Dry firing is one of those gun-related topics that sparks endless debate. You’ve got the “never-ever” crowd who treat it like a mortal sin and the “just send it” types who dry fire everything without a second thought. The truth, as usual, lives somewhere in the middle. Dry firing can be a valuable tool for shooters of all skill levels, but whether it’s safe or damaging depends entirely on the firearm. Understanding when and how to do it properly could mean the difference between a finely tuned firearm and an expensive repair bill.
Let’s break down the reality of dry firing – by firearm type, proper technique, and the role of snap caps – so you can train smarter and keep your gear intact.
What Dry Firing Actually Is – and Why It Matters
At its core, dry firing is the act of pulling the trigger on an unloaded firearm. Simple enough. But it serves two very important purposes: it’s a proven way to refine trigger control and sight alignment, and it’s also used to relieve spring tension on certain components during storage. Some guns even require a trigger pull just to be taken apart.
The trick is understanding your specific firearm’s mechanical design and materials. Some guns are built with dry fire use in mind. Others? Not so much.
The Rimfire Warning
If you own a rimfire firearm – like a .22 rifle or pistol – you need to be especially cautious. Unlike centerfire designs where the firing pin hits a primer in the center of the cartridge, rimfires ignite by striking the edge of the case. That soft brass rim acts like a cushion for the firing pin. Without a cartridge in the chamber, the firing pin can strike the steel chamber wall instead, potentially causing serious damage.
Even though some models (like certain Ruger .22s) are said to be safe to dry fire, plenty of experienced shooters have seen damaged pins and chambers over time. For rimfires, snap caps – or even a simple drywall anchor—are cheap insurance. There’s really no reason not to use one.
Centerfire Revolvers: Mostly Safe, Still Needs Caution
Centerfire revolvers generally get the green light when it comes to dry firing. Smith & Wesson and Ruger revolvers, especially modern models, are typically designed to handle it without issue. Law enforcement officers have been dry firing service revolvers for decades as part of their routine training.
That said, revolvers with hammer-mounted firing pins (especially older designs) can benefit from the added protection of snap caps. Besides, using snap caps also lets you rehearse reloading and cylinder manipulation – key skills for defensive shooters. It’s a simple habit that keeps your practice realistic and your gear protected.
Hammer-Fired Semi-Autos: Dry Fire With Confidence (Mostly)
If you shoot classic hammer-fired pistols like the 1911, Sig P226, or Beretta 92, you’re in good company – these platforms have stood the test of time, and they’ve been dry fired endlessly in both military and civilian hands. For the most part, these pistols can handle dry firing just fine.
Still, manufacturers today often hedge their bets and recommend using snap caps, mostly due to liability concerns. It’s not that your gun will fall apart the first time you dry fire it without one, but over thousands of repetitions, even the most durable components can wear. If you’re practicing regularly, especially with newer models, consider using snap caps for long-term peace of mind.
Striker-Fired Pistols: Designed to Be Dry Fired
Striker-fired guns – think Glock, SIG P320, Smith & Wesson M&P – are often designed from the ground up to be dry fired. These pistols are issued to law enforcement and military units all over the world, and one of the design requirements is safe dry fire capability. It’s a part of daily training and administrative handling.
That said, it’s still a good idea to use snap caps if you’re planning on doing high-volume dry fire work. Snap caps help absorb some of the impact, reduce wear on internal parts, and allow for more complete manipulation practice, like malfunction clearing and reloads. But in general, striker-fired pistols are the most dry-fire-friendly guns on the market.
Semi-Auto Rifles: Mostly Good, With One Big Caveat
The vast majority of military-style semi-automatic rifles – like AR-15s, AKs, FALs, or SCARs – can be dry fired safely. These firearms are designed with rugged use in mind, and dry fire training is part of the standard qualification process for many service members.
But here’s the caveat: only dry fire a fully assembled rifle. If you drop the hammer on a disassembled lower receiver – especially an AR-15 – you risk damaging the aluminum frame by letting the hammer slam forward with nothing to stop it. Always make sure the gun is properly reassembled before any dry fire session.
Bolt Action Rifles: Snap In Like a Pro
Bolt action rifles, particularly modern centerfire hunting or precision rifles, are usually dry fire safe. In fact, dry fire is a critical part of training for both competition shooters and military snipers. Practicing trigger control without recoil or blast helps you lock in fundamentals.
Brands like Remington, Savage, and Winchester all state their rifles can be dry fired safely. Tikka prefers you use snap caps, but for most bolt action platforms, dry firing is widely accepted and even encouraged – just make sure your chamber is empty and you’re working in a safe environment.
Lever Actions: The Old-School Grey Area
Lever guns stir up strong opinions in the dry fire debate. That’s partly because older models like the Winchester 94 were known to break firing pins when dry fired excessively. This led to a widespread belief that all lever guns were fragile in this respect.
Today, lever actions with cross-bolt safeties are usually dry fire safe. But if yours doesn’t have one – or it’s a brand like Henry with cheaper internal components – snap caps are the safer bet. And let’s face it, using snap caps makes your practice more productive by letting you run the full manual of arms.
Break Action Firearms: Absolutely Use Snap Caps
Break action rifles and shotguns – especially doubles and drillings – are not made for dry firing on an empty chamber. These guns often feature fine internal mechanisms and box lock systems that are particularly vulnerable to damage. Without the cushion of a cartridge rim, the firing pins can bottom out and strike the breach face, causing cracks or even long-term deformation.
This includes everything from basic single-shot CVAs to high-end European doubles. If you’re working with a break action gun, never skip the snap caps.
Shotguns: It Depends on the Action Type
Pump-action and semi-auto shotguns can generally be dry fired without issue. Like their rifle counterparts, they’re made to be rugged and many have built-in buffers to protect internal parts. But again, check the manual if you’re unsure.
On the other hand, break-action shotguns (over/unders, side-by-sides, and single shots) must be treated like their rifle cousins. Dry firing these without snap caps can seriously damage both the firing pins and breach face. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
Snap Caps: Store-Bought or Homemade
Snap caps aren’t just a gimmick – they serve a real mechanical function by absorbing the firing pin’s energy. Store-bought options like aluminum A-Zoom caps are weighted to feel like live rounds and often meet SAAMI spec dimensions. Spring-loaded Tipton types last longer in terms of primer strikes, but their plastic bodies can wear down over time.
If you shoot oddball cartridges, you might need to make your own snap caps. This involves seating a bullet into a case and filling the primer pocket with hot glue to cushion the firing pin. It’s not complicated, and if done carefully, a homemade snap cap can last for hundreds of cycles. Just be sure to clearly mark your snap caps – Sharpie works great – to avoid confusing them with live ammo.
Know Your Gun, Use Common Sense
The real answer to the dry fire debate? It depends. Revolvers, lever guns, and break action firearms tend to be more fragile and benefit from snap caps. Centerfire semi-autos – both pistols and rifles – are usually built to take it. But even with “safe” guns, moderation and mindfulness go a long way.
Snap caps are cheap. Guns are not. When in doubt, pop in a snap cap and keep your practice smart. Know your platform, read the manual, and never dry fire a disassembled gun.
Dry firing is an incredibly valuable training method. But it’s only beneficial if you’re not doing long-term damage in the process. Use it wisely, and it’ll help you become a better, safer shooter for years to come.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.