Safe to dry fire revolver using snap caps?

[Redlegvzv]

I have a new S&W 686 -- question is whether it is safe to load it up with snap caps and dry fire it a bunch of times. I would like to smooth the trigger out, and I've noticed that all S&Ws seem to smooth out over time with use. Given that our range is closed due to Chinese Virus, I'd like to do practices dry firing. With Rugers that is totally OK even without snap caps due to the transfer bar. What about my 686?

 

[CA Escapee]

Yes, it is.

Bill

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Totally fine, even without snap caps.

 

[Redlegvzv]

Totally fine, even without snap caps.

Is that true? Wasn't sure, to be honest.

 

[CH4]

Is that true? Wasn't sure, to be honest.

Yes, it’s twu, it’s twu.

 

[NYlakesider]

Go into handguns in the early 1970s and at this time have uncounted times (large number) I have dry fired in order to "adjust" the moving parts and to learn trigger control. Of course I'm referring to center fire guns.

The only snap caps I have is for my OU skeet guns as I like to put them away with reduced tension on the springs!

 

[kaaskop49]

Some folks espouse blindly "dryfiring the snot" out of a revolver 1000s of times, in front of the TV for example. When I dryfired, I used it as an excuse to practice sight picture at the same time. I would try to duplicate range practice: 6 snaps, open and close cylinder as if reloading (or extracting and reloading the snapcaps), then 6 more. Hope this helps.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Redlegvzv]

Thanks folks, this is all terrific information. I really appreciate it. I try to share my own knowledge here when I think it might help someone, and I sure get a lot of great information from everyone. This is a great forum.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I don't dry fire my guns just to smooth the trigger, as I don't believe it truly makes a significant improvement (there is some improvement, but not much), IMO. I do dry fire practice to reinforce marksmanship techniques as well as practicing defensive skills that I might not be able to use with live ammo at a range (i.e., one-handed reloads, awkward positions, etc.). When I do dry fire practice, I always use snap caps.

As someone who has broken the hammer nose on a S&W revolver from dry firing without snap caps, I can tell you I don't do any extensive dry fire practice without them. It's cheap insurance, even if the newer guns aren't as susceptible to such damage.

Plus, if you get a couple sets of them, you can practice reloading skills.

FWIW, my favorite snap caps are A-Zoom brand.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I don't KNOW much. I have a LITTLE experience. I have always been told that firing an S&W centerfire revolver without snapcaps was OK. One of my first guns, a Model 40, was dryfired many times, probably thousands, with no problem. You can probably understand why I trust S&W CF revolvers with hammer-mounted firing pins. I have no knowledge of or opinion on whether the newer frame-mounted firing pins are better or worse.

I once had a C*** Diamondback .38 Special which broke a firing pin firing a live cartridge. I replaced the pin, and then never dryfired without snapcaps. It broke another pin on a snapcap. I checked that revolver every which way from Sunday, with thorough consultation of the Kuhnhausen book. Couldn't find anything. Replaced with a complete hammer and traded in to a dealer, as I recall. I also replaced the broken firing pin in the original hammer, which had been bobbed, and, years later, installed it in an Agent. It was drop-in, which I am told is unusual. Never had another problem.

??

 

[S&W revolverman]

Center fire is OK to dry fire. If you want to use snap caps, that's OK as well.

Rim fire - do not dry fire with out snap caps

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Yes, it’s twu, it’s twu.

Elmer? Is that you?

 

[Rule3]

FAQs | Smith & Wesson


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.

 

[4barrel]

It won't do the turn line any good. I only dry fire to check the action.

 

[Targets Guy]

What does the owner's manual say? What does Smith and Wesson say?

 

[7shooter]

I called S&W in the past and they said to use snap caps. Ruger says they are not necessary although I still use them in my LCR.

 

[ContinentalOp]

FAQs | Smith & Wesson


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.

Yes, but I'm pretty sure they're not talking about extended dry fire practice sessions. I don't use snap caps for cycling the action when performing maintenance, but I do if I know I'm going to be dry firing more than just a few times.

Again, snap caps are cheap insurance.

 

[CH4]

Elmer? Is that you?

No it’s me, Lili von Shtupp

 

[Rule3]

What does the owner's manual say? What does Smith and Wesson say?

I already posted that

 

[Ranger514]

No it’s me, Lili von Shtupp

The original Tuetonic T***? In that case, I'll have some more snitzengruben.