How many "test rounds" are enough?

[Gogle2112]

First off, hello.  Long time reader, first time poster.

I have carried concealed for years.  I typically carry an XD sub-compact and have put hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds through it.  I have absolute confidence that in a critical incident, it would not fail me.   I have recently purchased a Ruger LCP to carry for those few times that the XD is just too big or too heavy.   After I purchased it, I took it out to the range and put three different ammo types through it.  Ammo types ranging from cheap stuff to the defense loads I plan on carrying.  In total I put about fifty to sixty rounds through the gun.  I had no problems whatsoever with it.  All rounds fed, fired and ejected without incident.  I even intermingled round types within the same magazine.

I have read the forum for a while now and am sure there are varying opinions, but the question I have is how many rounds would you put through a new carry weapon before you had the confidence that it would function without incident when you truly needed it?

[tombogan03884]

It's like choosing the gun itself. It's a matter of personal comfort, some people are happy if they go through 50 rounds with no problem, you will hear opinions any where over that 100, 500, etc.
Obviously more gives greater comfort, but available time and expense have to be factored in as well.
Not every one will have $150-$200 bucks to spend on "test" ammo, a woman getting a restraining order won't have the time, she needs to start carrying this after noon.
People in these types of situations should get 2 boxes of carry ammo and shoot all of one box before trusting their lives to a particular gun.

[Big Frank]

There's no hard and fast rule but the figure I've heard the most is 200-300 rounds, and 2 boxes of your carry ammo.

[twyacht]

+1

Welcome to DRTV, it sounds like you covered it. It's a personal preference, but trying some of this ammo, some of that, some different hollowpoints, different mags, to ensure no hiccups is always comforting.

IMHO, a box or two of ammo, with some carry ammo mixed in, rapid fire drills and such, rotating mags, and a good cleaning (mags also), should do the trick.

Sometimes the "leetle" pocket guns can be finicky with certain types of ammo. When I first got my Kel-Tec P3AT .380, the Golden Sabre JHP's would not feed reliably, but Cor-Bon, or Speer Gold Dot's would work just fine.

A slight fluff & buff of the feed ramp, and another 50rds, of target ammo,  and it eats all JHP's everytime.

FWIW, on your next range trip, start with some target ammo, get it dirty/fouled a bit,....than shoot your defensive carry rds. If it keeps on firing, your set.

tw

[DonWorsham]

FWIW, on your next range trip, start with some target ammo, get it dirty/fouled a bit,....than shoot your defensive carry rds. If it keeps on firing, your set.

This is excellant advise. Some guns can run dirty, others not so much.

[Sponsor]

[2HOW]

From what you described I would think its enough. You did not say whether you used any lubricant before or during your shoot. Run it in a condition you would carry in . I usually only shoot a box or two, if I have no problems I'm satisfied.

[kmitch200]

I ran 100 through the LCP both range and JHPs the first time out. Second time was only 50 rds of JHP.  No problems - no worries.
I usually shoot new guns for about 2-300 rds to break them in then I run 40-50 carry loads through a gun to make sure it cycles with that load.

Ammo is cheap compared to even one day in ICU.

[seeker_two]

I recommend at least 5000 rounds of WWB ammo through your gun before you even consider carrying it....and at least 5000 rounds of WWB every month just to be sure....


BTW, did I tell you about the great deal I got on Winchester stock options?....


 


100 rounds for break-in should be more than enough....

[Gogle2112]

From what you described I would think its enough. You did not say whether you used any lubricant before or during your shoot. Run it in a condition you would carry in . I usually only shoot a box or two, if I have no problems I'm satisfied.

I brought it home, stripped it down and removed all the factory goop.  I then lightly oiled it with good 'ol Hoppe's gun oil.  I ran the first 50 rounds of range ammo and the last 10 of the self defense.  There was no cleaning during the range session.  It has since been cleaned and re-oiled.

I would like to thank everyone for the advice.  I am comfortable enough carrying it now but do plan on at least one more range trip to put another 50 or so rounds through it.   

[2HOW]

I recommend breaking it down and giving it a good coat of Breakfree CLP let it soak over night. Its the only stuff I use. And I have no stock in it.