snap caps?

[mikey 2]

a friend mentioned i should put snap caps in my shotgun as i might damage some springs if i dont is this true???

[watchman 256]

you can also snap the firing pin if you dont use them mate

[quicksilver 0]

Same with rifles, best to use them if dry firing

[Geoff.C 0]

There is a school of thought that snap caps are not required, and that the shotgun should be put away still cocked after cleaning. I always use them personally, so that after cleaning, you can let the pressure off the firing pin springs before storing. As watchman says, dry firing off without snaps can do damage.

[Deker 3,478]

Semis are easy to "un-cock" so no need for them there!

 

Not so easy with other types and so snap caps "may" be useful, I have some and tend to use them although I am unconvinced!!

 

Only use them in the shotguns, I haven't got any for the rifles!

[RicW 67]

Can't speak for shotguns or rifles but when I learned to shoot pistols, and no they weren't flintlocks, I was taught that you NEVER leave a spring under tension. Empty the mag of a semi-auto, de-cock the hammer on a single action. Springs left under tension weaken very fast. Then they fail just when you need 'em.

 

Ric

[JonathanL 4]

I think that with the vast majority of modern firearms you are not likely to do much damage with dry firing it unless you do it lots. Modern steels are very good and it's not likely that modern coil springs are going to be significantly weakened by storing them compressed. Then again, there is a theoretical risk so why risk it?

 

Apart from shotguns you don't really need snap-caps with most firearms as most can be de-cocked without actually pressing the trigger. Hammer guns are easy because you just let the hammer down slowly and bolt guns you just close the bolt with the trigger held back.