What to do with it ?

Wishbone

$500 for an almost new condition Govt Model, in the bright stainless, is a very good price. One of my local dealers has one for almost $700, so you did very well for $500.

Now the only way to determine if this pistol will need help to become a shooter, or can be left alone is to go shoot it. Since you mentioned that this pistol is in almost new condition, I suggest that you shoot it for a breaking period then determine if it needs help. For the break in I suggest the following.

When you get to the range, unloaded naturally, lock the slide back and put one drop of Hoppes #9 Gun Oil (or any good old fashioned gun oil) on each slide rail and let the oil drip into the frame for a couple of seconds then cycle the slide a couple of times. Close the slide and put one drop of oil on the barrel at the front of the slide opening. Now load your pistol and begin shooting normally and shoot a minimum of 500 rounds before cleaning, repeating the addition of oil every 200 rounds.

For ammuntion I suggest Federal American Eagle, or Sellier & Belliot, FMJ since they generate a lot of powder residue. The reason you want a lot of powder residue, is this will mix with the oil and become a very mild buffing compound. This will smooth any rough spots between the slide, frame and barrel and help everything settle into where it will work best. During this 500 rounds do not worry about any failures to feed or extract. They do not count.

When you have completed the 500 rounds clean your pistol and replace the recoil and firing pin springs. You might want to do this before starting the break in period on general principal, but afterwards they will probably be a bit worn due to the residue and the higher than normal amount of lubricant. For a replacement recoil spring I recommend a Wolf's 18.5 lbs spring. Most Wolf's recoil springs come with a firing pin spring.

Now you are ready to begin shooting your new pistol for evaluation. Try different brands and types of ammo including JHP ammo. If one brand/type works better than another try more of it and drop the one that did not work. And finally Keep us posted of how things are going.

I hope this helps.


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Str8_Shot

The best handgun for self defense, is the one you have with you.

scottsGT, you are an honorable man

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DEATH TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER!

IF IT'S NOT A COLT, IT'S JUST A COMPROMISE!

Thanks for all your replies.The break-in info from Str8_Shot,is great.The gun had not a drop of any oil,etc. so maybe the previous owner never shot it.I have been using Break Free, and Sentry Solutions products for a while now, and am happy with the results on my plastic guns.I'll let you all know if it shoots, but not if it falls apart.If that happens I know a guy that will help me by buying it from me.ScottsGT thanks!!

Wishbone

For the break in period you should use a natural oil like Hoppes instead of one of the new wonder (teflon, or Molly, based) lubricants. The simple reason is the new wonder lubricants work a little too good, so the parts do not wear in the way they should, or as quick. The natural oil is a little thicker and is not as slippery so it stays in place better and helps to wear on the rough spots.

Another thing to consider with your Government is, you may not want to use Break Free or any of the wonder lubricants on it for normal use. My reason is, since it is stainless it will not have a super tight slide to frame fit. So when you have completed your break in period check the fit. If it seems a bit loose compared to your plastic pistol you may want to consider using a petrolieum based gun grease. My reason is the same as not using the wonder lubes for the break in. They can be too good. I have a Commander that I lubed with Tetra grease which is teflon based, and it did not take too long to realize that my slide was battering my frame because of the teflon lube. If you decide to use the Break Free use a shock buff, consider using a 20 lb spring, and keep an eye out for signs of battering.

My Commander may have tollerance stack going against it, but it works better with natural oil or grease.

I hope this helps.


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Str8_Shot

The best handgun for self defense, is the one you have with you.