Factory test firing

[williejc]

Industry professionals, does anyone have information about the extent of factory test firing of new pistols before they're shipped? IMO, companies with high return numbers could reduce expense by spending more time and effort on this last step. One company guy that I wish not to name told me that they fire their new pistols 3 times and then ship if the pistols functions. Your thoughts?

[skyugo]

Industry professionals, does anyone have information about the extent of factory test firing of new pistols before they're shipped? IMO, companies with high return numbers could reduce expense by spending more time and effort on this last step. One company guy that I wish not to name told me that they fire their new pistols 3 times and then ship if the pistols functions. Your thoughts?

if they have a high return rate test firing would increase their costs, as they have to pay for the test ammo as opposed to the customer.

[C4IGrant]

Industry professionals, does anyone have information about the extent of factory test firing of new pistols before they're shipped? IMO, companies with high return numbers could reduce expense by spending more time and effort on this last step. One company guy that I wish not to name told me that they fire their new pistols 3 times and then ship if the pistols functions. Your thoughts?

First, we must divide pistols into two groups (LE and Commercial). To my knowledge, ALL pistols designated for LE use get test fired.

I also know that SOME companies do not test fire their commercial pistols at all.

Companies that do not test fire or do very little of it, are simply rolling the dice that there aren't going to be any issues OR the customer won't actually shoot the gun.



C4

[loupav]

Companies that do not test fire or do very little of it, are simply rolling the dice that there aren't going to be any issues OR the customer won't actually shoot the gun. C4

Yup, it's much cheaper to have a hand gun come back for repairs, than to test first two or three mags out of the gun. I know it sounds small, but let's think about this. 3 mags worth of ammo X 300 guns = $$$$$$ Vs. The average person buying a gun there's a 50/50 chance of that person leaving it in the safe for years on end OR, just not shooting it enough to notice any problems.

[VIP3R 237]

I was under the impression that all firearms sold in the US must legally be fired at least once to collect the spent casing for registration purposes where required.

Edit: I remember kimbers stating no spent casing included. So im assuming this means they do not test fire their pistols?

First, we must divide pistols into two groups (LE and Commercial). To my knowledge, ALL pistols designated for LE use get test fired.

I also know that SOME companies do not test fire their commercial pistols at all.

Companies that do not test fire or do very little of it, are simply rolling the dice that there aren't going to be any issues OR the customer won't actually shoot the gun.



C4

[williejc]

Off the top of my head, I know of 4 companies that will pay air freight both ways. That's what--about $100.00--and the pistol then is processed by 3 or 4 people before being returned.

30 years ago, a Smith customer service director told me that they used statistcal guidelines to test X number of handguns per batch of N units. If problems were found within a "significant" number of the sample tested, then the entire batch was looked at. Their system permitted them to determine the section and fitters assembling the guns. Also, from the test sample, they could track parts and ID issues here.

I've shared my limited knowledge and have learned from your responses. Thank you.

[CumbiaDude]

I was under the impression that all firearms sold in the US must legally be fired at least once to collect the spent casing for registration purposes where required.

Edit: I remember kimbers stating no spent casing included. So im assuming this means they do not test fire their pistols?

I don't think it's a US law. I know a couple states need that (which is why Glocks come with the spent case in a pouch with the date and other info). But that's only if it is to be sold in that state. Another example would be how California requires (among 73,000 other things) that a handgun have a loaded chamber indicator. Not all guns need this, it's not a US, law, but a manufacturer would put it on any model of gun they intend to sell in California.

[C4IGrant]

Off the top of my head, I know of 4 companies that will pay air freight both ways. That's what--about $100.00--and the pistol then is processed by 3 or 4 people before being returned.

No. Many companies have fantastic deals worked out with Fedex and UPS so pay a max of $14 (no matter if it is a rifle or pistol).

Also, some companies cough FN cough make the consumer pay for shipping. Since consumers cannot use USPS and must ship overnight via Fedex/UPS for a pistol (for instance), they can be looking at well over $120 dollars for a round trip to the factory. Many won't pay this and either attempt to fix the problem themselves or have a dealer fix it. More times than not, they unload the pistol at a gun show (to a poor unsuspecting buyer).



C4

[Sry0fcr]

Manufacturers would do better do more R&D so that they don't have to inspect and test fire everything going out the door. Quality needs to be designed and built in, not inspected in after the fact. See Gen 4 Glocks...

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[Nemecsek]

Back in the day, some guns even came with a test target. That was always a neat thing to have. Not very useful since the ammo and distance were not always listed on the target. I think it was guns made in Europe that did this. I can remember a Walter PPK/S that came with a cool looking target with 3 holes. It makes me feel confident that they actually tried the dern thing rather than throwing it together with fingers crossed.