If you’re like most gun owners you’ve never even glanced in your owner’s manual before. Sometimes this is an oversight on your part, and other times you probably make the conscious choice to not read it.
After you’ve seen one gun, you’ve seen them all. Right?
One thing you may not realize is that the owner’s manual actually tells you some stuff that is important for the use of your gun.
Should I read my gun owner’s manual?
Yes it’s always a good idea to acquaint yourself with your gun by reading the manual before you do anything with it to make sure you’re not mishandling something.
Because no matter how familiar you may be with guns, the manufacturer may have thrown something different in this gun that you don’t know about.
For example, a little spring:
The SIG Sauer P938 has a little spring in the slide catch that really should not be touched. If you accidentally bend that spring a little bit you’re asking for problems with the slide catch itself not functioning properly.
Trust me, I know.
Another example is the recoil spring:
Some firearms manufacturers give guidelines about part replacement. For example the P365 suggests that the recoil spring is replaced in specific increments.
A lot of folks want to argue with SIG about this, but I’m a firm believer that if they made the pistol they should probably know what’s best for it.
Another example, are lubrication points:
While most of the time this is self-explanatory, you should know the spots your manufacturer tells you to lubricate so you don’t miss anything.
The reason why is hopefully obvious, but in case it isn’t let’s talk about two metal surfaces rubbing each other.
When two metal surfaces rub it creates a friction that’s not good for the components and actually creates excessive and early wear.
Not only that, but if your gun is dry as a bone it could cause your gun to jam up, which is obviously not good in a self-defense scenario.
Recommended products:
Then again, maybe you’re using a product they don’t recommend. For example, I just glanced over the P320 XSERIES owner’s manual and saw they don’t recommend using gun oil from a spray can.
They do recommend using CLP.
But, you wouldn’t know that if you don’t read the manual.
By the way, this is the cleaning kit I use and highly recommend.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider reading your owner’s manual. There are others, like what kind of ammunition should should be using in your gun, etc.
I would also like to say that if you don’t have an owner’s manual for your gun, then check their website and/or reach out to the company for one.
Do you read your manual? Let me know in the comments below.
