When I shoot, I get black soot on my face and arms?

Question

I am new to shooting hand guns. I bought a Bryco (Jennings) .380 hand gun. When I shoot, I get these black grains in my face and arms. Is this normal or is this due to a cheap gun or ammo? Why does this happen?

Answer 1

This is a typical problem with a short barrel, inexpensive (cheap) handgun.  Try a gun with a longer barrel.  

Answer 2

I'm not to sure about handguns as much the only hand i have shot was a 357 magnum i normally shoot my ak, I have never had that problem i mean I'm used to smelling it and kind of getting a headache if not in a properly ventilated area but no visible gun powder on my body. It may be the cheap ammo but i shoot cheap rifle ammo in my ak but that's the best advice i can give you. Try changing ammo and maybe change your firing position. this isn't the american revolution so you should not be wearing much of your gun powder on your body.  I would definitely look into the problem

Answer 3

I suspect you have some sort of partial blockage with the bryco's barrel.

You need to get that gun fixed, or you will be missing a finger soon.

Thios is why people don't recommend those junky brands.

Answer 4

are you shooting into the wind?

It's normal to get powder on your hands and forearms, but you shouldn't be getting it on your face, unless your holding the gun too close to your face.

Answer 5

try different ammo . . . otherwise its the gun . . . its not a normal thing with modern smokeless powders

Answer 6

That is unburned gun powder.  It'll happen even with the highest quality guns that don't have a long enough barrel to fully burn the cartridge's gun powder.  The shorter your gun's barrel the more likely this is to happen.  For example that happens to me with my 4" barrel .357 Magnum and to a mucher lesser degree with my 6" barrel .357 Magnum and most with my 2-3/4" barrel .357 Magnum.  Changing to a better quality of ammunition will help some.  In my .380s I use Federal Hydra Shok.  Hydra Shok Personal Defense ammo will probably work fine in your Bryco but I would NOT load anything hotter like Cor Bon in a Bryco/Jennings.  If your .380 won't chamber anything but ball ammo trying going with name-brand ammo like Remington or Winchester.

One more thing, this is one reason why eye-protection is recommended whenever possible.  Get shooting glasses and ear plugs or muffles when you target practice.  

Good luck.

H

Answer 7

I suspect you have a faulty, worn, or defective handgun.* Take to a competent Gunsmith ASAP.*

Answer 8

The gun may have a loose-fitting chamber, or a cracked chamber. Loose is a hassle,cracked is dangerous. Clean the gun really well and look for cracks. Measure new versus fired cartridges, and see if there is a lot of difference. Regards, Larry.

Answer 9

It's very normal.  How much this happens depends on the ammo, the action, and barrel length.  For example, when I shoot a .22 revolver, I get covered with the stuff!  Shooting my .45 auto pistol, not so much.  Shooting rifle or shotgun, not at all.

Ignore the peanut gallery telling you there's something wrong with your gun.  I've got over 3 dozen, and have been shooting for nearly 40 years.  This is normal!