Dry Firing?

[driller]

So I am shotgun guy and was always taught not to dry fire any of my shotguns. But when reading some of the "basics" threads above it talks a great deal about dry firing to practice. I am understanding this correctly right? Dry firing will not damage the firing pin in my rifle, a savage model 12. Thanks

 

[padd54]

You can get "dummy" rounds for your shotgun, 12ga, at most of the sporting stores and online. Like this; A-ZOOM Action Proving Dummy, Snap Cap 12 Gauge Aluminum Package of 2 - MidwayUSA

I use them in all my rifles to practice trigger control.

 

[Bravo 4]

I have done it for years without any problems. I have had my Savage for over 10 years and have dry fired it thousands and thousands of times.

 

[LewisH]

Dry firing shotguns or rimfires without a snap-cap harms the firing pin.

Not so, the centerfire rifle. As a matter of fact, it's one of the time-tested recommended practice exercises.

 

[gcamp54]

I have been dry firing all my center fire rifles, automatic and bolt action, for the last 25 years. When I was a very active competitor I would dry fire the rifle I shot in competition at least 200 times per week and sometimes much more. Firing pins do break but I never had that happen to me. Just my experience.

Gordon

 

[billm67]

Most modern centerfire rifles shouldn't have a problem with Dry Firing. Rimfires will punch the edge of the chamber on the barrel and eventually push the metal in to the point where the rifle won't chamber a round.