I also have an empty 9 mil gun in the night stand I have not used in 8 years room temp, is it still good to use?
2007-10-26 06:29:44 · 9 answers · asked by VIctor 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
It should not be a problem at all. As a Gunsmith I can tell you that sometimes when clips or magazines are left loaded for long periods of time, the magazine springs loose what's called "memory" Memory is a springs ability to expand to it's normal length because it has been depressed or compressed too long. This happens but in all honesty is not a common problem that happens often. Unless your gun is a WWII military sidearm,like a Luger or German P-38, this is highly unlikely to be the case. Modern 9mm ammunition rarely goes bad under normal temperature ranges as those it would be exposed to inside your home and night stand....It is not dangerous and you can easily and safely shoot the ammunition in the clip.....Hope this answers your questions.........
2007-10-26 06:43:53 · answer #1 · answered by JD 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Inspect the cartridges for obvious signs of corrosion. If none, they are good to shoot.
Inspect the firearm as well, including checking the barrel for obstructions. If all is clear and there's no excessive rust or corrosion, all should be good. A good wipe-down with an all-in-one cleaning and lubricating product and you are ready to shoot.
While the conventional wisdom is that magazine springs become 'sprung' by being loaded for a long time, this is something that people worry about much more than it really happens.
Still, for older guns I always recommend a new set of complete springs to assure like-new operation. It's like putting a new set of tires and shocks on an old car, almost makes it feel new.
I had the opportunity a few years back to purchase a WWII Remington Rand 1911 made in 1942. It was sold by the daughter of the original owner, a WWII vet who had died in the early 1960s. Daughter had the holstered gun in a box, loaded, for 40+ years. The leather had caused some metal discoloration, but it shot all 7 rounds perfectly (I know the old ammo was 'collectable' ....just couldn't resist).
2007-10-26 14:44:05 · answer #2 · answered by DJ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would be much more concerned about the spring in the magazine having grown weaker from remaining loaded for 8 years. I'd change the spring out first thing. Second, if the ammo sat for that long, even though modern ammo has a long storage life, I'd use those rounds for target practice and would not depend on them for self defense. Also, when firing those rounds, make sure to slow fire (no rapid fire) and make sure every round sounds the same, and watch for the bullet impact on target. This is to make sure you don't get a "squib" load, that is, a bullet that misfires and becomes lodged in the barrel. If you fired a second round with one lodged, it could cause dangerous results. As far as the firearm, give it a good thorough cleaning with Break free (or the lube/cleaner of your choice) make sure the barrel is not obstructed, wipe it all down, and it should be just fine. The only exception would be if it had been left "******" for 8 years. If so, I'd be replacing the firing pin spring at least.
Good luck
2007-10-26 13:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by randy 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The bullets are most likely still good to use as long as there is no heavy discoloration or corrosion on the casing. If you plan to keep these rounds for use in self defence, I would advise you to buy some new ones. If youre intended use is at the range there should be no problem.
2007-10-26 13:46:11 · answer #4 · answered by Ron 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a WWII, K98 Mauser that shoots many military rounds. I shoot ammunition from the 1930's, 50's, and 70's. And every one I have shot, shoots just like new, out of the box ammo.
2007-10-26 19:49:37 · answer #5 · answered by T.Long 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
should be fine just head down to the range and check em out, as long as it has not been kept in a moist area such as a basement they will be fine to use if you have any doubts get some new ones the gun will be fine just strip it down oil it and use no problem
2007-10-26 14:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the cartridges have never been wet they should be fine. You might want to run a bore brush through the pistol and a slight bit of oil but it should also be fine.
2007-10-26 13:47:46 · answer #7 · answered by mikey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modern ammunition has a very long shelf life. As long as the cartridges were stored in a reasonbly dry location, they should be fine.
2007-10-26 13:37:46 · answer #8 · answered by Greg H 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes & Yes.*
2007-10-26 17:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋