Snap Caps vs Spent Brass

[LubeckTech]

I just put a C&S extended firing pin on my 625 and have been reading that dry firing will break the pin without protection. Should I invest in snap caps or will spent casings work as well?

 

[Fastsheriff]

I would use the snap caps. They have some shock absorbtion to them and fired cases do not.

 

[skeeterbait]

I have that pin in my model 60 and it strikes hard! A few strikes on a spent primer and it is going to cut right through that primer or stretch the metal to the point that nothing is catching the pin anymore. That is going to be just as bad as dryfiring I believe. The spring in the snap cap is going to catch some of that force. It still works good dents into the snap caps even.

 

[Cruiser RN]

You are better off investing in the snap caps.They will offer resistance when the firing pin strikes.With spent brass there is little to no resistance after a few cycles and the firing pin will not be protected....God Bless.....Mike

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

You can also use spent cases with the primer removed, and a snug fitting piece of a pencil eraser in it's place. They will last a long time too.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I met one gun that would break if you over did the empty dry fires. So, I'd invest in A zoom snap caps if you are going to snap it a zillion times.

 

[Three44s]

I would avoid those cheaper plastic snap caps. My Mountain Gun busted several.

Go with metal housed ones.

Three 44s

 

[Dale53]

I have a suggestion for those that might balk at the price of "snap caps". Take a set of "tired old brass" cases. De-cap, carefully clean the primer pockets and fill the primer pocket with Silicone Seal. Put it in a little "proud" of the surface. After it dries, use a razor blade to cut it flush with the case head.

When it becomes worn from dry firing, just re-do it.

I would further suggest you use RED silicone seal so that NO mistake will be made thinking that loaded rounds are your snap caps>().

By the way, I absolutely agree that snap caps (whether commercial or home made) be used religiously when dry firing with these "extra length" firing pins.

Dale53

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Sportsterguy]

Use Snap Caps!!! Mine are purple and less chance of having a ND with them while dry firing as you cannot miss them being snap caps versus a brass case that could have a loaded round in it. I have 3, level 3 vests hanging in the garage on a concrete block wall one on top of the other whenever dry firing and ALWAYS squeeze the trigger after the sights are on the white circle I sprayed on the center of the outer one.

Better to be safe than sorry! Had and heard of numeorus cases of highly qualified LEO's having NDs with their semi's which IMO require a higher level of vigilance when handling.

 

[Spotteddog]

Great suggestions here!
Use them on everything, and you never have to worry about which ones you do and don't have to use them on. They're cheap compared to a broken gun. Especially one that becomes broken at the worst possible time?
(Like my horoscope always reads!)

 

[RightWinger]

Just be sure to make sure that if you get +P snap caps your gun is rated for them...ha ha

 

[VonFatman]

Dale53,
Excellent idea/suggestion. Well done.

Bob