i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. started thinking, will this shorten the life of the plunger spring by keeping one in the chamber at all times? if so, how often should one change out the spring?
keeping one in the pipe...
- Thread starter hyena74
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Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> how often should one change out the spring?</div></div>
This will be very noticeable... when it stops ejecting cartridges, it's time to replace the spring.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> how often should one change out the spring?</div></div>
This will be very noticeable... when it stops ejecting cartridges, it's time to replace the spring.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation.
Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bricktop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation. </div></div>
For the most part this is correct, and the time required to make the difference will most likely equal you changing something else first or justifying the cost of a new spring.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bricktop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation. </div></div>
For the most part this is correct, and the time required to make the difference will most likely equal you changing something else first or justifying the cost of a new spring.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. started thinking, will this shorten the life of the plunger spring by keeping one in the chamber at all times? if so, how often should one change out the spring? </div></div>
Why are you keeping a snap cap in it in the first place?
It is perfectly acceptable to dry fire 90% of the center fire rifles with an empty chamber. I have thousands and thousands of dry fire cycles on my 700s and AI. The only time I use dummy cartridges is for loading drills and rapid bolt manipulation.
I would rather the firing pin fall on air that strike a metal surface thousands and thousands of times.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. started thinking, will this shorten the life of the plunger spring by keeping one in the chamber at all times? if so, how often should one change out the spring? </div></div>
Why are you keeping a snap cap in it in the first place?
It is perfectly acceptable to dry fire 90% of the center fire rifles with an empty chamber. I have thousands and thousands of dry fire cycles on my 700s and AI. The only time I use dummy cartridges is for loading drills and rapid bolt manipulation.
I would rather the firing pin fall on air that strike a metal surface thousands and thousands of times.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
Hey, Jar Head (and I use the term with respect and rights) . . .
Just a thought on the snap cap thing.
With respect to kinetic energy, isn't it better to have some object other than the firing pin to transmit the energy of the firing pin through the final course?
Without an object to absorb the energy and transmit it, the end result is the tip of the firing pin being stressed with all the kinetic energy.
I could be wrong, usually am, but just asking.
the rotor head
Hey, Jar Head (and I use the term with respect and rights) . . .
Just a thought on the snap cap thing.
With respect to kinetic energy, isn't it better to have some object other than the firing pin to transmit the energy of the firing pin through the final course?
Without an object to absorb the energy and transmit it, the end result is the tip of the firing pin being stressed with all the kinetic energy.
I could be wrong, usually am, but just asking.
the rotor head
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. started thinking, will this shorten the life of the plunger spring by keeping one in the chamber at all times? if so, how often should one change out the spring? </div></div>
Why are you keeping a snap cap in it in the first place?
It is perfectly acceptable to dry fire 90% of the center fire rifles with an empty chamber. I have thousands and thousands of dry fire cycles on my 700s and AI. The only time I use dummy cartridges is for loading drills and rapid bolt manipulation.
I would rather the firing pin fall on air that strike a metal surface thousands and thousands of times. </div></div>
it is a trg and from what ive read, they have a very hard and brittle firing pin thats known to break if dry fired.
the snap cap also has a rubber pad where the primer is, so it is hitting the rubber and not metal.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. started thinking, will this shorten the life of the plunger spring by keeping one in the chamber at all times? if so, how often should one change out the spring? </div></div>
Why are you keeping a snap cap in it in the first place?
It is perfectly acceptable to dry fire 90% of the center fire rifles with an empty chamber. I have thousands and thousands of dry fire cycles on my 700s and AI. The only time I use dummy cartridges is for loading drills and rapid bolt manipulation.
I would rather the firing pin fall on air that strike a metal surface thousands and thousands of times. </div></div>
it is a trg and from what ive read, they have a very hard and brittle firing pin thats known to break if dry fired.
the snap cap also has a rubber pad where the primer is, so it is hitting the rubber and not metal.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
i live with 2 cops they are fam one is a comander and has all officers dry fire holster ect. for training and have dry fired with no snap caps at least 10,000 a year and they still trust teir guns with their lives just saying that if they trust it for that i would trust mine while hunting or target shooting
i live with 2 cops they are fam one is a comander and has all officers dry fire holster ect. for training and have dry fired with no snap caps at least 10,000 a year and they still trust teir guns with their lives just saying that if they trust it for that i would trust mine while hunting or target shooting
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
like an earlier poster said wait till it stops working...then replace it
if you want extra peace of mind order the parts now and just keep them "in stock" for when / if it ever does happen
like an earlier poster said wait till it stops working...then replace it
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
That's OK, I'll just keep and empty brass in the chamber when I want to dry fire. It suits me to do so. All I got to say about that.
That's OK, I'll just keep and empty brass in the chamber when I want to dry fire. It suits me to do so. All I got to say about that.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
You aren't going to hurt anything by using them. If you got them, use them. I do.
You aren't going to hurt anything by using them. If you got them, use them. I do.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bricktop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation. </div></div>
You are correct in these statement (at least at "normal" temperatures; i.e. anything a firearm is likely to encounter in use or storage). FWIW, there are an unfortunate number of engineers who don't get this right
The biggest concern I'd have with storing a snap-cap in the chamber would be the possibility of forming bad safety habits. I'd hate to see someone assume that there is always a snap-cap in the firearm.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bricktop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not a mechanical engineer, but I believe springs only wear out by cycling. Keeping them in one position does not, unless they are compressed or stretched to the point of deformation. </div></div>
You are correct in these statement (at least at "normal" temperatures; i.e. anything a firearm is likely to encounter in use or storage). FWIW, there are an unfortunate number of engineers who don't get this right
The biggest concern I'd have with storing a snap-cap in the chamber would be the possibility of forming bad safety habits. I'd hate to see someone assume that there is always a snap-cap in the firearm.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. </div></div>
That just seems wrong to me for two reasons:
One, I clear any weapon I pick up, even stuff that's 'empty' and locked in my own safe. I like the habit of _never_ trusting the condition of a gun I've not been in control of. I often leave snap caps in things 'cause I'm lazy, but never just pick them back up and start dry firing without clearing and verifying first. After you know it's empty, put the cap in and practice. Total time added to your dry fire session is what, 5-10 seconds?
Two, if you're going to dry practice you should practice like you're going to fight (or whatever). Lifting the bolt, doing a full rearward stroke to eject the empty, rechambering, getting back on the rifle, etc. If you're just lifting enough to recock you're wasting a perfectly good opportunity to practice all the other motor skills needed to use the weapon and performing 'imperfect practice'. Buy 4 snap caps, load and fire 4 shots, break your firing position and start over. Just don't let the flying 'empties' hit the coffee table, wives don't like that.
Obviously all IMHO but I don't think I'm alone on these.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. </div></div>
That just seems wrong to me for two reasons:
One, I clear any weapon I pick up, even stuff that's 'empty' and locked in my own safe. I like the habit of _never_ trusting the condition of a gun I've not been in control of. I often leave snap caps in things 'cause I'm lazy, but never just pick them back up and start dry firing without clearing and verifying first. After you know it's empty, put the cap in and practice. Total time added to your dry fire session is what, 5-10 seconds?
Two, if you're going to dry practice you should practice like you're going to fight (or whatever). Lifting the bolt, doing a full rearward stroke to eject the empty, rechambering, getting back on the rifle, etc. If you're just lifting enough to recock you're wasting a perfectly good opportunity to practice all the other motor skills needed to use the weapon and performing 'imperfect practice'. Buy 4 snap caps, load and fire 4 shots, break your firing position and start over. Just don't let the flying 'empties' hit the coffee table, wives don't like that.
Obviously all IMHO but I don't think I'm alone on these.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. </div></div>
That just seems wrong to me for two reasons:
One, I clear any weapon I pick up, even stuff that's 'empty' and locked in my own safe. I like the habit of _never_ trusting the condition of a gun I've not been in control of. I often leave snap caps in things 'cause I'm lazy, but never just pick them back up and start dry firing without clearing and verifying first. After you know it's empty, put the cap in and practice. Total time added to your dry fire session is what, 5-10 seconds?
Two, if you're going to dry practice you should practice like you're going to fight (or whatever). Lifting the bolt, doing a full rearward stroke to eject the empty, rechambering, getting back on the rifle, etc. If you're just lifting enough to recock you're wasting a perfectly good opportunity to practice all the other motor skills needed to use the weapon and performing 'imperfect practice'. Buy 4 snap caps, load and fire 4 shots, break your firing position and start over. Just don't let the flying 'empties' hit the coffee table, wives don't like that.
Obviously all IMHO but I don't think I'm alone on these.
</div></div>
I have to agree here. As the old saying goes... Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent. So practice as close to perfect as you can and let that become permanent.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hyena74</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i usually keep a snap cap in the chamber so i can practice dry firing every night. </div></div>
That just seems wrong to me for two reasons:
One, I clear any weapon I pick up, even stuff that's 'empty' and locked in my own safe. I like the habit of _never_ trusting the condition of a gun I've not been in control of. I often leave snap caps in things 'cause I'm lazy, but never just pick them back up and start dry firing without clearing and verifying first. After you know it's empty, put the cap in and practice. Total time added to your dry fire session is what, 5-10 seconds?
Two, if you're going to dry practice you should practice like you're going to fight (or whatever). Lifting the bolt, doing a full rearward stroke to eject the empty, rechambering, getting back on the rifle, etc. If you're just lifting enough to recock you're wasting a perfectly good opportunity to practice all the other motor skills needed to use the weapon and performing 'imperfect practice'. Buy 4 snap caps, load and fire 4 shots, break your firing position and start over. Just don't let the flying 'empties' hit the coffee table, wives don't like that.
Obviously all IMHO but I don't think I'm alone on these.
</div></div>
I have to agree here. As the old saying goes... Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent. So practice as close to perfect as you can and let that become permanent.
Re: keeping one in the pipe...
I do not know about bolt rifles. On my Beretta 92F. I used to dry fire every night at least 50 times. Most of the days way more. I could have had a bad firing pin from the factory but there is no way to tell. Any way the tip of the pin fell off. For the record you have to remove everything from the slide except the sights to replace the firing pin. I use snap caps now.
When I was in the USMC they said dry firing was fine. When you shoot a rifle the pin hits the primer and that gives. Hitting something has to be better than just flying forward and bottoming out.
I do not know about bolt rifles. On my Beretta 92F. I used to dry fire every night at least 50 times. Most of the days way more. I could have had a bad firing pin from the factory but there is no way to tell. Any way the tip of the pin fell off. For the record you have to remove everything from the slide except the sights to replace the firing pin. I use snap caps now.
When I was in the USMC they said dry firing was fine. When you shoot a rifle the pin hits the primer and that gives. Hitting something has to be better than just flying forward and bottoming out.
