Dry Firing !!! Is it really bad

[timmy]

If you have a revolver with the firing pin attached to the hammer, DO NOT dry fire it. When such a revolver is dry fired, the firing pin actually stretches, because the hammer is abruptly stopped by the frame, while the firing pin is not cushioned by a primer. Eventually, the stretching of the firing pin (It is sub-microscopic; you can't see it) will cause it to work-harden and crack.

Many other firearms are subject to this problem, as well. When I was a boy, I broke the firing pin on my Marlin 39A from dry firing.

Another problem that can happen is that a floating firing pin slamming into the frame will cause the hole in the back of the chamber to "pooch out." This is often seen on break open shotguns, either single or double.

The answer to the problem is to use snap caps. I use snap caps on my LC Smith double, because there is no way to uncock the hammers other than dry firing. The hammers are cocked automatically when the action is broken open. So, I bought a pair of 12 gauge snap caps, allowing me to store the gun uncocked.

Snap caps are also cheaper than buying a substitute gun. The problem of using a substitute gun is that, while you do learn something about control by snapping it, it is not the same gun that you want to shoot normally. Each gun has a unique trigger pull with regard to creep, overtravel, pull weight, etc, and the only way you are going to learn that is by either shooting or dry firing. To dry fire, use snap caps.

Incidentally, if you are shooting a revolver, here is an old trick you can use on the range: Have your buddy load your revolver for you, and have him randomly mix live ammunition and snap caps when he loads it. Then, shoot it. You will quickly find out if you have developed a flinch when the hammer lands on a snap cap! Then you will know you have some work to do!

[indigo_indo]

I am using a rubber packing ( cut from school going children's rubber and that piece fits exactly into the frame in between the hammer and the trasfer pin . when i dry fire my iof .32 with it i the hammer do not hit and couse the trasfer bar to pressurize the spring and move forward .

This way i can dry fire my gun at regular basis and without having any damage to the gun.

Folks try this jugaad too..

[Hammerhead]

You dry fire any thing but Rim Fire firearms but I'm not aware of your IOC revolvers but seems it has the same mechanism as of any other country

End of the day it's just $3.00 thing but be safe and don't point it to any thing and mix your spent rounds with the new ones - Haji

[TwoRivers]

Most modern arms will take dry firing without damage, as long as it is a limited amount. Daily dry firing sessions will damage any fire arm, and some of them very quickly. And even a "it's just a $3.00 thing" won't mean much if you can't get the part; or the model was discontinued a long time ago, and parts are no longer available. Unless your gun's manual explicitly states that dry firing is alright, don't.

[winnie_the_pooh]

You can dry fire the IOF .315 as many times as you want

[perfectionist]

@doctor & other members,

Thanks for clearing my doubts about dry firing