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Firearm Safety
updated: Jul 25, 2012, 3:07 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

I have a question on firearm safety. I have a Taurus 9 mm pistol that's in good shape and has been stored well in oilcloth, but it hasn't been cleaned since I fired it last about 10 years ago. Also, I have a few hundred rounds of ammunition of the same age, stored well in a dry spot. Is there somewhere trustworthy I can bring these to make sure they're safe to use? It's for home protection and target practice, nothing overly creepy... But I'm overdue on the target practice. I used to shoot at an indoor range in Oxnard. Fun because you didn't have to retrieve the paper targets.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 301269P	2012-07-25 03:19 PM
Bummer that you didn't clean it for so long. I usually don't let cleaning go more than a few days after shooting. Field strip it and clean all the parts with some Break Free. With the barrel removed look down it with a flashlight and see if there is any pitting. There shouldn't be if it's been kept oiled and dry. If there is try removing it with a brass bore brush. If there is heavy copper and lead fouling go get a can of Bore Foam and use that per the instructions. Light surface rust can be removed GENTLY with 00 steel wool and Break Free. The ammo should be OK also. You can go up to the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and fire away at the pistol range there for about $12. They supply all the targets and protection gear. They are open to the public weekends and I think Wednesday. If you want to have it professionally cleaned take it to Goleta Valley Gun or Far West and have them give it a once over. They can even test fire it in their shop.
COMMENT 301274	2012-07-25 03:28 PM
I'd say field strip it, give it a good cleaning, and a few drops of oil. Take it up to Rick at Goleta Valley Gun Supply, and let him give it a once over. Maybe look into replacing the spring on the slide, and in the magazines (or buy a couple new ones). As for the ammunition, I'm sure its fine. They still sell leftover military 5.56 from the late 70's/80's.
COMMENT 301313	2012-07-25 04:26 PM
It should be OK, but why not take it to frequent Edhat commenter BECKY's shop in Goleta (Custom Cartridge) and have them check out both the pistol and ammo to be safe. They are located in Old Town Goleta on Hollister. Call to make an appointment before going.
COMMENT 301319P	2012-07-25 04:32 PM
You're too rusty to safely handle that weapon. Take it to a gun shop and have them show you how to load and unload it safely, including checking if there's a round in the chamber when you empty the cartridge, and how to safely remove it if it's in there. Last thing you want is a surprise.
COMMENT 301338	2012-07-25 05:12 PM
If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't own a gun.
COMMENT 301341	2012-07-25 05:17 PM
All above is good advice. If you are going to use it for home defense, i suggest some training and a secure, fast access gun vault. Also use only frangeable rounds in a civilian setting as they shatter upon impact on the first thing they hit and do not continue on to cause collateral injury. Glazer safety round is an example, ask the gun shop. They are very expensive, but the only responsible ammo to use in populated areas.
COMMENT 301351	2012-07-25 05:35 PM
Besides the inevitable er... referrals, this is I think the best Edhat advice thread I have yet read. Is it a full moon or something? Kudos to all involved.
COMMENT 301359	2012-07-25 05:48 PM
Bluing on the outside retards oxidation of the steel but it's the inside of the barrel you have to watch for. That's where high pressure gasses pushing the round need to find a way out. If the barrel doesn't allow the round to travel freely it'll jam and you've lost control of the gasses. That's when bad things happen. Have a gunsmith check it out for your safety and everyone around when you, or someone else, choose(s) to fire it next.
COMMENT 301382	2012-07-25 07:08 PM
And then name her Charlene.
BECKY	2012-07-25 11:29 PM
You got good advice, in general, above. But please don't bring it to us -- Custom Cartridge -- because we aren't there any more, and we don't do any gunsmithing (no time). Our landlords needed to repair that 100+ year old building, and we're temporarily operating from elsewhere. Rick at GVG&S is a good guy to check the safety of the gun with. As for the commenter who mentioned the Glaser Safety round, we do NOT recommend it. It is pre-fragmented, not frangible, and is notoriously inaccurate at anything but very close distances. We recommend our patented frangible rounds, available only from us, for defensive use. Tested, proven, safer. One stop shot with reduced risks of collateral damage. Used by SWAT teams, bomb squads, etc.
COMMENT 301444	2012-07-26 06:44 AM
Really? You own a gun and ask for advise on Edhat? You are the kind of gun owner that makes this non-gun believer anti-gun rights for all. It seems that at minimum, before someone can by a lethal weapon, they should be tested to make sure they know about proper care and storage.
COMMENT 301448	2012-07-26 06:56 AM
444- Gun prohibition leaves the rest of us under-armed, and out-gunned by criminals' unstoppable, illegal arms. When seconds count the law is only minutes away (maybe). Becky- Thanks for the info on Glaser. I will switch them out.
COMMENT 301464	2012-07-26 07:58 AM
(Most) above posts are informative & from facts-not prejudice or personalites or politics-a rarity on most edhat responses
COMMENT 301488P	2012-07-26 08:26 AM
If you get it professionally cleaned, the shop will check all the parts for metal fatigue.
SBROCKS	2012-07-26 08:50 AM
Mac down on Powers Ave is an expert on all weapons. I would take it to him. Also the Oxnard indoor shooting range has excellent classes on gun safety. It's a fun place to go and a great feeling when you are completely comfortable and knowledgeable about your weapon.
COMMENT 301520	2012-07-26 09:05 AM
Assuming you can handle the gun properly, get your copy of the instruction book or a copy from the Taurus website and clean and oil the gun after making it safe and removing all ammo fromt he vicinity of where you are going to clean the gun. Take the gun to a gun shop after cleaning if you have some questions or find some problems during the cleaning. Winchester Canyon Gun Club - Pistol Range is open for public shooting Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 3:30 for $20. Bring your own ammo (I would use FMJ Facory ammo for range). Enjoy! Clean the gun after you shoot it!
COMMENT 301528	2012-07-26 09:15 AM
Thank you Becky! I also have Glaser's and thought it was the best option. What caliber's are available in your brand? To the OP some great advise from responsible sounding gun owners, I have 6 or 7 guns some I have not shot for years and while I am comfortable with maintaining my guns your question shows your commitment to safety! Enjoy getting familiar with your pistol again they are great fun!!
COMMENT 301552	2012-07-26 09:44 AM
301444 - do you know how to evaluate a car that has been stored for ten years for safety? or a chainsaw?, or any other technological product that is potentially hazardous? Perhaps people like you should not be allowed to drive, use power tools, or anything else potentially deadly. The OP shows great caution and responsibility in asking rather than assuming, since he is usure.
BECKY	2012-07-26 02:20 PM
Answer to the "what calibers" question posed above is... Please go to this page of our web site http://www.customcartridge.com/products/product_softshot.php and you can either browse all the options, or select your caliber from a pull-down list. Please email us for more info: sales@customcartridge.com . I'm happy to help.
COMMENT 301966	2012-07-26 08:20 PM
How do you transport a handgun in CA in your vehicle. I'm figuring the trunk. Does it have to be in a locked case or is the Holster fine? Where does the ammo have to be in relation to the handgun? Does it need to be in the glovebox? I grew up and had CCW in States that have much less restrictive gun laws so I'm still unsure of some of the transporting rules.
COMMENT 302503	2012-07-28 10:43 AM
OP here. So glad I edhatted. Great, informative answers! Advice shall be followed. Thanks!

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