#3 then i throw away the lock before i strip the gun and clean it (actually i detail strip it because i have to make sure i know how it works, why it works and that i can repair it when it doesnt work)
No, just throw it away?
Seldom, just pertinent parts?
Yes, I do.
I've noticed many novice pistol owners as well as experienced pistol owners fail to read their manufactures handgun manual. Just wanted to get an idea who and who doesn't and to what extent.
1. Never, just throw it away with the useless pistol lock?
2. Scan through it to read pertinent parts?
3. Throughly read it?
#3 then i throw away the lock before i strip the gun and clean it (actually i detail strip it because i have to make sure i know how it works, why it works and that i can repair it when it doesnt work)
I mistakenly double posted the same topic trying to figure out the poll option? Oops.
not JUST the owners manual, but also any other manual i can find (service/armorers manual)
and not just handguns.... my motorcycle owners manual is next to the well used PINK book (service manual) ....
No worries, I merged them.
As for the poll, I read all the manuals. All kinds of good info in there such as proper break down procedure, ammunition information, any practices that may cause my gun not to function (a big issue for many Kahr owners when the manual is left unread) information on what may void my warranty etc.
If I am shopping for a gun I will download the manual before hand to see if there are any deal breakers about the gun in the manual.
I voted the in between just because their are parts of the manuals I am just not going to read, and I've already done a massive amount of research to the firearm prior to purchasing it, so I've already amassed the pertinent information, going through the manual is usually just to get a feel for what the manufacturer says and recommends.
I find the manuals very short on cleaning, maintenance and lubrication. I have never seen a manual that did a good job explaining how to clean the gun and maintain it and lubricate it properly. Some manufacturer's don't even have detail stripping instructions and I have to rely on the internet for information....some good some notsogood. The manuals provide basic information and I would like to see them improved.
Also, with all the safety warnings in the users manuals, often in RED, you would think they would emphasize the need for the owner to get good safety training and training on how to properly use and shoot the gun and a reference guide on where to go to get safety and operational training and an empahsis on the importance of training as it relates to safety and personal liability.
I am SURE someone here will show examples of well-written manuals that do have these things covered, but the vast majority dont.
CC
I read Shakespeare. Manuals are for squares.![]()
Yes, I read the manual.
^Like this
I read thru them one time. Besides the fact that my Grandfather and me used to do nothing but load shells and repair/ maintain firearms (mostly shotguns) I watch a TON of videos on each handgun I own from handgun gurus and try to take each of their advice into account and meld them into my own way of handling and taking care of my firearms.
Im the Jeet Kune Do of firearms
hahaha thats awesome!!! alot of the guns i have are 2nd handed, as i like to find good used guns, so they ususally dont have manuals for them. but thats when i look up the manufacturers manual off of their website. i generally just read it once unless, i have a problem or need to read it again for some company-specific data. but i keep all my manuals for reference, i never throw them away as they come in handy sometimes.
i read the parts that look different
Did the users manual that came with your car tell you how to dismantle the engine? Did the booklet that came with your computer cover motherboard repair?
There are users manuals and there are maintenance manuals. Some people out there have no business going past the basic field strip of a pistol and the manufacturer has to take that into account, sometimes too much information can be a bad thing. As for the training, that would be a nice touch, but where does it end? Should they tell you what class to take, what brand of ammo or holster to buy, maybe which makers oil to use? We have to take some responsibility for our lives, we can't just sit around and be let by the hand. But I agree, a pitch for the NRA Basic Class wouldn't be a bad idea for the US manuals.
Thank you, we try.
I read manuals but I know my limits, I have very handy friends......My motorcycle manual is at Cobras house. He can work on my bike and I rarely leave my bikes stock. My guns neither for that matter.
If I lived in Oregon I might keep the bike manual over at Tedfromhells place, I think we could hang out if we lived closer.
RCG
I not only read it from cover to cover, but go on-line and download the PDF version for later use . . . Plus things get lost.
They are mostly legal CYA for the maker but there is info. there that I do need to know so I read them and keep them.