Ask the Gunsmith: Dry Fire Question is a Winner

Seth from Massachusetts submitted this week's selected question for "Ask the Gunsmith." 

Seth, send me an email with your address and I will pull a small gun accessory out of my "bag of stuff" and send it on its merry way.

Question: I've always been told it is a bad practice to drop the firing pin on an empty chamber, which counts double for rim-fires. But is it better to snap the hammer just once when the days shooting is over and it's time to put the gun in storage, or to leave the hammer or striker cocked for extended periods, perhaps even years?

Well Seth, I will break your question down a little more, and answer it in that manner....  I've always been told it is a bad practice to drop the firing pin on an empty chamber, which counts double for rim-fires.

Answer: It is not always bad to drop the firing pin "dry fire" on an empty chamber.  As for Glocks and 1911's it is perfectly acceptable to "dry fire" these firearms.  THIS ACCEPTABILITY DOES NOT EXTEND TO RIM-FIRE adapter kits on a 1911 or Glock.  For other firearms read the instruction manual.  DO NOT DRY-FIRE ANY RIM-FIRE!  If you need to dry-fire a firearm go to Cabelas and purchase snap caps for each caliber.

But, is it better to snap the hammer just once when the days shooting is over and it's time to put the gun in storage, or to leave the hammer or striker cocked for extended periods, perhaps even years?

Answer: Never leave a firearm "cocked"  even a rim-fire. Insert a snap cap and leave it in the chamber, point the firearm in a safe direction and press the trigger. 

Want to win? If you send a question that is chosen as the "question of the week" you will receive a small token from GLJ.

Until next time, keep your muzzles pointed in a safe direction.