Dry firing centrefire rifles
- Thread starter User00047
- Start date
Sometimes, you might just dry fire your rifle or gun for some reason. But why would you want to do it multiple times?
The simplest policy is simply not to dry fire, whether it's ok or not depending on the action. But if you are addicted to it, then invest in some dummy rounds/snap caps.
The simplest policy is simply not to dry fire, whether it's ok or not depending on the action. But if you are addicted to it, then invest in some dummy rounds/snap caps.
gigidygigidy
Well-Known Member
This was a question that has been in my head years,
I bought an x bolt which was a display model, never fired a shot and was in as new condition. However the niggle I have is, has the pin, spring or anything else been affected negatively by dry firing while on display.
Iv never had an issue with it, but that question is always there.
I bought an x bolt which was a display model, never fired a shot and was in as new condition. However the niggle I have is, has the pin, spring or anything else been affected negatively by dry firing while on display.
Iv never had an issue with it, but that question is always there.
People do it to become more familiar with their rifles, so that in a real life hunting situation things go smoothly.
deeangeo
Well-Known Member
Spot on.
Cootmeurer
Well-Known Member
I like the prior post about silicon filling a case. Great Idea
What we used to do was punch out the primer then fill the hole with a bit of pencil eraser. Use a razor to trim to flush.
But, I also agree about no harm done on well made CF rifles. If you read up about one of the greatest American Snipers (Carlos Hathcock) he would spend hours in position dry firing his rifle. If a man that truly had a life and death relationship with his rifle trusted to dry fire repeatedly, then I'm ok with it also.
What we used to do was punch out the primer then fill the hole with a bit of pencil eraser. Use a razor to trim to flush.
But, I also agree about no harm done on well made CF rifles. If you read up about one of the greatest American Snipers (Carlos Hathcock) he would spend hours in position dry firing his rifle. If a man that truly had a life and death relationship with his rifle trusted to dry fire repeatedly, then I'm ok with it also.
levigsp
Well-Known Member
This lady also spent hours dry firing as practice to get the perfect let off, one off if not the best shot I have seen. RIP Pat.
Hunter5567
Well-Known Member
I've used empty 22 rimfire cases as snap caps, Just rotate it around so the firing pin hits a fresh part of the rim and discard when you put a lot of hits on it, rinse and repeat.
Ronin
Distinguished Member
I prefer not to dry fire rifles more than a couple of times when they come in for service
If one is regulating a trigger mech then there is no choice to do so but I have several dummy rounds made up with the primers replaced with a similar sized piece of hard rubber which absorbs the impact similarly to striking a primer
Yes many modern weapons have in built stops to prevent the firing pin going too far forwards but the constant metal metal contact under high speed without the cushioning effect of striking a primer or other such surface (such as a hard rubber replacement) is likely to induce stress fracture as a worst case scenario
Firing pins are relatively cheap to replace in this instance in most weapons but why force that
Simplest way of you have to practice dry firing is replace the primer with rubber
If one is regulating a trigger mech then there is no choice to do so but I have several dummy rounds made up with the primers replaced with a similar sized piece of hard rubber which absorbs the impact similarly to striking a primer
Yes many modern weapons have in built stops to prevent the firing pin going too far forwards but the constant metal metal contact under high speed without the cushioning effect of striking a primer or other such surface (such as a hard rubber replacement) is likely to induce stress fracture as a worst case scenario
Firing pins are relatively cheap to replace in this instance in most weapons but why force that
Simplest way of you have to practice dry firing is replace the primer with rubber
Woodsmoke
Well-Known Member
I've known guys use empty 12-bore cases as snap caps too, but to my mind it's just far too easy to potentially mistake a fired case for a live one, to my mind
kenbro
Well-Known Member
To help hone your shoooting skills, perhaps?
I just bought a Kimber from Ed and looked on their site... this is what they say.
8x57
Distinguished Member
Dry firing is a recognised practise for honing trigger control techniques. Some .22 target pistols have trigger mechanisms that permit dry firing. They work by limiting the travel of the firing pin so that you experience the normal trigger release but the pin when released only travels a very short distance. The first pistol that I had with this facility was a Browning Match.
Hunter5567
Well-Known Member
I believe my Tikka manual states not to dry fire it as damage can occur. Different manufacturers have different information regarding whether you can do this with their firearms. I believe Ruger has a pin in the breech block that stops forward travel of the firing pin so that it won't strike the chamber rim on rimfire guns so that dry firing is okay.
Hunter5567
Well-Known Member
The Tikka manual states: Long term dry firing may damage the bolt. ………. If you want to practice shooting your rifle without using live ammo, insert an appropriate "snap cap" into the chamber to cushion the fall of the firing pin and reduce chance of firing pin breakage. "Snap cap" cartridges with spring loaded "primers" are ideal.
Spring actuated snap-caps is the way to go. Buy sufficient of them to fill your rifle mag' and you may also practice quick fire, reload and fire again action for those occasional needy situations!?
ATB .... and shoot safely
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