[mtmuley]

Is it O.K. to dry-fire a Colt revolver without snap caps? I think I remember hearing or reading that Colt's are prone to firing pin breakage during dry-firing. Oh, I have a Colt 357 if model makes a difference. Thanks, mtmuley

[LightningMan]

I would really advise against dry-firing a single-action Colt or any clone there of that use a hammer mounted firing pin. The firing pin wants to keep on going once the hammer hits the frame and the tip can break off, also the cross-pin that holds the firing pin in place can and does tend to bend, causing difficultly in removing it. IMHO I would use snap-caps or A-zoom dummy rounds for dry-firing. I myself use them, even in my Rugers even though they have transfer-bars. Take care, LM.

[dfariswheel]

The only Colt's that aren't safe to dry fire are the Trooper Mark III, Mark V, and King Cobra.
I assume that would include the Anaconda.

Problem withe them is the firing pin "might" break, and if it does, it requires a factory replacement due to the need for a special press to pres the old pin out and install a new one without damaging the frame.

Some of us have Colt Pythons and older models like the Official Police that have been dry fired hundreds of times without damage.

To be safe, "just in case" use snap caps.

[mtmuley]

From what I understand, my Colt 357 is the model that preceded the Python, so I guess dry-firing would be alright. I think I'll get snapcaps anyway. Thanks, mtmuley

[RDak]

My single action Colt manual says not to dry fire the gun. (For those with single action guns.)

Here's a copy of the Cowboy manual (I have the SAA model and it says the same thing on page 14 of my manual.)

http://stevespages.com/pdf/colt_cowboy_single_action_revolver.pdf

[The Bushmaster]

And I'm in trouble again. I've been dry firing my 42 year old Colt .357 magnum SAA all these years with out even snap caps. Only parts that have been replaced are the trigger/bolt flat spring and the cylinder locking bolt. And those failed during actual firing...