Brubz
Member
There are several different types of snap caps available for .22 long rifle caliber. are the 3D printed versions adequate? they seem to be the most commonly available. I want them to dry fire my Wangler.
Snap caps for dry firing a Rimfire revolver
- Thread starter Brubz
- Start date
243winxb
Member
https://www.smith-wesson.com/custom...&utm_term=NA&utm_content=55097-cl-Custom+Link
No on S&W
Ruger Wrangler owners manual
No on S&W
Ruger Wrangler owners manual
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As far as I know, Tipton is the only company that sells "snap caps" for .22 rimfire. The rest are dummy rounds which are not really designed to cushion the impact of a dryfire--at least not more than a few times. For example, Pachmayr sells some that they claim are good for 10 dry-fires before they need to be discarded, but I've seen at least one review that said the cap shattered on the first dry-fire. Some companies call theirs dummy rounds and indicate they shouldn't be used for dry-firing.
That said, per the manual, the Wrangler can be dry-fired without damage to internal components.
https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/wrangler-B8k6d3rHb.pdf
"DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded firearm is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the firearm is pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The WRANGLER® revolver can be dry-fired without damage to the firing pin or other components."
That said, per the manual, the Wrangler can be dry-fired without damage to internal components.
https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/wrangler-B8k6d3rHb.pdf
"DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the trigger of an unloaded firearm is known as “Dry Firing.” It can be useful to learn the “feel” of your revolver. Be certain the revolver is unloaded and that the firearm is pointing in a safe direction even when practicing by dry-firing. The WRANGLER® revolver can be dry-fired without damage to the firing pin or other components."
eddiememphis
Member
The modern Single Six manual says the same thing.
243winxb
Member
Riomouse911
Member
In my limited experience “Snap caps” usually have a cushioned spot for the pin to hit it numerous times. The dummy rounds are used to train a newer shooter on safe handling or to function check a gun. When dummies are hit by a firing pin it usually leaves a dent and makes it pretty much useless to cushion a firing pin afterwards.
Triple K .45, the center is spring cushioned.
A .22 LR solid plastic dummy
A .223 dummy that has an opening in the primer area where cushioning material can be inserted (firm pencil eraser, etc.)
And a 12 ga shot-filled dummy for function checking. The head is solid metal so pulling the trigger for one “shot” will leave a permanent dent.
For rimfires, the wall anchor trick is the way I go about it too.
Stay safe.
Triple K .45, the center is spring cushioned.
A .22 LR solid plastic dummy
A .223 dummy that has an opening in the primer area where cushioning material can be inserted (firm pencil eraser, etc.)
And a 12 ga shot-filled dummy for function checking. The head is solid metal so pulling the trigger for one “shot” will leave a permanent dent.
For rimfires, the wall anchor trick is the way I go about it too.
Stay safe.
eddiememphis
Member
Interesting.
I have always thought the problem with dry firing a rimfire was damage to the firing pin, not peening the cylinder.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
It can be either or both, depending on the gun. I second the recommendation for using plastic drywall anchors. You can also just save your spent rimfire brass, rotating each case after a few strikes to hit a new spot.
Regarding the video posted by 243winxb.
1. The Wrangler needs to go back to Ruger. Something is out of spec in that gun.
2. If you have a peened rimfire chamber, don't file the burr off, buy a chamber ironing swage tool or go to a gunsmith who has one. The tool will push the peened metal back into place which is a better solution than removing it with a file.
3. Using spent brass as a snap cap in a .22LR will work a time or two or three, more if you rotate the case so that a new portion of the rim is presented to the firing pin each time. Otherwise, it's going to flatten out with repeated hits and stop providing any cushioning effect.
1. The Wrangler needs to go back to Ruger. Something is out of spec in that gun.
2. If you have a peened rimfire chamber, don't file the burr off, buy a chamber ironing swage tool or go to a gunsmith who has one. The tool will push the peened metal back into place which is a better solution than removing it with a file.
3. Using spent brass as a snap cap in a .22LR will work a time or two or three, more if you rotate the case so that a new portion of the rim is presented to the firing pin each time. Otherwise, it's going to flatten out with repeated hits and stop providing any cushioning effect.
Correct. That said, the prohibition generally stems from chamber peening. Rimfire firing pins are pretty sturdy; they have to deliver more of a blow than centerfire pins in order to set off the priming compound in the rim.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
DO NOT USE THESE AS SNAP CAPS.
Photo from here:
https://secure.arnzenarms.com/product/lyman/a-zoom-snap-caps-22lr-rimfire-dummy-rounds-12-pack
Photo from here:
https://secure.arnzenarms.com/product/lyman/a-zoom-snap-caps-22lr-rimfire-dummy-rounds-12-pack
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Your A-Zoom package says right on the front, "NOT DRY FIRE SNAP CAPS - SEE WARNING ON BACK". Use the drywall anchors instead...they are cheap and they are made of plastic so neither the firing pin nor cylinder get a beating. For $8 you will basically get a lifetime supply of snap cap/drywall anchors.
Riomouse911
Member
Be careful with those, it says in red right on the front they’re not snap caps
. I’d hate to see you get a chamber dinged. Stay safe.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Thank you @DR505 & @Riomouse911
I sure didn’t notice that. Duh!
I disposed of the first batch and the 2nd was lost in my move.
Luckily I didn’t use them much.
Editing my original post.
I sure didn’t notice that. Duh!
I disposed of the first batch and the 2nd was lost in my move.
Luckily I didn’t use them much.
Editing my original post.
OP
OP
Brubz
Member
Thanks. Will the yellow anchors work on a .22 magnum or will they be to loose?
The spent brass is a good idea too.
The spent brass is a good idea too.
MedWheeler
Member
I also use the #2 (yellow) drywall anchors. The rims will flatten, so rotate them around in the chambers like you would with a spent case. I have also manually cycled them through the magazines and actions of multiple firearms.
I haven't tried them in a WMR. I expect they would be loose; the rimes barely reach out as it is in a LR chamber.
I haven't tried them in a WMR. I expect they would be loose; the rimes barely reach out as it is in a LR chamber.
barnfrog
Member
That's what I do. Good for 6 or 8 firings per empty. More if you want to be more careful about how much or how little you rotate the brass.
shoobe01
Member
Tipton makes a .22 that is explicitly a Snap Cap not just an action proving dummy. All translucent plastic, comes in a 25 pack for $12.
https://www.tiptonclean.com/snapcaps/snap-caps----rifle-.22-rimfire-10-pack/831787.html#start=1
Q&A on their site:
"are these safe to use for dryfire?"
Customer Support:
"Yes, that is the purpose of them."
ETA: Read on, some reports they are not durable enough and can expose your breechface/cylinder face to damage after repeated use.
https://www.tiptonclean.com/snapcaps/snap-caps----rifle-.22-rimfire-10-pack/831787.html#start=1
Q&A on their site:
"are these safe to use for dryfire?"
Customer Support:
"Yes, that is the purpose of them."
ETA: Read on, some reports they are not durable enough and can expose your breechface/cylinder face to damage after repeated use.
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blackd24
Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2020
- Messages
- 375
Those are NOT safe to dry fire. I learned the hard way as I am currently replacing my heritage 22lr cylinder. A $30 lesson so it doesnt sting too bad.
rperyam
Member
So the Tipton Snap Caps are not safe? What happened?
rperyam
Member
So what’s best, used .22 cases?
I don't dry fire my .22 guns. But I do fire them using a dummy round . Usually a dry wall hanger. I do make sure I rotate the dummy rounds every few pulls to keep from wearing down the plastic rim which can allow the firing pin to contact the cylinder
