As a citizen of the United States, it is your second amendment right to own a gun. Part of that right is being a responsible gun owner, including safe storage, transportation, and use. It’s been said a carpenter is only as good as their tools, the same applies to the reliability of a firearm.
Gun accuracy and reliability is important. But what actually contributes to the accuracy of a gun? There are several different factors to consider, but these should apply to all guns, no matter if it’s a Glock 19, Smith & Wesson double-action revolver, or Remington 870. Whether you’re interested in long-range capabilities or simple home protection, consider the following.
#1: The user
The main issue of what will compromise the accuracy of a gun is the shooter. The bullet will go where it’s supposed to go, and that’s due to how you use it. Your aim, trigger pull, how well the gun has been serviced, and so on.
How can you remedy this? Practice. Get out to the shooting range regularly and shoot your gun. Take classes from professionals that can teach you the ins and outs of shooting with precision so you can shoot your gun reliably every time.
Semi-automatic firearms, pistols, rifles, and shotguns all have different ranges, uses, and capabilities. Whether you want to concentrate on one firearm – or become proficient in all of them – head to the shooting range and put in the time.
#2: Production quality
If the internal components of the gun are poorly made and prone to breaking or premature wear, you can expect that the accuracy and reliability will be compromised. When you are looking to buy a gun, be sure to do your research on various gun designs.
Have there been any recalls of a certain gun? Are there particular issues with certain aspects of the gun, such as the firing mechanism or firing pin? When reading reviews, are owners happy with the performance or magazine capacities? A little due diligence could save you some headaches down the road.
#3: The fit
There are hundreds of different guns out there but not all of them will fit you. If you are shooting a gun that is too big or bulky, it is highly likely that the gun will not fire the way you want. When you are shopping for guns, handle many options, and make sure that you are comfortable with the fit and use of the gun.
This also includes the way the gun fires. Certain firearms can produce quite a kick and the action will even differ between a full-size pistol and compact version of the same firearm. When buying a gun, make sure it’s the right tool for the job. A competition pistol is made for speed and accuracy, but not as easy to conceal carry. Long-range precision rifles are accurate at great lengths, but most wouldn’t want to carry them in the field all day.
#4: Cartridges
This should go without saying, but always make sure you’re using the proper ammo when firing a gun. You wouldn’t use a rifle cartridge in a shotgun, right? Every modern firearm has the gauge or caliber stamped on its side, so it’s easier to find the right size for your ammunition.
Guns are designed to handle specific cartridges or shots. Rifle barrels have a grooved pattern to help make shots repetitively stable. Shotgun barrels are smooth to help accommodate the shell containing many pellets that expand once firing. As above, always use the right ammunition for the job.
#5: Maintenance
At the top, we referenced safety as one of the marks of a responsible gun-owner. A clean gun is a safe gun. That’s why it is essential that your firearm is maintained well and kept clean all the time. Cleaning the gun after every use will keep it in top operational form.
Powder residue and grime can build up on the barrel and this will impact the performance of the gun. That can translate to unreliable and unpredictable performance. If the firearm hasn’t been used for a long time, consider regularly cleaning your gun. Proper storage will ensure your firearm remains ready to go, too.
Having a gun that operates at optimum efficiency and reliability is important, both for home protection and sport shooting. By paying attention to these five tips, you will be able to get the most out of your gun and its capabilities and prolong its lifespan.
Have questions about gun reliability or how to properly maintain your firearm? Contact Sporting Systems today. Our knowledgeable staff and friendly service will make sure you have all of the information you need to buy the right equipment for you. We look forward to serving you.
