Originally Posted by Shotgunjones
Originally Posted by Jimmy W
I remember telling Larry Brown a while back when he mentioned using snap caps to check a gun at Cabala's.......I like to use a snap cap, too when I buy a gun, but I put a piece of masking tape over the primers when I check it. It will tell you a lot more about the firing pins than if you don't. I don't know if anyone else does that or not, but it always works for me. It says a lot when you look at the primer indentations in the tape.

JFC. First of all, you’re not going get them to take the trigger lock off unless possibly you put down a deposit and go to the back room and do so while supervised by an armed salesman.

Secondly, you ever see the mainsprings in a Model 21? Do you know the firing pin arrangement? If so, do you really think the masking tape trick is appropriate with this model? What will that tell you? This is what we’re talking about right? Hint: if it goes ‘click’ a M-21 will fire anything you might put in it and you can dry fire it to infinity.

To borrow a phrase, the parade of stupid continues and it’s getting tiring.
I like to see the depth of the firing pin hole in the tape. A light or heavy imprint. I had one that had a very light imprint and it was doubling. Mitch Schultz (a top gunsmith) in Connecticut had to repair it. I told him it was doubling when I took it to him. I could also tell it would double because of the sound when I dry fired it. Both firing pins would click, but one sounded very light. I could feel it in the trigger, too. That's when I learned to listen to and look at the firing pins. When I picked up the gun after it was repaired, Mitch said I was right. IT WAS DOUBLING. Now both clicks are very distinct. If you remember, I pictured the gun on this website. It was the one I had Pauline Murelle engrave a couple years ago............... And I said for JBG to just ask and see what Cabela's would say. You never know. I have never bought one there. They have to take the trigger lock off sometime if you buy it. They aren't going to send you home with the lock on it. I would sure check it before I left the property. But, I do it anytime I buy a gun. Most guys you ask will say, "sure". I have never had anyone say no. Larry thought it was a good idea. I do too. ............ So, no arguments from me. I apologize if I bother you. Nuff said. smile

Last edited by Jimmy W; 01/23/26 08:46 PM.