Dummy rounds / snap caps

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I've used the A Zoom caps, but you really don't need them for dry firing.....what's your intended usage?
 
I'm not familiar with the Taurus. Most newer pistols with the exception of the CZ line can be dry fired without harm, but check with the manufacturer.

If it gives you peace of mind, get them. I've had good success with A zoom caps.
 
I'm not worried about the occasional dry-fire; I know that won't hurt it. I'm more concerned with extensive dry-firing to get used to the trigger and smooth it out a little. Snap-caps will just make me feel more warm and fuzzy.

Thanks for the recommendation; I'll look at A-Zoom, too.
 
Simple solution: pick up some fired brass. Pry out the primers. Replace the primers with small cylinders of pencil eraser.

I've been using the same dummy rounds in .357 magnum for about thirty years now. They still work fine.
 
With the exception of rimfires and shotguns, few weapons need snapcaps or inerts for dryfiring. I can think of no quality centerfire pistol or revolver that could be damaged by dryfiring on an empty chamber.

However, inerts are great for training and function testing. When I become King of All Gun Companies every gun will be sold with a set, a far more valuable safety measure than some cruddy integral lock.

One caveat: if you make your own out of spent brass I recommend "coloring" at least the rim and head with a Sharpie or paint. I do not want to subconciously train myself that brass=inert. Some commercially made ones use bright orange plastic "primers" for a similar effect.
 
We use them in my agency. I also use the Azooms. Both seem durable for what they are used for Safer for some training environments than live rounds, for obvious reasons.
 
Go ahead and dryfire your 85, it would be hurt in the slightest. I personally use A-Zoom snap caps for any firearm with a long firing pin. Yes I know modern firearms can handle dryfire, but I like the added security.

My reasoning is that long pin designs use a shoulder on the actual pin and the back side of the breech face to stop forward movement of the firing pin. In my mind that's unneeded added stress to the firing pin.
 
I use these myself as dummy rounds they are excellent but do not function as snap caps. The primer pocket recess is empty and the plastic core while visible does not cushion the firing pin.
 
SRYnidan: Thanks. I was looking at the website today, and noticed what appeared to be recesses in some of the pictures, but wasn't sure. I couldn't get anyone on the phone to ask. I appreciate the info.

Standing Wolf: That's a good idea. I might have to try that.

I know that the gun won't likely be hurt by dry-firing, but it just makes me feel better to have something for the pin to land on if I'm going to be doing it a lot.

Thanks for all the advice, folks. Have a good weekend! :)
 
I ordered some dummy rounds from LEtargets.com. They appear to be identical to those on the linked site. They beat A-Zoom. Real nickel-plated brass casings with ABS bullet inserts. There is NO "primer," however. Just a recess in the ABS in the primer pocket. You can fill the pocket with RTV or silica glue and trim it down to work as a snap cap.
I've got them in .45ACP, 9x19mm, .38Spl, and 12GA.
 
Mix them into the magazine to identify any flinch.

I usually try to do this with in three mags each session just to check myself.
 
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