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Author Topic: Is dry firing safe?  (Read 1450 times)

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Offline 300grJHP

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Is dry firing safe?
« on: October 03, 2009, 02:28:21 PM »
I have an old model Vaquero...built before 2005.  Can I dry fire this pistol without damaging the gun?  I know that I can with the new models, but am uncertain about the old/original models.

thank you
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Offline Arier Blut

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2009, 02:42:22 PM »
I have an old model bearcat and single six that have been dry fired countless times. Shouldn't be a problem with the bigger vaquero either. If one was worried they could buy an extra hammer spring in a very light weight. Or chop down a replacement factory weight spring so there is less force of the metal hammer hitting the metal backstrap.
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Offline rawhidekid

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2009, 04:09:10 PM »
I remember my security six owners manual incouraging you to dryfire to get used to the triger and break in the handgun.  This was before Vaqueros.  My Bisley owners manual also recomends it so I would say have at it. 8)
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Offline Mikey

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2009, 01:08:30 AM »
300gr:  dry fire it all you want.  If any part of that worries you then load the chambver with fired brass so the firing pin will have something to rebound from and you will be fine. 
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Offline Brett

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2009, 03:10:56 PM »
Snap caps aren't all that expensive, I have them for all my center fire calibers.   My .22s get enough range time that there is no need to dry fire them.
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Offline rawhidekid

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2009, 09:10:47 PM »
You should never dry fire .22 as rimfires do just that, strike at the rim.  You will peen the rim.  With the Colt clones and old S$W without transfer bars the fireing pin hole will start to protrude if dryfired exceivley. 8)
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NRA Life Member, Retired Air Force, Grandfather:   RIA 38 Super, , Vaquaro .357, Golden Boy 39A .22,  54cal GPR, 54 cal Lyman plains pistol, 45 cal Kentucky Rifle perc, 50 cal traditions Hawken Woodsman

Offline HAMMERHEAD

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2009, 04:22:35 PM »
I always use snap caps. Cheap insurance.

Freedom Arms is very clear about using snap caps FWIW.
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Offline coyotejoe

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2009, 03:55:30 AM »
It's safe so long as you make very sure the gun is not loaded! One of my cop friends got bored on the night shift and shot the office clock. ;D It was a great shot too, a machine shop couldn't have drilled that clock more dead center than his .45 Glock! They kept the clock and awarded it as a trophy for the high qualification score every year. ;D
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Offline Bobby_2506

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Re: Is dry firing safe?
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2009, 05:08:24 AM »
To be sure your gun is safe to dry fire, contact the manufacturer and ask them. They will be more than happy to give this information. While your at it have them send you an owners manual for the gun.
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