I know that dry firing is a no no with rimfire rifles. But how about my new 617-2? Will dry firing damage the gun?

Yes, it can damage the gun, especially with the softer aluminum cylinder your gun has. Don't dry fire without snap caps, spent casings or wall anchors in each chamber.

^^^ What he said.

Tim

The short answer is ....NO, it's not ok to dry fire it.

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Laus Deo! <><

Aluminun cylinder??? Not by the specs S&W furnishes, shows stainless steel frame and cylinder.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

The 617-2 version had an aluminum alloy cylinder and that appears to be the version the original poster has.

I’ve dry fired my 617s and 17s and 18s thousands of times and will continue to do so. No damage, loss of accuracy or function; and one is a 617-2 with aluminum cylinder.

Dry firing is one of the best tools available for sight picture / trigger control training.

Dennis.

There are no snap caps for rimfires; only dummy rounds and there is a difference.

I would not advise the use of spent casings. Rounds are for firing and brass is for reloading - please do not use either for anything else where a gun is involved.

I recommend #4 drywall anchors - no mistaking these and no damage to the gun.

Respectfully...

I am not a fan of dry firing. 22 ammo is inexpensive and provides a bit of real recoil.

I have purchased several 22 snap caps packages and they work well with my browning guns. Made by Triple K Brand #A799, 20 in each pac for a couple bucks.

Tipton makes .22 snap caps.

Tipton® Snap Caps

Not true, the later -2's had stainless steel cylinders, I bought one new back then. I have dry fired mine once in a while with no problems, I wouldn't do it lot though, I just do it to check operation after changing the return spring. The firing pin should never hit the cylinder anyway, none of my revolvers hit the cylinder with the firing pin. The only time I saw one hit the cylinder was one that a guy put in an extended firing pin to compensate for the weak hammer spring he put in it. He really messed up his cylinder.

Dennis, your statement flies in the face of conventional wisdom, and it made me cringe. In your support, I MUST state that I accompanied my friend to the shop of a VERY well respected gunsmith in our neck o' the woods. We were there to pick up his 617 which had been worked on. On his return to the counter from his bench in the back, this experienced gunsmith was dry firing the 617 as he walked. I kept my mouth shut--NOT my revolver, NOT my place to speak. We discussed this on our way home. My friend was unaware, BUT I was horrified. At least a thousand rounds have gone through his 617, W/O a problem since. Sooo, I tend to believe what you say, BUT I will live by the rule I learned over 50 years ago when I broke the firing pin in my first Marlin Model 39 in .22 LR. NEVER dry fire an empty rimfire....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I also was taught that when I started shooting many years ago and it was true then for most 22s, still is for some designs today. It’s just not a problem with today’s S&Ws, Rugers and I believe Browning Buckmarks (I dry fire my Buckmark). Ruger actually states it in the owner’s manual that it’s OK to dry fire their 22s. As stated above, the firing pin on these guns doesn’t come in contact with the cylinder unless there is a serious timing problem. On a new gun I do always check before dry firing to be sure the firing pin isn’t too long.

Remember, we used to be told and believed that long barreled shotguns “shoot harder” too.

Dennis.

[/QUOTE]These aren't snap caps, they are plastic plugs. Snap caps are spring-loaded devices which cusion the hammer strike at the firing pin. They are good for hundreds if not thousands of strikes.

The ones made for .22 LR are not spring loaded in the strike surface and are good for a handful of strikes - just like the drywall anchors.

I'm not trying to split hairs - just stating why I use the anchors. Readily available and cheap.

Though I don't think I am, I very well could be wrong. I am speaking only to my research and experience.

I'll continue to accept the advice of the experts.

From S&W FAQ

Can I dry fire my S&W handgun?
Q: Can I dry fire my Smith & Wesson?

A: Yes, except for the .22 caliber pistols which includes models 22A, 22S, 422, 2206, 2214, 2213 and 41.

.22 caliber revolvers such as models 17, 43, 63, 317 and 617 also should not be dry fired.

Q: Why can't I dry fire my .22 pistol or revolver?

A: Dry firing a S&W .22 pistol or revolver will cause damage to the firing pin.

The 617-2 started production with an aluminum cylinder, but switched to stainless steel during the production life of the -2. Mine has a ss cylinder.
I believe it is ok to dry fire with an open cylinder. You will have to pull back on the cylinder release thumbpiece when doing so, however.

The Smith&Wesson website plainly states that it is permissable to dry
fire all S&W hand guns EXCEPT 22 rimfires ( just so ya know).

OK, guys. I think that I have my answer now.
Thanks for your replies!

As andyo5, there were some stainless 617-2s. I had this one:



and I still use the Tipton dummy snap caps for training new shooters.

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Bob