Terry Frazier on Nostr: Today we ran our monthly Texas License to Carry Shooting Proficiency class. This is ...
Today we ran our monthly Texas License to Carry Shooting Proficiency class. This is the Texas Dept of Public Safety course of fire required for LTC applicants.
One applicant brought a Ruger SR22 4.5" - a nice double action, small-caliber semi-auto. I have an older 3.5" model I like and which I use for practice from time to time.
Unfortunately, the student's gun was quite dirty, and the ammo was inexpensive Federal white box .22lr purchased at a big box store. The gun suffered failure-to-feed and failure-to-extract from the outset. We did not get through 10 rounds of the class. The gun malfunctioned repeatedly and, ultimately, got a case stuck in the chamber bad enough that it could not be removed without tools.
The lesson is that, to function reliably, rimfire pistols must be kept clean and properly lubricated. In addition, the ammunition must be of high quality and must be "high velocity." Lower-powered ammo does not provide enough force to reliably cycle the action. A dirty, poorly lubricated gun requires more force to cycle than a clean, well-oiled gun. The combination makes for trouble.
So clean and lubricate your gun before you take it to a class. Purchase good quality ammunition. If you have questions about either, contact your instructer before class.
Fortunately, the student was able to complete the course when another student (the two were complete strangers) offered up their own gun and ammunition and we ran the class in relays so they could swap out. This worked out great, as the student was very safe and an excellent shot - scored 98% on the course.
It has been our experience over the years that "gun people" are good people. Getting to meet them, and helping to create new ones, is the best part of our job.
#gunstr #goodpeople
One applicant brought a Ruger SR22 4.5" - a nice double action, small-caliber semi-auto. I have an older 3.5" model I like and which I use for practice from time to time.
Unfortunately, the student's gun was quite dirty, and the ammo was inexpensive Federal white box .22lr purchased at a big box store. The gun suffered failure-to-feed and failure-to-extract from the outset. We did not get through 10 rounds of the class. The gun malfunctioned repeatedly and, ultimately, got a case stuck in the chamber bad enough that it could not be removed without tools.
The lesson is that, to function reliably, rimfire pistols must be kept clean and properly lubricated. In addition, the ammunition must be of high quality and must be "high velocity." Lower-powered ammo does not provide enough force to reliably cycle the action. A dirty, poorly lubricated gun requires more force to cycle than a clean, well-oiled gun. The combination makes for trouble.
So clean and lubricate your gun before you take it to a class. Purchase good quality ammunition. If you have questions about either, contact your instructer before class.
Fortunately, the student was able to complete the course when another student (the two were complete strangers) offered up their own gun and ammunition and we ran the class in relays so they could swap out. This worked out great, as the student was very safe and an excellent shot - scored 98% on the course.
It has been our experience over the years that "gun people" are good people. Getting to meet them, and helping to create new ones, is the best part of our job.
#gunstr #goodpeople