Dry firing your handgun

[YabuUS]

I was always told not to dry fire a handgun without using snap caps or at least an empty casing in the chamber. But recently I have read articles that say it is safe to dry fire any handgun made within the last 40yrs. Is it safe, for instance, to dry fire a semi-auto with a striker type firing pin design. or does it vary from gun to gun? Comments welcome.

[seamusTX]

Read the manual. In some cases, you can dry-fire to your heart's content. In others, you will have a paperweight after a couple of exercises.

It is absolutely not OK to dry-fire a rimfire (.22) without a snap cap or spent brass.

- Jim

[joe817]

I've always used snap caps in all my guns. It takes the stress off the firing pin, plus you can verify that the extractor and ejector are functioning properly. This applies to pistols, rifles and shotguns...at least for me it does.

I would never dry fire a gun without a snap cap, regardless what the manufacturer says. (keeps it simpler that way)

[shooter4]

I say dry fire all you want.........Glocks especially. I think Sig says no i believe. Glocks, Steyrs not a problem. Never had anybody tell me they had a problem with these weapons. Been dry firing Glocks the longest, years, times.......never a problem. AR's no...I would venture a guess that Springfield and S&W MP's are also GTG on dry firing. I will ask a few sources on those........Just remember.....when dry firing. TAKE ALL THE AMMO AND MAGS INTO ANOTHER ROOM.

[wford]

I have dry fired my trusty ole G17 a gazillion times. I do use snap caps to practice mag changes though.

[Crapshoot]

I think it depends on the manufacture. I had a ruger p345 that you could do it with but the manual said to prevent firing pin damage to leave the (empty)mag in. The same for my sig. Others I've heard you don't need a mag. And others not at all. I asked my local gun guy about revolvers cuz I just bought the new Judge Public Defender and he said revolvers must use the snap caps.

[YabuUS]

I have a Taurus 1911 and a Taurus Model 605 .357 snubby. Both manuals caution against dry firing. They both say it is "bad" for the gun. I'm assuming using snap caps in both makes it OK.

[smasraum]

The owner's manual for the Springfield Armory XDM says it's ok to dry fire. I've been dry firing mine.

[Houston1944]

S&W states on their web site that all of their handguns can be dry fired except for 22 caliber pistols and revolvers.

[Purplehood]

Based on military experience, I would say that a Colt M1911, a Beretta M9 and the M/16/M4 series can all safely be dry-fired. After all, they made us do it all the time.

[Rex B]

Most modern .22s are designed so the firing pin cannot contact the breech, so are safe to dryfire.
I know that is true for all the Rugers I own- 10/22, Single Six, Bearcat, and it says so in the owners manual.
Check the manual, or write the manufacturer.

[hoytinak]

[quote=Crapshoot]and he said revolvers must use the snap caps.[/quote]

Not sure about your Judge but Ruger suggest dry firing in their revolvers (at least with my SP101, GP100 and LCR).

[Crapshoot]

went and picked a the 709 slim today and went straight to the manual. It says that the 709 should not be dry fired, but The way they put it I get the feeling its for liability purposes. I'm gonna hit up some local gunsmiths to make sure.

[YabuUS]

went and picked a the 709 slim today and went straight to the manual. It says that the 709 should not be dry fired, but The way they put it I get the feeling its for liability purposes. I'm gonna hit up some local gunsmiths to make sure.

You may be right about the liability aspect of dry firing. I have four Taurus guns and all the manuals warn against dry firing - the design of the gun doesn't seem to matter. I won't dry fire mine without snap caps just in case it might affect the warranty.

[Chuck TX]

Seems vary from maker to maker. Some say knock yourself out like Glock, others (like KelTec P3AT,etc) will break in short order if you do so. Regardless I generally use snap caps, or since I reload make my own by cutting hard rubber to replace the primer.