I think you need to take the gun out and actually fire it and use it. You said you haven't fired it in 5 years. All my firearms that are used for self defense or home defense see a regular usage at the range and then are cleaned and ready for the next trip or should the need arise, self defense
I wouldn't worry about the magazine springs weakening from leaving them loaded. Using the mags is what makes the springs lose their strength. But it's a LOT of use. I'm talking thousands of rounds put through a magazine.
I'll also echo what others have said about using/training with the gun. You're not going to wear it out. Most modern pistols can go tens of thousands of rounds with only lube a recoil spring change once in a while. So a few hundred rounds a few times a year and that pistol will last a long time. If you do wear it out, that means you really know how to use it. Then you spend a little more money and get another one. The price of a gun is extremely low compared to what you're using it to protect, your life and the lives of those you love.
Also, Welcome to INGO. Don't feel like we're beating up on you. We're just trying to help. Some of us in this very thread asked questions just like you when we first joined. But stick around and ask as many questions as you want. You'll probably get a few sarcastic remarks but don't worry about those. There is a vast quantity of good knowledge on this forum. But we like to have some fun also.
OK now I re-read and you have not fired it. Shame on you. It is not a talisman. It needs to be fired.....by you. Practice with it man. Buy some ammo. Go to the range and use the thing. Or just sell it to someone that will.
I may sound like I am busting chops here and I may be. If you choose to own a gun it has to be something you are familiar with and comfortable in its use. If and when (God forbid) you may actually have to use it. You stated home defense. That's the reason for this rant.
USE IT>
All of my defensive firearms get cleaned and oiled after they are shot at the range. Everything gets shot often enough that it doesn't go more than a couple months without cleaning.
OP, you need to actually shoot your home defense firearm. Buying a brand new gun and leaving it in the box or nightstand or whatever is no bueno, especially when you're talking about an...affordable product line. Not that the gun is bad, but you do need to be shooting it regularly to confirm functionality and you do need to be shooting some of your defensive ammo through it to make sure it cycles. The gun could have some kind of defect from the factory or other parts failure and you'd never know until you picked it up to defend yourself.
I have to ask if this is a trolling post or a serious post. Just seems off to me.
I've switched to using very sparing amounts of grease instead of oil. It helps a lot with sweat and heat from carrying the gun every day concealed. Seems to effectively last for ever, at least long enough to be fresh by the time I'm done with my regular practice regime.
All guns are always loaded.
If you're measuring this period of time in months, then you really need to rethink life choices, shooting is a perishable skill. If you shoot about the same every time you go, it's time to challenge yourself, and push until you fail. If you haven't shot a gun in more than a few months, then I would not trust your life to it or your own abilities to use it anymore.
How do you even know where your ammo is shooting if you've only ever had the same rounds in the gun since 2013? I don't want to be mean, but man that's irresponsible. If you have to use that gun in self defense, you have no idea where your point of impact is going to be. You need to practice with the ammo you carry, you don't want to kill someone you didn't intend to shoot.
Thanks for reply's everyone, a bit overwhelmed but really insightful!
You're right, I do shoot with other guns, it's just this one in particular I don't but I will. As long as shooting it doesn't effect the resale value. If it does I would rather just sell it as is and replace it with a 1911 and use that instead.
OK 1911 guy....I like him already....
Commiefornia….?????
Are you crazy...
Maybe I misread?
Is the OP using a handgun for home protection that has never been range tested?
. So I might end up in Texas , as long as I can make it work from a business sense.