View Full Version : How Many Test Rounds Before You Call It GTG
Heavyweight
04-13-22, 09:52
I'm curious to know what some of you guys consider a proper break in and testing period for your pistols before you consider them good to go for carry. I bought a Ruger LCP Max knowing full well that some of these guns had issues when it came out. So I've put a hundred rounds of ball and 50 rounds of Critical Defense through it with no failures. .380 auto is so ****ing expensive that I don't feel like pumping too many more rounds down range for testing. If it were 9mm I'd keep going but on this one I want to call it good and start throwing this thing in my pocket. The Texas summer is almost here and pocket carry is all I can tolerate this time of year. Thoughts?
Stay safe
Heavyweight
For me , it would partly be depending on what gun I bought. ie and HK P30, your 100/50 would satisfy me. Ruger LCP I might want a couple more hundred of ball, then a couple mags of HD ammo. Or one more mag of Critical defense, that shit cost $$$$$.
There are 9 million threads on this but usually rifle threads. Maybe try Google fu and see what gives if you dont get a big response.
PB
Shadow Systems recommends 250 rounds..... I usually run 100 or 50 rounds through my Glocks and HKs first. First 124 grain FMJ then run carry ammo.
That is just me....
davidjinks
04-18-22, 17:43
For a carry gun: Clean gun, lube to manufacturer specs. 500 rounds of whatever FMJ the gunshop has, zero malfunctions. 150 rounds of whatever my preferred carry ammo is, shot through that gun without cleaning, zero malfunctions.
Range gun: Meh…whatever works.
I'm curious to know what some of you guys consider a proper break in and testing period for your pistols before you consider them good to go for carry. I bought a Ruger LCP Max knowing full well that some of these guns had issues when it came out. So I've put a hundred rounds of ball and 50 rounds of Critical Defense through it with no failures. .380 auto is so ****ing expensive that I don't feel like pumping too many more rounds down range for testing. If it were 9mm I'd keep going but on this one I want to call it good and start throwing this thing in my pocket. The Texas summer is almost here and pocket carry is all I can tolerate this time of year. Thoughts?
Stay safe
Heavyweight
500 rounds to consider a gun broken in. A mag or two of defensive ammo after that for a carry gun.
The amount of rounds to be confident in one's carry gun, to me, is mainly dealing with human feelings.
Here are some of my thoughts/considerations on the subject in no particular order.
-It probably depends on the specific gun and what, if any, malfunctions occurred before carrying (if it's determined to be carried at all).
-H. Yam of 10-8 Performance, used to recommend 200 rounds with zero failures when speaking regarding his 1911 experience. This can become time & money expensive if there's a failure at or near round 200, as it apparently starts the 200 round cycle all over again.
-Where I worked with Glocks, if we got a new gun, we qualified within 50 rounds and might carry that gun (with periodic quals) for the next 10-15 years. With a Glock or many other firearms, we might get through thousands of rounds, say 15,000, without any firearms failures, some without lubrication; or maybe with better reliability than the 15,000 rounds of ammo we're shooting.
-Depending on the gun, we might carry one or two spare mags, if that. If carrying a 5-shot S&W J-frame, we'd have 10-rounds and then we are out of ammo. Hopefully, we could get through 10 rounds without a failure.
-Some guns (thinking .45ACP 5" 1911s) are failing on its first mag, but get better as more rounds are shot; that is until I get to that 2500-3000 round range where I usually need to replace the recoil spring as failures of some sort start occurring, but different from the brand new failures at the start.
-Some newer guns may literally have parts break. How many rounds may not even be a consideration at some point if we totally lose and have no confidence in a specific firearm.
-All during this time, we are hopefully getting better at manipulating a specific firearm and possibly dealing with that firearm's potential quirks and specific malfunctions; good stuff to know ahead of time.
-If you really want to carry a specific gun prior to being confident in it, consider carrying a backup gun to it for awhile. This may be opposite from what you want to do in the hot, Texas summer, when you want to carry the smallest, lightest single gun, so instead of a 2nd gun, carry a good knife or OC spray instead as a backup, with a rifle/shotgun in the car.:) I mean it all comes down to how confident do you feel with that Ruger LCP.
For me it’s 500, but the smallest gun I own is a G26. Can’t imagine putting that many through on anything smaller. I carry occupationally for what it’s worth.
I have a minimum of 5 magazines per handgun, I run a 100rds through each, rapid fire, if no problems, pistol and mags gtg.
ThirdWatcher
04-23-22, 21:31
For my agency, it was 500 rounds when they issued a new service pistol. Most of In-Service Training (Classroom & Range time) for that year would be dedicated to the new pistol.
Honestly, just take a class with it.
These numbers guys are giving are completely arbitrary.
SonOfAGunn
04-24-22, 00:28
Honestly, just take a class with it.
These numbers guys are giving are completely arbitrary.
Taking a class with it isn't a bad idea at all. Before I did that, if I only had 2 or 3 mags, I'd at least load them to capacity with one in the chamber and run them to see if there aren't any problems with the mags first. I bought a sig 229 a few years back and the factory mags sucked. I had constant failures to chamber with both of the mags that came with it (I cleaned out that sticky oil out of the mags before I shot the gun). I ended up buying some new/old stock 229 mags ("govt. use only" from the 90's/early 2000's) and no more problems. I think they are MECGAR. My first Glock had problems chambering Blazer Brass initially. After a couple hundred rounds it worked great. I'd say, check the mags and then take a class like BP suggested.
Heavyweight
04-24-22, 10:57
I really appreciate the responses gentlemen. Since I started the thread I've had a chance to put another 100 rounds of ball through it. No problems. I think I'm going to carry it with FMJ and forget about the Critical Defense loads. Most of my reliability concerns are around these defense type loads and besides, I know that penetration can be very inconsistent in .380 with hollow points.
I get that .380 isn't the optimal carry caliber....and I do have a Sig P365 that I carry during the fall and winter months here in Texas, mostly IWB. But I do occasionally carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster with jeans. But it's just a little bit big and heavy with shorts. If you look at the attached photo the Sig really just doesn't look much bigger but it's way heavier. I get too self conscious trying to carry it in fitted slacks or shorts. The Ruger weighs nothing and disappears in any pocket. Those of you down south here in the heat....what do you carry in the summer? I'd love to get an idea of what you guys do for deep concealment.
Stay safe
Heavyweighthttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220424/2040a504887b26382ba382f2cbe3afc8.jpg
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Heavyweight
04-24-22, 16:53
Think I'll start a new thread.....I really want to know what you guys do for summer carry.
Thanks!
Heavyweight
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The break in period is to identify out of spec/broken parts that would affect functioning. Some people do a burn down of 100 - 500 rounds as fast as they can shoot to put extra stress on the gun.
It’s a good idea to periodically function check and perform preventative maintenance on the gun - especially if you are pocket carrying. Just to make sure the pistol is still properly lubricated and hasn’t been fouled by pocket lint, etc. Even if I haven’t shot the pistol I will field strip it, re-lube and confirm safeties are working and firing pin will still hit the primer of a fired case.
Kahr says 400 rounds for their guns, and over the last 20 years I’ve held to that.
Yeah, it’s a drag, but if I have to bet my life on it…
Sent from inner space
Think I'll start a new thread.....I really want to know what you guys do for summer carry.
In South Florida its year round summer carry, always AIWB, as I don't recall the last time I wore a tucked in shirt :-)
Bellycrawl
04-30-22, 11:56
I lived in FL for almost a decade. I wore shorts with a belted waist for 365 days. Glock 26 then switched to a Glock 43 X with IWB appendix carry. Shield Gen 2 mag. I never tuck a shirt in.
Bellycrawl
04-30-22, 11:57
I also tried the Sig 365, but unfortunately I bought one that had multiple malfunctions with hollow point ammunition. My 43X has never had a malfunction.
For me , it would partly be depending on what gun I bought. ie and HK P30, your 100/50 would satisfy me. Ruger LCP I might want a couple more hundred of ball, then a couple mags of HD ammo. Or one more mag of Critical defense, that shit cost $$$$$.
PB
Yep, if I'm dealing with a known quantity usually a day at the range amounts to a couple hundred rounds including shooting from the draw, mag changes and the like. I expect zero malfunctions from a reputable manufacturer.
The one in my carry rotation I trust the least is a KelTec P11 that I have had zero problems with in terms of function. Fortunately I rarely have to go "extra discrete" carry.
I really appreciate the responses gentlemen. Since I started the thread I've had a chance to put another 100 rounds of ball through it. No problems. I think I'm going to carry it with FMJ and forget about the Critical Defense loads. Most of my reliability concerns are around these defense type loads and besides, I know that penetration can be very inconsistent in .380 with hollow points.
I get that .380 isn't the optimal carry caliber....and I do have a Sig P365 that I carry during the fall and winter months here in Texas, mostly IWB. But I do occasionally carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster with jeans. But it's just a little bit big and heavy with shorts. If you look at the attached photo the Sig really just doesn't look much bigger but it's way heavier. I get too self conscious trying to carry it in fitted slacks or shorts. The Ruger weighs nothing and disappears in any pocket. Those of you down south here in the heat....what do you carry in the summer? I'd love to get an idea of what you guys do for deep concealment.
Stay safe
Heavyweight
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Beretta 92F IWB + a t shirt that is a few sizes big for me.
https://i.imgur.com/ZQCojqh.jpg
I'm curious to know what some of you guys consider a proper break in and testing period for your pistols before you consider them good to go for carry. I bought a Ruger LCP Max knowing full well that some of these guns had issues when it came out. So I've put a hundred rounds of ball and 50 rounds of Critical Defense through it with no failures. .380 auto is so ****ing expensive that I don't feel like pumping too many more rounds down range for testing. If it were 9mm I'd keep going but on this one I want to call it good and start throwing this thing in my pocket. The Texas summer is almost here and pocket carry is all I can tolerate this time of year. Thoughts?
Stay safe
Heavyweight
I carry my newest glock 19 (5ish years old) and consider it good because it made it through Fighting Pistol with no hiccups/malfuctions/etc. YMMV.
But... get a good one, and it's a hell of a lot easier to consider vetted.
Heavyweight
05-01-22, 12:12
The one in my carry rotation I trust the least is a KelTec P11 that I have had zero problems with in terms of function. Fortunately I rarely have to go "extra discrete" carry.
For me it's the opposite....day in and day out I mostly have to carry in that extra discrete category. I would love to strap on my CZ-75 or P220 in a paddle holster with photographer's vest as cover but it's not happening. So I feel like I'm always compromising. My S&W Model 60 is bet your life reliable, but 5 rounds. LCP Max has capacity and size but much higher chance of issues under stress. Pocket carry is really limiting. You guys that don't have to depend on it are very fortunate. Kuddos to you SteyrAug on that P226! That is a solid carry option.
Stay Safe
Heavyweight
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My MR920 had 2 fail to feed on the first round with brand new Pmags....i don't blame the gun but the brand new out of the bag Pmags.....hence why I really prefer Glock mags vs Pmags. Ammo was 115 and 124 FMJ
After the first mag through them and keeping them loaded at the range between shooting I had no problems after that.... The trigger also smoothed out a little bit after 100 rounds. I will shoot another 100 rounds of HP before carrying it...
For me it's the opposite....day in and day out I mostly have to carry in that extra discrete category. I would love to strap on my CZ-75 or P220 in a paddle holster with photographer's vest as cover but it's not happening. So I feel like I'm always compromising. My S&W Model 60 is bet your life reliable, but 5 rounds. LCP Max has capacity and size but much higher chance of issues under stress. Pocket carry is really limiting. You guys that don't have to depend on it are very fortunate. Kuddos to you SteyrAug on that P226! That is a solid carry option.
Stay Safe
Heavyweight
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Apologize, didn't fully understand your environmental limitations when I posted. You are in a tough spot. Have you ever considered back pocket carry? I do it from time to time with my P11 and nobody really notices, doesn't print as a hangun and feels like a wallet. Generally better access than a super tucked system.
Heavyweight
05-02-22, 10:55
Apologize, didn't fully understand your environmental limitations when I posted. You are in a tough spot. Have you ever considered back pocket carry? I do it from time to time with my P11 and nobody really notices, doesn't print as a hangun and feels like a wallet. Generally better access than a super tucked system.Apology definitely not necessary. I bought a J&J leather holster with back pocket in mind. Haven't tried it out yet in back although I've thrown it in my front pocket a couple of times. In that summer carry thread Yoni brought something up I hadn't considered and that's carrying below the belt line. I might give that a shot. I could definitely go with something bigger but the draw would be a bitch. But just having a real gun within reach would be a comfort.
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LowSpeed_HighDrag
05-02-22, 11:37
I don’t buy off brand or lower tier guns, so when I get a new G19, it gets a range trip to zero optics and some general range practice and then is good to go.
Apology definitely not necessary. I bought a J&J leather holster with back pocket in mind. Haven't tried it out yet in back although I've thrown it in my front pocket a couple of times. In that summer carry thread Yoni brought something up I hadn't considered and that's carrying below the belt line. I might give that a shot. I could definitely go with something bigger but the draw would be a bitch. But just having a real gun within reach would be a comfort.
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I do back pocket without a holster but would never try that front pocket. Too much room for movement and bad things. I've done the "in the pants" thing but I think after just one 8 hour shift it would get old really fast.
Carrying on the job when you aren't supposed to is probably the most difficult CCW challenge. At that point I might seriously consider an ankle rig, solves some problems but with different challenges.
Assuming your main concern is personal security coming and going from the job and not at the place of work itself? If so you could run some kind of pocket handgun (very discrete carry) and possibly keep a G19 or whatever in your vehicle to transition to as you leave the workplace. Those nightstand safes make a nifty car safe, especially if you have room under a passenger seat. That is how a lot of my friends solved that problem, including those who couldn't take a firearm in the building due to metal detectors and such.
WillieThom
05-02-22, 22:08
Apology definitely not necessary. I bought a J&J leather holster with back pocket in mind. Haven't tried it out yet in back although I've thrown it in my front pocket a couple of times. In that summer carry thread Yoni brought something up I hadn't considered and that's carrying below the belt line. I might give that a shot. I could definitely go with something bigger but the draw would be a bitch. But just having a real gun within reach would be a comfort.
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Check out Demonstrated Concepts/Rhett Neumayer on YouTube. A big part of his whole schtick is deep carry w/ small caliber revolvers/mouse guns/etc.
WillieThom
05-02-22, 22:09
Apology definitely not necessary. I bought a J&J leather holster with back pocket in mind. Haven't tried it out yet in back although I've thrown it in my front pocket a couple of times. In that summer carry thread Yoni brought something up I hadn't considered and that's carrying below the belt line. I might give that a shot. I could definitely go with something bigger but the draw would be a bitch. But just having a real gun within reach would be a comfort.
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Yeah. what the guy above me said…
I've bought my last several defensive HK pistols used, but mint---they had already been fired by previous owners---don't know how many rounds, everybody claims "about 300 rds", but no way to know actual number. In both 9mm and 45 ACP, NONE of these pistols have ever malfunctioned for me! I shoot them (P2000 9mm DA/SA, P2000SK 9mm "light" LEM and 45C DA/SA) semi often and all three shoot to point of aim for me---in fact, NONE of my HKs (I have others) has run less than 100% and I bought my first USPf 9mm right after they first came out in 1994...!
If the gun requires a break in period, usually about 200 will do it. Most guns don't need a break in period anymore, though. It's really only your custom 1911s that still do. Glocks and ARs should run like a top out of the box. If problems haven't reared their head in several hundred rounds then you can pretty much call it good to go. Doesn't mean there still can't be something wrong with it, just means the gun functions like it should, mechanically. It's like any other life saving equipment. You have to trust the manufacturer to have done everything right.
Honestly, nearly any quality modern pistol should just work out of the box. Maybe 100 rounds as a smoke test + familiarization.
Andy
Coal Dragger
08-17-22, 01:46
I have a minimum of 5 magazines per handgun, I run a 100rds through each, rapid fire, if no problems, pistol and mags gtg.
Pretty much this.
I go 100 rounds per magazine, so usually anywhere from 300-500 rounds.
bamashooter
08-17-22, 11:00
I basically call it after approx 200 rnds of mag dumps followed by about 100 rnds of "civilized" testing. Not stupid wet but decently wet during tests. No cleaning, only lubing, during the mag dump phase.
Honestly, nearly any quality modern pistol should just work out of the box. Maybe 100 rounds as a smoke test + familiarization.
Andy
I subscribe to this theory as well.
hotbiggun42
09-08-22, 13:00
I have ner really counted rounds. to me its a ongoing process all of my pistols except for my PPK are good to go until they arent.
Does anyone really know? Highly variable responses, whether 100, 250, 500, or ??? I shot 5 mags rapid fire through my G45 and G34, that was enough for me, but they are basic Glocks so... As the saying goes, your mileage will vary.
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