Dry Firing M&P 15/storage

[LadyShooter1]

Hi Guys, got a quick question regarding my new M&P 15. I mainly own revolvers and bolt actions, my bolt actions are simple to decock without dry firing... I don't like leaving my guns in the cocked position for extended periods, is it safe to dry fire the M&P 15 after insuring the firearm is unloaded and of course pointed in a safe direction. Looking through my manual it only states; never dry-fire with the rifle disassembled but nothing in regards to assembled. I did try a method on YouTube where the charging handle is pulled back to the point resistance is felt, pulling the trigger and riding the handle home but for me it didn't work, of course I dry fired it, after dry-firing I noticed my safety lever is in the fire position and will not move to safe which I assume is normal on these models. Thanks!!

 

[jimbo728]

Yes, there will be no harm done unless you drop the hammer if the BCG is also removed. I read somewhere that is not a good idea. Only reason that I mention that is that I frequently remove the BCG when in storage.
Jim

 

[cyphertext]

Dry fire away with a fully assembled rifle. Won't hurt it.

If you have the upper and lower separated and the hammer cocked, you will need to block the hammer from hitting the receiver if you release the hammer. It can crack the receiver if you let the hammer hit on the receiver.

 

[LadyShooter1]

Thanks so much! Not making a habit of dry-firing, I figured it would be best for long periods like the winter months to have it unlocked. I'm learning slowly and I appreciate all the help. I installed a Vortex Strikefire II and I'm loving it, sling is next on my list

 

[LadyShooter1]

After a dry-fire what locks the firing selector switch to fire? Just curious

 

[murphydog]

I believe the hammer has to be back for the safe position to be able to engage.

It probably does no harm to leave the hammer cocked for prolonged periods, but it also does no harm to decock it by dry firing.

Enjoy!

 

[cyphertext]

After a dry-fire what locks the firing selector switch to fire? Just curious

This video shows what is going on inside to give you an idea...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh2FjzVVIZY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh2FjzVVIZY[/ame]

 

[WR Moore]

Safeties that can be blocked in the fire position are almost always sear blocking devices (in this case the sear is at the other end of the trigger bar). This is a better system than a trigger blocking device where an independent sear may be able to be released by a jolt despite the safety being on (most shotguns). Obviously, you don't trust either system, but the sear blocking safety has a mechanical edge.

It has an added benefit in that if the safety is blocked from movement, you know the hammer is down/striker is decocked. Hammer decocked is the appropriate storage condition. If you've got a dust cover, it should be closed. In fact, range rules permitting, the normal position for the dust cover (when not actually firing) is closed.

 

[pasound]

After cleaning my M&P 15 Sport, I drop a .223 snap cap round in a mag and let it chamber, then pull the trigger for one dry-fire, then back to storage, after closing the dust cover. I always put a drop of CLP on it first, to make sure it's not trapping moisture.

 

[Rastoff]

It looks like you've got the answer to your questions. Now, let me talk about this comment:

Not making a habit of dry-firing,...

But you should. Dry practice (I don't say dry fire because you can't fire an unloaded gun) is the key to being a good shot. You should do lots of dry practice. This will help with trigger control which is essential to quality shooting.


One question that wasn't answered earlier is that you can leave your hammer cocked. You won't wear out the springs by leaving them compressed. In fact, you could leave the hammer cocked for decades and it will still function fine.

That said, you won't hurt your gun by pressing the trigger with no ammo in the gun.

 

[Maddmax]

Dry fire away with a fully assembled rifle. Won't hurt it.

If you have the upper and lower separated and the hammer cocked, you will need to block the hammer from hitting the receiver if you release the hammer. It can crack the receiver if you let the hammer hit on the receiver.

Not to mention breaking the hammer. Rare but can happen.

 

[shep854]

Dry fire (also known as 'snapping in) is a staple of military small arms training. Clearing a weapon (ensuring it really is unloaded by dropping the hammer on an empty chamber WHILE POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION) is also standard practice. Many other nits also mandate storage with the hammer down, to remove tension from the elrings.