Answers

Real questions from real shooters, answered short and straight. Pick a topic or scroll the latest.

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Latest answers

• What’s the difference between a cheap gun and an inexpensive gun?
  An inexpensive gun has a low price but still runs. A cheap gun cut corners on reliability, materials or support.
• What’s the smartest first step if I’m on the fence about owning a gun?
  Take a basic class and rent a few guns at a range before you buy anything.
• What questions should a beginner ask about guns?
  Ask what the gun is for, what your state allows, how to store it safely, and where to get good training. Those four answers guide everything else.
• My .410 single shot went off while I was lowering the hammer. Did shells in the barrel cause it?
  Probably not. A gun that fires while you lower the hammer usually means the hammer slipped from your thumb while the trigger was pulled. Stop using it until a gunsmith checks it.
• Can you put a .308 barrel on an M95?
  On a Mauser Model 95 (7×57), yes, a gunsmith can do it, because the .308 uses the same size bolt face. On a Steyr M95 straight-pull, it’s not practical.
• I Loctited a muzzle brake onto my KSG over grease. Is it safe to shoot?
  Don’t use test-firing to find out. If the brake loosens or shifts, shot or the wad can hit it. Take it off, clean it, and install it properly.
• How is a bullet going through wood different from going into flesh?
  They’re very different materials. Wood is rigid and breaks apart. Tissue is soft, elastic and mostly water, so bullets expand, tumble and slow down in it in ways a board can’t show you.
• Can I buy a gun in the US and ship it to the Netherlands?
  Not as a private person. You can’t legally do it without permits on both ends. Buy through a licensed Dutch dealer instead.
• Can a .38 caliber revolver shoot .38 Special ammo?
  Only if it’s chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Read the barrel. “.38” covers several different cartridges.
• Can .380 Auto ammo be fired in a .38 revolver?
  No. Don’t do it.
• Do 75% frames require an FFL transfer?
  It depends on how far along the frame is and how it’s sold. If it can be readily finished into a working frame, especially when it’s sold with a jig or instructions, federal law treats it as a firearm. That means a serial number, an FFL and a background check.
• Did forcing the cylinder release on my new S&W 327 damage it?
  Very unlikely. Pushing the latch forward firmly is how it’s designed to work. A stiff release usually means something else is binding, and you can get it fixed.

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Video answers

We also answer questions LIVE on Saturday with co-host Tony Simon of 2A4E. Watch recent episodes below.