9mm

Question
i was firing a bryco jennings nine that is about nine years old. it was bought and stored but never fired until i fired the first round. after the first round discharged the red pin  exposed itself from the back of the slide where the hammer would be on a gun. the gun would not fire again. only one round was ever fired from this gun. am i missing something or is it broke? i have moderate experience mostly with revolvers. i unloaded and put it away.i know this is a low quality weapon but i was just testing it for a older friend.what is the rde pin's function2@

Answer
Hi Jim.

I don't own a Bryco but from what I have read, the red pin at the rear of the slide is a loaded chamber indicator which projects from the slide to let you see and feel that a cartridge is loaded in the chamber without opening or cycling the slide. On some striker-fired guns this type of pin serves as a cocking indicator to let you know that the action has been cocked and is ready to fire.

Often with brand new guns they will not function reliably until they have been cleaned, fired a few hundred times, and then cleaned again. With inexpensive firearms it is also common for the actions to jam or fail to load and feed the cartridges properly. Ammunition is another factor because some brands and types will work better in certain guns but not others.

So first I would unload, disassemble, and thoroughly clean the gun according to the factory instruction manual. Then purchase several different brands and types of cartridges in the proper caliber. Simple lead round nose of full metal jacket bullets are usually best. Make sure to properly load the magazine and cycle the action per the instructions then fire a few rounds slowly and delibarately. If it jams then clear the action, inspect the gun to ensure no obstructions or defects, and try again with the other cartridges.

If all else fails ask a more experienced shooter for help, visit a local gunsmith, or call the manufacturer for advice. You can also try the following link which will take you to a support forum where you will find lots of info from other Bryco owners:

http://www.bryco-jennings-jimenezarms.com/forum/

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Bob