Author Topic: Need more detail on the pencil test (Read 724 times)

Questor · « **on:** June 24, 2004, 02:54:43 AM »

This interesting as a potential tool for improving my dry firing. If you put the eraser-end of a standard, sharpened #2 pencil down the barrel and then dry fired at a target, would you get consistent enough groups (at a distance of a few inches) to test your dry firing?

I know this sounds goofy, but the one thing I don't like about dry firing is that I can have a brain fart and think I made a good execution of the shot, but since I don't have feedback, I don't know for sure. This pencil firing could give me some valuable feedback.

Thanks.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2004, 03:10:34 AM »

You should still use a snap cap case instead of dry firing when using the pencil.

BamBams · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2004, 05:41:43 AM »

Rubber bullets work really well. So do laser bore sighters.

Shorty · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2004, 02:06:52 PM »

Questor,
I believe that practice is illegal in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. :wink:

BamBams · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2004, 03:14:50 PM »

Quote from: Questor

This interesting as a potential tool for improving my dry firing. If you put the eraser-end of a standard, sharpened #2 pencil down the barrel and then dry fired at a target, would you get consistent enough groups (at a distance of a few inches) to test your dry firing?

I know this sounds goofy, but the one thing I don't like about dry firing is that I can have a brain fart and think I made a good execution of the shot, but since I don't have feedback, I don't know for sure. This pencil firing could give me some valuable feedback.

Thanks.

No. The "pencil test" would suck for dry fire practice and would not be accurate at all.

Iowegan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2004, 04:24:03 PM »

An old 45 training trick we used in the military. Use a sharpened wood pencil that is about 4" long. Wrap 1" masking tape around the pencil until it just fits free in the bore, one wrap in front, just behind the taper, and one about 1.5" up from the eraser.

Hold the muzzle up, cock the hammer, level the gun and "shoot" (no ammo of course). The target is taped on a wall at "gun height". Draw a small aiming dot on the target and hold the muzzle about an inch away. Your groups will be about 3/4" low. Keep practicing until you can group 5 "shots" under 1/32". Be careful, the firing pin has enough energy to launch the pencil across the room.

Great way to spend a rainy day and it won't hurt the gun a bit! Then you can fill the tiny holes and paint the wall before the wife yells at you. (Subtle hint to use a board between the wall and target)