dry-firing

[pinto bean]

how concerned should i be about damage to my guns from dry-firing. i have a uberti '73 in .45 lc and am trying to decide between ruger new model vaqueros and great western 2.

back in the day,i shot ipsc and dry-fired my 1911 .45 auto a lot with no discernible damage. i would like to do the same with my soon to be acquired s/a's.

thanx,gents

[St. George]

Use a snap-cap.

You can buy them commercially or make them from a fired cartridge case and some silicone rubber or a tightly-fitted eraser and they're a good thing to have.

The M1911 has a floating firing pin.

Most C&WAS firearms don't have this feature, and the hammer strikes the frame or breechblock directly.

Ruger products have a frame-mounted firing pin - and while that's less likely to damage anything - a set of snap caps will pretty much eliminate the worry.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Black Powder]

What St. G said.  Snap caps.  Very convenient, distinguished by their different, safe for the gun.  And you!

BP

[Deadeye Don]

Yep.  Snap caps,  but remember other parts of your guns will wear out sooner also, the more you cycle the action,  pull the hammer back, pull the trigger, etc.   All the snap caps will do is protect your firing pin and frame from  damage.   I believe EMF actually sells a nonfiring practice gun.  If you want to get the practice in, and not wear your guns out prematurely, this might be the way to go. 

[Camille Eonich]

My smith advised me NOT to use Snap Caps on my Rugers and I know that he doesn't use them on his Colts either.  I have mentioned that he is an obsessive dry fire practicer.

[Deadeye Dick]

Ruger New Vaquero and New Model Blackhawk manuals state it doesn't hurt to dry fire them. Using them will also help smooth them out.
Deadeye Dick