AR Newbie Question

[MP40cMN]

Just picked up an M&P 15 TS. Is it okay to dry fire this rifle occasionally or is that a no no? Thanks for the info.

 

[cyphertext]

Dry fire away, won't hurt anything.

 

[gdnagle]

If your worried about it get some snap caps, but no problem dry firing.

 

[WU_Who]

I usually separated the upper and lower when testing my trigger polish job. Noticed that if I didn't have something in the way, like a folded up rag, the hammer would smack the bolt release hard. Sure enough there was a bulge of pushed up material behind the paddle. D'oh. Snap caps, the only way to dry fire a firearm without causing minor damage.

 

[cyphertext]

I usually separated the upper and lower when testing my trigger polish job. Noticed that if I didn't have something in the way, like a folded up rag, the hammer would smack the bolt release hard. Sure enough there was a bulge of pushed up material behind the paddle. D'oh. Snap caps, the only way to dry fire a firearm without causing minor damage.

You are not supposed to release the hammer at full speed when you have the upper and lower separated. This will damage the lower and is very different from dry firing.

In the military, we dry fired much more than actual firing. It won't hurt the rifle.

 

[MP40cMN]

Thanks guys. Dry firing with snap caps it is!!

 

[cyphertext]

Thanks guys. Dry firing with snap caps it is!!

In case you didn't understand, snap caps are not necessary...

 

[caribe]

Not necessary for dry firing, but great for running drills.

 

[MP40cMN]

Got it about the snap caps. I usually use them in my M&P pistols so I will have some on hand for the 15 TS. I can then decide when I want to use them. Thanks again.

 

[gdnagle]

Got it about the snap caps. I usually use them in my M&P pistols so I will have some on hand for the 15 TS. I can then decide when I want to use them. Thanks again.

Centerfire don't need snap caps, on the other hand rimfires would be recommended as they are listed in most manuals not to dry fire. FWIT wall anchors work fine for rimefire. I know you didn't ask about rimfire but just thought I would throw that out there.