Dry Firing S&W .22 Cal Revolver

[Sam C]

I have a S&W model 18 .22 cal revolver. Is it OK to dry fire it? I know that in general you shouldn't dry fire a rim fire gun. Does this include revolvers also? Thanks, Sam

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Don't dry fire it without snap caps.

I have a Model 18 -- fine gun! -- and what I do is save some of the spent cases from it. I then use those for dry firing it. (Don't use spent .22s from a different gun or they might get stuck in the chambers.)

 

[Standing Wolf]

Even when the owner's manual says dry firing is safe, I use plastic dummy rounds: they're cheap insurance.

 

[Jim K]

I have a K-22 (the predecessor of the Model 18) and I have no idea how many thousands of "snaps" it has been through, with no problem. I don't use snap caps or empty cases, as the firing pin does not reach the cylinder.

Note that I have nothing against using plastic snap caps or empty cases, and in fact recommend them, but I just don't think they are needed on that gun.

Jim

 

[Clemson]

Smith & Wesson says that you should not dry fire their rimfire guns. Dry firing centerfires is OK. This is copied and pasted from the S&W website:

Can I dry fire my S&W handgun?
Q: Can I dry fire my Smith & Wesson?
A: Yes, except for the .22 caliber pistols which includes models 22A, 22S, 422, 2206, 2214, 2213 and 41.
.22 caliber revolvers such as models 17, 43, 63, 317 and 617 also should not be dry fired.

Q: Why can't I dry fire my .22 pistol or revolver?
A: Dry firing a S&W .22 pistol or revolver will cause damage to the firing pin.

 

[Sam C]

Clemson,
Thanks, S&W says don't do it, so that's that! Also, thanks to everybody else who responded. Sam