TIPTON SNAP CAPS - 5 YEARS OF USE REVIEW

[chief38]

I think by now most here know it is wise to use Snap-caps when dry firing S&Ws (or any brand for that matter). While some say it's OK to dry fire older Smith Revolvers, it certainly does not hurt to err on the side of caution (and common sense) and use the Snap-caps just in case. Some are better than others and that is why I am posting this. On Rimfire's they are a must!

I always like to report on a product that works well. Over the years I've tried different brands of Snap-caps and the Tipton brand I purchased about 5 years ago has held up much better than others I've tried. They have a solid Brass base and are spring loaded so they will absorb the shock from the firing pin and stand up well over time.

The calibers I've got them in are 9mm, 38/357, .45acp, 45 Colt and 12 Gauge Shot Shell. I did initially have one in 12 Ga. fail, and I did call Tipton. They sent me 2 packages of 2 Shells for a total of 4 replacements and an apology - can't beat that!

PS: For .22 Pistols & Revolvers it is even MORE important to use Snap-caps! The best ones I've found so far are #4-#6 Yellow Wall Anchors sold in Home Depot, Lowes, Hardware Stores, etc. They usually come in a box of 100 and only cost a few bucks. They fit perfect in both .22 Revolvers and Pistols and fit so well they actually feed through my M41 Magazine and action! You can get about 4 or 5 strikes out of each one as long as you rotate them and they are cheap as hell. So far the "wall anchors" work better than any official "Snap-caps in .22 rimfire that I've tried.

Anyway, I just wanted to post this incase some of the newer Forum Members were unaware.

Regards,
Chief38

 

[alwslate]

I will admit that I have a very biased opinion on the subject of dry firing.
I just cannot understand why anyone wants to take a nice older S&W
revolver and set around obsessively snapping his gun at what, the bad
guys on tv? Or is it just OCD period? I would guess that many who do
this have very little knowledge of the mechanical aspects of their own
guns.

 

[stansdds]

Good information! I am a firm believer in dry firing as a means of improving trigger control and developing muscle memory.

 

[armorer951]

Perhaps Tipton has changed their design. My experience with the Tipton brand snap caps was a bit different. (bad)

All the snap caps I purchased lasted only a few days. The plastic bases and the upper plastic shells on the ones I ordered (.38 sp.) cracked and separated. This caused spring loaded brass "primer" housed inside the plastic to come out of the base, making the caps useless. Seemed like a good design, but were very cheaply made.

 

[chief38]

Armorer951,

Call Tipton, send photo's to the CS person you talk to and more than likely they will be happy to send you replacements. Other than the 12 Ga Shell, the other 30 or so I have are 5 years old and have no problems.

Tipton Customer Service: (573) 445-9200