s&w 617

[CrocDuntoc]

Gentlefolk,

I have a 10 shot 617 .22 rimfire. Lovely, accurate, cheap to feed. Going to compete in 50m free pistol with it (yep, mad, but anything better than last place goes in the 'win' column).

A question: can I safely dry fire this gun without damaging the firing pin or cylinder?

 

[RussB]

yes, you can

 

[MrBorland]

I've never dry fired mine. Here's S&W's recommendation (red emphasis mine):

From: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...750001_750051_757815_-1_757814_757812_image#2

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.

Edit: Just to clarify - you ought not dry fire without snap caps. AFAIK, #4 drywall anchors fit nicely, and are a cheap alternative to real snap caps.

 

[CrocDuntoc]

Thanks guys, great tip re. drywall anchors!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

NEVER dry fire a rimfire handgun. You can and will damage it.

Buy a set of snap caps for dry fire practice. It's a small investment to protect that expensive revolver. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish...

 

[Waveski]

"NEVER dry fire a rimfire handgun."

My policy too. Learned it the hard way.

 

[MrBorland]

Just follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

S&W says "no", but Ruger says I can dry fire my MkIII, which I regularly do without harm.

 

[atexmp1522]

River single six manual states no damage by dryfire. So I have and do.

 

[PJSprog]

I never dry-fire any of my rimfires, handguns or rifles. If you don't want to run right out and buy snap caps, just color some empties with a red marker and use those.

 

[hAkron]

Even if you dont break the hammer, you are going to beat up the cylinder.

 

[788Ham]

^^^^^^ Amen ! And not on my Smith #17 !

 

[diyj98]

It depends upon the design. Most modern rimfires can be dry fired with no damage. I've seen older guns with the chamber face so battered in that the firearm wouldn't fire on a live shell. Best to go by the manufacturer's instructions.