Dryfire

[scratcherky]

The G2 owner's manual advises against dry fire without a suitable dummy round. In the real world what damage could occur by dryfiring with the firing pin selector in the neutral position?

[tlyne]

dry firing results in both G2 and Encore is a broken firing pin.

[scratcherky]

I know that dryfiring the Encore will damage the firing pin spring but have never heard of it actually breaking the firing pin itself.

[skarke]

The firing pin spring WILL be destroyed.  Another important note is that steel hammer extensions on G2 and Encores will, after time, begin to bend the hammer, reducing solid contact with FP.

In any case, don't dry fire, and use aluminum hammer extensions.

[Keith L]

use aluminum hammer extensions.

Or better yet, no extension at all

[mbk]

You can make your own dummy round for dry firing by using a spent, sized case with the primer removed.  Replace the spent primer with a heavy rubber pencil eraser - installed flush and tight with the base of the case.  The rubber will absorb the firing pin inertia when the trigger is pulled and prevent damage to the firing pins and springs.  A lot cheaper than a snap cap and works just as well.

Mike

[skarke]

Old tennis shoe sole is a little harder, depending on the shoe.  The little rubber bumpers on the bottom of appliances (you can buy them at home depot cheap) are harder still.

However, really, none of them might be hard enough given the G2/Encore spring design.

If you are just testing the sear, use the fat part of your thumb.  If you are working on technique, you might best be served by a quality snap cap, though nothing will last forever.

[mbk]

Good points on the harder materials sharke.  If you are not hung up on a snap cap or dummy round, what I have been using more than anything is a foam earplug.  With the hammer cocked set it in between the hammer and frame.  When you pull the trigger it cushions and mufffles the hammer fall to where it won't even annoy the wife in the next room when doing trigger jobs.   

Mike

[HAMMERHEAD]

If you are not hung up on a snap cap or dummy round, what I have been using more than anything is a foam earplug.  With the hammer cocked set it in between the hammer and frame.  When you pull the trigger it cushions and mufffles the hammer fall to where it won't even annoy the wife in the next room when doing trigger jobs

That's exactly what I did with my Encore, but still ended up breaking the firing pin spring (during live fire).

Don't dry fire a G-2 with the selector in the neutral or safe position. There's too much shock on the hammer and it will peen the frame where it hits. It's there in case you need it, but it's not meant for dry fire. Use a centerfire barrel with a fresh snap cap.

[hunterspistol]

     If you dry fire a Contender with a 22 lr or rimfire barrel, the firing pin smacks the top of the rim area.  It can leave a burr so as not to allow a cartridge into the chamber. 

[Dezynco]

You can use a "spent" case about 2 times, if you absolutely must dry fire your TC.  After about 2x, use another spent case, then use another spent case, then another, etc.  I'll bet you have a sack full of spent cases.

Snap caps are great for letting the hammers down on a double barrel shotgun that does not have exposed hammers to release the hammer spring.  If you don't plan to store the double-barrel for several years, they are a waste of money.

There is some good scientific info out there that shows that compressed springs loose very little of there tension when stored for a while.

If I were worried about spring tension, I might buy some snap caps.  Otherwise, they are only useful for some practice shooting in the living room, which could be done just as well with some "previously fired" cartridges.