From what I have read in the manual, it says that dry firing the Super Redhawk willnot hurt it. I didn't use snap caps. I know I'm gonna need alot more practice, but that's part of the fun right? I know I'm gonna have to shoot it in on a rest to get the sights right & go from there. At least I'll have my brother in-law to help me & the wealth of info here to help me become better I hope.