Something new happened to me this morning. Taking my morning summer walk, I slipped my usual Smith Model 36 in my pocket. On my three mile route there are lots of dogs, so I carry CCI shotshells for the first two rounds and three wadcutters, followed up by a speedloader of solids. Getting home not quite an hour later, I pulled out the Smith and started to unload it. I couldn't; the cylinder latch had come off in my pocket. The screw had come unscrewed.
If I had needed the gun, it wouldn't have been tied up. I'd have had a tough time reloading, though. I don't shoot the 36 much, maybe every 3 months or so and it's not like I'm shooting +Ps with a lot of recoil.
I got out my screwdriver kit and gathered up all my carry guns. After unloading them, I checked every screw. All were snug. The one exception was my CZ 100 since the only screws it has are on the rear sight. I also took the opportunity to check the magazines on the semis, wipe them down, and oil the rails.
From now on, checking loose screws will be part of my monthly maintenance.
If I had needed the gun, it wouldn't have been tied up. I'd have had a tough time reloading, though. I don't shoot the 36 much, maybe every 3 months or so and it's not like I'm shooting +Ps with a lot of recoil.
I got out my screwdriver kit and gathered up all my carry guns. After unloading them, I checked every screw. All were snug. The one exception was my CZ 100 since the only screws it has are on the rear sight. I also took the opportunity to check the magazines on the semis, wipe them down, and oil the rails.
From now on, checking loose screws will be part of my monthly maintenance.
