2 pencil again. This time, we’ll pull the trigger. If the writing implement is launched clear of the barrel, you have a healthy firing pin strike. If it isn’t, either the firing pin is broken or the firing pin spring is worn out.

Caution: In both of the last two tests, wear safety glasses and have a clear “line of fire” with no one in the way! That sharp-tipped pen or pencil will come flying out of the barrel with enough force to cause a cut or nasty eye damage! Also in both of these tests, you’ll need an empty magazine in place if the pistol has a magazine disconnector safety.

To make sure that the magazine disconnector safety is operating, remove the magazine from the empty pistol, point it in a safe direction, and pull the trigger. If the hammer falls, the disconnector device either is not working or has been disconnected.

A sloppily fitted auto pistol is not likely to deliver much in the way of accuracy. Bring the slide forward on the empty gun, put the tip of a finger in the muzzle, and wiggle it around. If it’s tight, it bodes well for accuracy. If it slops around a lot, the opposite can be expected. With the slide still forward, bring a thumb to the back of the barrel where it is exposed at the ejection port, and press downward. If it gives a lot, that tells you that the rear lockup isn’t as solid as you’ll need for really good accuracy. In either of these measurements, it’s hard to explain how much play is too much. Try this test with some guns of known accuracy, and you’ll quickly develop a “feel” for what is and is not what you’re looking for with that particular make and model.