Is it okay to dry fire .22 pistols?

[kalibear45]

I dry fire my centerfire pistols without using snap caps and have had no problems with them, but does it apply to rimfire pistols also?

 

[EJ]

Generally not--

Not wise--
Unlike a centerfire -- rimfire cartridges are ignited by the FP striking the rim and crushing it against the rear of the chamber.
Dryfiring rimfires can damage the edge of the chamber causing chambering//feeding//extraction// and headspace problems--

 

[clange]

I've heard its pretty much ok with a ruger MKII..no idea on any others.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Not only OK with a Ruger semi-auto, generally REQUIRED when you field strip.

(Ruger has a limiter/stop on their firing pins, and they're adjusted at the factory to prevent damage to the chamber wall. This appears to be true with the 10/22 series of rifles, as well.)

I think the S&W 41 is also OK to dry fire.

The gun's manual should be your guide.

Most (but not all) other .22 / rimfires will be damaged (ding the chamber) when dry-fired, and that will lead to poor feeding and malfunctions.

 

[Kahr carrier]

NOPE>

 

[ruger357]

NO.

 

[yzguy]

as stated earlier, it depends. For the Rugers (MKII and 22/45) it is ok, and needed for disassembly, but for many others, no....

 

[rick_reno]

dry firing 22's

You can use a spent .22 cartridge to dry fire them. Another solution is to use one of those sheetrock studs (?) - I think the one that fits the .22 is blue - they are the plastic things that hold screws in sheetrock. Larry Carter in Maine sells a Hammerli plug that can also be used to dry fire them. Pardini ships their SP gun with one make for it.

 

[10-Ring]

Was taught long ago not to, so I don't. The Ruger's require it to disassemble, but I don't normally like to sit there are dry fire like I do my centerfire pistols...plus, since there's no 2nd shot capabilities on the Mk II, it's a hassle.

 

[Hoploholic]

Beretta suggests that you dry fire the U22 rather than store it with the striker under spring tension. I imagine it has a limiter also.

 

[kalibear45]

Thanks for the info...

Better safe than sorry

I think I'll buy some snap caps!

 

[Brian Maffei]

I was looking at my Walther P22, and when you put the safety on, a small block of metal stops the hammer from striking the firing pin. So dry firing isn't a problem.