Shooting a gun that hasn't be fired in years

[ZYouL8R]

I have a Remington 700 .30-06 that's about 7 years old. The gun has seen maybe 100 rounds in it's lifetime. I haven't fired the gun in 5 years or so but I'd like to take it to a range soon. Are there any precautions I should take before firing it? Should it be cleaned?

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

I'd just run something through the bore to make sure it's clear.

[Wild Stallion]

I'd hope the firing pin spring wasn't kept in the cocked position, Any time i store a rifle even for just a few weeks, I put an old used case in and drop the firing pin against the primer. Another thing is I hope you cleaned it before storage, the bore and bolt could both be corroded if not.

[ZYouL8R]

I'd hope the firing pin spring wasn't kept in the cocked position, Any time i store a rifle even for just a few weeks, I put an old used case in and drop the firing pin against the primer. Another thing is I hope you cleaned it before storage, the bore and bolt could both be corroded if not.

I've never cleaned this gun. Before I stored it I removed the bolt. I'm not sure if the pin is cocked or not.

[Slowhand]

I've never cleaned this gun.

That's a bad choice period.

[GT98SVO]

Checking it for operability is a good idea. Look down the barrel, work the action, chamber and un-chamber a few rounds in a safe environment. Perhaps run a bore snake or other cleaning instrument down the bore. Dry fire. Oil the action and bolt.

Go over the metal on the gun and check for rust and wear.

I've asked a few people that shoot a lot more than me and most guns are safe to dry fire.

For prolly less than 20$ or even less, a gunsmith can go over it.

Koning's in Terrell has been really great to me and my family's guns.

It's cheap insurance.

What was the status of the gun when it was put up?

[propellerhead]

For prolly less than 20$ or even less, a gunsmith can go over it.
That's probably your safest bet. Most gun ranges have a gun cleaning service for under $50. I had one of my pistols cleaned professionally when it got to the 10,000 round mark.

[Red Shadow]

I've never cleaned this gun. Before I stored it I removed the bolt. I'm not sure if the pin is cocked or not.


On the remington bolt-actions, when you remove the bolt, it cocks it. I don't reccomend manully de-cocking it after you remove the bolt from the gun as it will not go in willingly unless the bolt is cocked and its a bitch to get back cocked by hand.

[03trubluGT]

I'd hope the firing pin spring wasn't kept in the cocked position, Any time i store a rifle even for just a few weeks, I put an old used case in and drop the firing pin against the primer.

You do realize that these instructions might result in an accidental shooting?

You probably mean that the firing pin needs to fall on an empty chamber ;)

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

You do realize that these instructions might result in an accidental shooting?

You probably mean that the firing pin needs to fall on an empty chamber ;)You sure you read that right? ;)

[Fox466]

I'd just run something through the bore to make sure it's clear.

[Wild Stallion]

You do realize that these instructions might result in an accidental shooting?

You probably mean that the firing pin needs to fall on an empty chamber ;)
Nope I meant exactly what I wrote.... I try to keep the firing pin spring from being under tension for too long. I put a USED (empty, previously fired and not reloaded) case in the chamber and drop the pin. I have a couple of rifles with aftermarket titanium pins and stronger springs to reduce lock time and really don't want to go through the expense of replacing them sooner than necessary. I never drop the pin on an empty chamber, the most delicate part of your pin is the protrusion that fits through the bolt face and inertia alone has been known to snap the tip off and render your gun useless. A gunsmith that tells you it is ok to dry fire your weapon just wants your money from repairing it.

[03trubluGT]

You sure you read that right? ;)

DOH, nope. I didnt..... :o

[ceyko]

I'd find some guy that you really don't like to tag along and have him pull the trigger first.

Since you said you never cleaned it, I'd take the gunsmith route. otherwise, I'd just clean is as good as possible, reoil and go to town.

[momo stallion]

Nope I meant exactly what I wrote.... I try to keep the firing pin spring from being under tension for too long. I put a USED (empty, previously fired and not reloaded) case in the chamber and drop the pin. I have a couple of rifles with aftermarket titanium pins and stronger springs to reduce lock time and really don't want to go through the expense of replacing them sooner than necessary. I never drop the pin on an empty chamber, the most delicate part of your pin is the protrusion that fits through the bolt face and inertia alone has been known to snap the tip off and render your gun useless. A gunsmith that tells you it is ok to dry fire your weapon just wants your money from repairing it.


snap caps are good too.