Dry firing ok?

[jonesresidence]

Is it ok to dry fire a S&W617 .22LR? Just bought it and wanted to make sure that was not going to hurt it. Thanks

[Caribouriver]

I don't know Jones. I just NEVER dryfire a rimfire. I put in a snap cap (which gets ruined after a while, a spent case or a number 6x7/8" (yellow) plastic wall anchor.

[G-forceJunkie]

S&W says no:
Can I dry fire my S&W handgun?
Q: Can I dry fire my Smith & Wesson?

A: Yes, except for the .22 caliber pistols which includes models 22A, 22S, 422, 2206, 2214, 2213 and 41.

.22 caliber revolvers such as models 17, 43, 63, 317 and 617 also should not be dry fired.

Q: Why can't I dry fire my .22 pistol or revolver?

A: Dry firing a S&W .22 pistol or revolver will cause damage to the firing pin.

From: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...757812_image#2

[unamused]

I've always assumed its a no no to dry fire rimfire guns. If you look at the firing "pin" it actually contacts the edge of the chamber so if you repeatedly dry fire it I'm sure it would cause some damage.

[G-forceJunkie]

Not all rimfires are this way. Some are designed not to damage the chamber edge if dryfired. The Ruger 10/22 and Savage Mark 2's are good examples. But, when it doubt, dont dryfire a rimfire without a snapcap.

I've always assumed its a no no to dry fire rimfire guns. If you look at the firing "pin" it actually contacts the edge of the chamber so if you repeatedly dry fire it I'm sure it would cause some damage.

[63 tango]

I wouldn't dry fire any gun. I learned my lesson when i broke the firing pin and dinged the chamber on a Remington 504 .22 rimfire.

[Bigtwin]

I wouldn't dry fire any gun. I learned my lesson when i broke the firing pin and dinged the chamber on a Remington 504 .22 rimfire.

So how do you know when the mag is empty on rimfires that do not hold the bolt open on the last shot?

I agree with knowing what the manufacturer says about dry firing. My Ruger and many other firearms have had no problem with dry firing.

[Mail Clerk]

Is it ok to dry fire a S&W617 .22LR? Just bought it and wanted to make sure that was not going to hurt it. Thanks

jonesresidence,

Don't take the chance!!!! Never dry fire any rimfire rifle or pistol/revolver. Use snap caps or pick up old used brass on the ground and use those if your on a budget. Rimfire products is not the same as center-fires.

Mail Clerk

[G-forceJunkie]

Never dry fire any rimfire rifle or pistol/revolver.

Why would you make such a blanket statement when numerous manufactures design rimfires to be safe to dryfire? The better, more correct answer is to find out that the manufacture recommends for a particular model.

[jonesresidence]

Thanks for all the replies .... Looks like I won't be dry firing it without a snap cap.

[63 tango]

So how do you know when the mag is empty on rimfires that do not hold the bolt open on the last shot?

I agree with knowing what the manufacturer says about dry firing. My Ruger and many other firearms have had no problem with dry firing.

Thats a good question, I don't know, thats how i broke it. I try to keep count of rounds fired. I hope it doesn't happen again.

[Mail Clerk]

Thats a good question, I don't know, thats how i broke it. I try to keep count of rounds fired. I hope it doesn't happen again.

63 tango,

On my semis I put in a snap cap first and shoot 9 rounds. That way the last round snaped will be on the fake cartridge and all you need is to eject it manually.

Mail Clerk