When to retire a snapcap

[huaco]

The documentation for my Kel-Tec P-11 says not to dryfire it so I use snapcaps. A snapcap is dented the first time it's used and the dent gets larger and deeper the more it's used. What is the criteria for deciding when to toss it and start on the next one?

[GeorgeH]

When the firing pin no longer has something to hit.

[huaco]

Are you saying that as long as there isn't a hole there it's ok to keep using it? How do I know that the dent isn't deeper than the firing pin intrusion?

[Standing Wolf]

Simple solution: make up a cartridge with a real case and bullet, no powder, and a small chunk of rubber from a pencil eraser instead of a primer. I made some .357 magnum dummy cartridges in the late 1970s that still work just fine.

[10-Ring]

I've tried Snap caps & at some point, you'll have a nice little indentation from the strikes of the firing pin...time to replace. The A-Zooms I've been using since have a rubber surface and last alot longer.

[alamo]

Get some AZoom snap caps as 10-Ring suggests. I've wasted money on the cheapo ones too. AZooms are more expensive but they last.

[GeorgeH]

I also like AZooms, but the only problem with that cap is that the extractor on some guns will chew up the extraction groove.

[New_comer]

After only several hits, my $4 Pachmayr spring-resisted plastic/brass snap cap has had it. :mad:


Total crap :barf:


The Azoom, OTOH seems indestructible! ;) Hardly an impression left after hundreds of dry-fires :D

[Nathaniel Firethorn]

The A-Zooms I've been using since have a rubber surface and last alot longer.????? I've got some A-Zoom snap caps and they have a brass (not rubber) piece where the primer should be.

- pdmoderator

[XavierBreath]

Drill it and fill it with silicone caulk.