Toolnup wrote:Hi all,
What is the general opinion on dry firing pistols?
Just picked up my first handgun, a CZ SP01 and the manual states that on the unload, after clearing the chamber, release the slide and dry fire the pistol.
While I'm no stranger to dry firing firearms, I've never actually done it to one of my own. I use snap caps when practicing at home but on the range is it ok to dry fire every time I unload, will this damage the pistol after a while?
Thanks.
I'm not against it, but I don't do it unnecessarily. Once, at the end of a competition stage should be fine.
Older rimfires are a definite no, the striker can hit the face of the barrel. Newer rimfires shouldn't have any problems, but it'd be worth checking your firing pin travel first. I would avoid it with older centrefires as wel,l unless you've examined the design to ensure it's harmless.
Rugers are fine, but I managed to break a striker in my 10/22. I didn't go about dry-firing it but it had no bolt hold-open so it invariably dry fires after the last round in the mag.