How To Find Out If Shotgun Works!?

[ChevyDave]

My father has this 12ga Glenfield shot gun that has been sitting in his house for YEARS and YEARS now. It was given to him but he has never ever shot it before. Is there a way we can find out if the firing pin works instead of actually shooting out of the gun?

I hear if you take the wad, pellets, everything out of a shell then you can easily find out... Is this true?

 

[WestTn Huntin man]

They make a shell called a snap cap that can be bought at most sporting goods stores/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap_cap
Get ya a 12 gauge one.Watch the spring inside when pulling the trigger. The firing pin will move the spring if working correctly.

 

[mike243]

open the breach pull the trigger & push the hammer forward,the pin should stick out,if it is a newer shotgun the hammer will have to be pulled back & held,pull the trigger & let the hammer down,pin should stick out,no need to shoot the single shots when its easy to see every thing,mike243

 

[ChevyDave]

Thanks!

Also, the shotgun says on the Side of the barrel "12 Gauge 2 3/4 - 3 inch. Full Choke"

I'm guessing it won't shoot steel shot since it's full choke?

 

[Buckblaster]

correct, and plus it is an older barrel.

 

[Anonymous]

cut the end off a shell and take the pellets and powder out if it pops your good

 

[Chaneylake]

it will not hurt the gun to dry fire it

 

[Cull Buck Hunter]

ditto

cut the end off a shell and take the pellets and powder out if it pops your good

 

[Sako]

ditto

cut the end off a shell and take the pellets and powder out if it pops your good

This is what I do ...... But I also take the wad out to keep it from possibly getting it stuck