Test firing a firearm before purchase

[BuffCyclist]

You must have magical powers because I have never been able to look at a firearm and tell if it is going to misfire or not before I shoot it.

Perhaps not, however, you can always determine if it is operational without firing. Being that it functions, safeties operate, firing pin slams forward. Heck, if its a pistol, do the pencil trick: insert pencil in barrel with eraser towards firing pin. pull trigger with gun pointed upwards and see the pencil fly up.

I bought a Ruger LCP online and was told it was fully operational and worked flawlessly. When I got it, 2 out of 6 rounds in each magazine either FTFire, FTFeed or FTEject. After looking at it more, I found that the previous owner had put a lower recoil spring into the pistol, which failed to operate the slide and caused those problems. After putting in a slightly increased power spring (which was included, it was a wolff recoil spring pack), it worked perfectly and still continues to be a perfect shooter. The reason for the malfunction was the previous owner who mucked with things.

[kidicarus13]

A lot of previous owners muck things up (Armslist, not my experience here) and I would rather spend time and ammo test firing it rather than trying to diagnose the problem after I buy it and then throw more money at it attempting to fix it.

[CroiDhubh]

If it's someone you know, it might be ok. However, from a store, a stranger or the like...no.