Dry fire practice

Magnumdood · #1 10-04-2011, 08:33 PM

I purchased a N.I.B. 500 Magnum Hunter with a 6.5" barrel. I haven't shot it yet, but I have been practicing my trigger pull with dummy rounds in each charge hole with a material in place for the firing pin to hit. They claim the material the firing pin hits will never wear out. We'll see. I've been dry-firing 200 to 300 times with each hand every night. It's a pretty stiff trigger pull on double action; single action feels like ounces compared to the double action cycle. I've already gotten considerably stronger in both hands and I can hold the gun still on target much better.

What do you guys think of this practice?

sourdough44 · #2 10-04-2011, 08:42 PM

I think it's fine. If/when you have some fired cases around you can use them too. After a while the primer gets indented in, but a little support anyway.

Magnumdood · #3 10-04-2011, 09:10 PM

Do you think it helps smooth the trigger pull out?

gumpys · #4 10-04-2011, 09:33 PM

I think instead of sitting there pulling the trigger three hundred times a night for 3 months until it gets better, send your 500 to a good gunsmith and have him do a trigger job on it for 100 150 bucks, I know of a real good one in Florida I ship my guns to have him do his magic.
Eric

Ashlander · #5 10-04-2011, 10:16 PM

I believe pulling the trigger is excellent for your trigger finger. We have all seen new shooters whose trigger fingers are just plain weak and cannot execute a controlled double action trigger pull. Likewise, how many of our weak hand double action trigger pulls are even almost as good as our strong hand pulls? It's good exercise regardless of whether it smooths out the gun's action.

stevieboy · #6 10-04-2011, 10:27 PM

I dry fire my centerfire revolvers without snap caps or dummy rounds several hundred times a day. It's never damaged the guns and it's strengthened my hands. I don't know whether the triggers on my guns have smoothed out due to my dry firing them or whether my hands are just that much stronger but, at any rate, the triggers definitely feel lighter over time.

dwever · #7 10-05-2011, 09:43 AM

No it will not smooth the trigger pull out in any significant way. Get an action job as suggested above.

DonD · #8 10-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieboy

I dry fire my centerfire revolvers without snap caps or dummy rounds several hundred times a day. It's never damaged the guns and it's strengthened my hands. I don't know whether the triggers on my guns have smoothed out due to my dry firing them or whether my hands are just that much stronger but, at any rate, the triggers definitely feel lighter over time.

I've said it before and will say it again, everything in moderation. I spoke with Herb Belin, S&Ws revolver product manager several years ago. He did NOT recommend the amount of dry firing you are doing. Your guns. Don

Stainz · #9 10-05-2011, 01:58 PM

A low DA effort in a .500 Magnum isn't desired by most folks. A recent S&W trigger will get smoother with trigger pulls - usually in 500-1,000 - with before & after cleaning & lube (Manufacturing and wear residue removal...). Reduction in DA effort is not likely - and usually actually just a stronger finger. It will get smoother.

If you elect to go for a gunsmith to 'improve' it, consider S&W. Their 'Master Revolver' job is ~$165 and includes overnite FEDEX from/ to your home - and insurance - including the insurance that they have parts, should something be 'out of spec'. Call S&W (1-800-331-0852) for more info.

Stainz

Pisgah · #10 10-05-2011, 03:07 PM

I wouldn't worry all that much about it at this point. Having fired one, I'll say it's an even bet you won't be able to hit much of anything right off the bat anyway. Trust me, the recoil and blast are something you just have to experience to believe. You'll want to find a nice Airweight .44 Magnum to shoot just for fun.

(OK, it's not all that bad, but is is not comparable to anything lesser.)

gumpys · #11 10-05-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pisgah

I wouldn't worry all that much about it at this point. Having fired one, I'll say it's an even bet you won't be able to hit much of anything right off the bat anyway. Trust me, the recoil and blast are something you just have to experience to believe. You'll want to find a nice Airweight .44 Magnum to shoot just for fun.

(OK, it's not all that bad, but is is not comparable to anything lesser.)

I don't know about the 500 smith with the 6.5 barrel having more kick than a ultraweight snub nose 44 magnum , I have owned both guns and to me the ultralight snub nose 44 mag I owned had more kick than the 500
Eric