Checking a .22 rimfire revolver(lcr)

[jimbombo]

Hello-considering trading for a lcr22--my concern is for barrel lockup and to make sure it hasn't been dry fired a lot. The owner said it was dry fired a couple times..(i don't think that should affect it right?) Do I have to test lockup with snap caps? Also can i pull the trigger with the cylinder out to check firing pin??

Thanks all..

 

[rcmodel]

Dry firing a Ruger LCR is not going to hurt it in years of dry firing.

Besides, the LCR22 hasn't even been on the market long enough to have any concerns at all about it.
They only started making them a year ago.

I don't know if an LCR can be snapped with the cylinder open or not?
Most likely not.

But again, for all practical purposes it's a brand new gun.
So I am pretty confident the firing pin is still all there.

rc

 

[Bama46]

Ruger revolvers are designed to be dry fired. It will cause zero problems..

 

[jimbombo]

dry firing rimfire lcr

Bama... yeah but it is a rimfire revolver, i always thought you were NEVER supposed to do this????

 

[rcmodel]

That was true many years ago with cheap .22's. They would often allow the firing pin to hit the edge of the chamber and do serious damage to the barrel.

Most all modern .22's are safe to dry fire a limited amount.
If they weren't, warranty repairs would drive the company out of business.

But Ruger has always went so far as to say you can dry-fire their .22's to your hearts content without harming anything.

I doubt seriously the new LCR22 is any different.

rc

 

[LordDunsany]

I'd be very leery of dry-firing a .22 revolver unless the manufacturer specifically says it won't harm the cylinder face.

I have a Model 63 S&W that had some severe peening of the chamber, which required the use of a special swaging tool to remove the indentations.

A .22 cartridge takes a pretty firm whack on the rim to assure reliable ignition, so hammer springing is pretty stout. Without a cartridge or a snap-cap to take the impact, the firing pin tip will likely impinge on the cylinder face, causing peening which will, in turn, cause difficult loading and extraction.

If you want to try a 22 revolver trigger, use expended cartridges or snap-caps just to be safe.

Ron in Texas

 

[rcmodel]

Direct quote from Ruger web site FAQ:

Q. Can I dry fire my Ruger revolver?
A. Yes. All Ruger revolvers can be dry fired without damage, and dry firing can be useful to familiarize the owner with the firearm. However, be sure any firearm is completely unloaded before dry firing!

rc

 

[22-rimfire]

But they provide several snap caps in the box when you buy one new.

 

[Remllez]

Any cylinder damage will be readily apparent with the cylinder open. Check the rear of the cylinder for any unusual marks around the charge holes. I would bring some spent shells with you if you are concerned. The LCR's trigger pull is most excellent.

You will see firing pin indentations on the spent shells, lockup on mine is tighter than most Smiths I own. As long as radial play isn't excessive there should be no concern.