Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    I will be picking up my first striker fired pistol soon. Obviously I will want to train heavily with draw practice in the house as much as live fire practice at the range

    Do I need snap caps in a modern striker fired pisol to protect the firing pin?

    I grew up assuming this was standard on hammer fired fire arms. And I got my education on the subject in the 90's. Have things changed? Are snap caps still needed or are they a waste of time and money?

    Shockingly...the internet has multiple opinions on this subject. (I know...you re shocked too, right?!)
    May the Schwartz Be With You

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by Spaceballs View Post
    I will be picking up my first striker fired pistol soon. Obviously I will want to train heavily with draw practice in the house as much as live fire practice at the range

    Do I need snap caps in a modern striker fired pisol to protect the firing pin?

    I grew up assuming this was standard on hammer fired fire arms. And I got my education on the subject in the 90's. Have things changed? Are snap caps still needed or are they a waste of time and money?

    Shockingly...the internet has multiple opinions on this subject. (I know...you re shocked too, right?!)
    You'll find PAFOA is just like the Internet. PAFOA also has multiple opinions on this subject.

    In my opinion; they are NOT a waste of time.
    In addition to use snaps caps / dummy rounds for dry firing; you can also use them for stoppage drills.
    I prefer the Glock style snap caps that are simply solid piece of plastic.
    They are less expensive than the A-Zoom type, do not leave metal shavings inside gun, and are easier to find on the ground.
    --ET

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by ett View Post
    You'll find PAFOA is just like the Internet. PAFOA also has multiple opinions on this subject.

    In my opinion; they are NOT a waste of time.
    In addition to use snaps caps / dummy rounds for dry firing; you can also use them for stoppage drills.
    I prefer the Glock style snap caps that are simply solid piece of plastic.
    They are less expensive than the A-Zoom type, do not leave metal shavings inside gun, and are easier to find on the ground.
    I could get some plastic dowel and cut those things on my lathe.
    Gender confusion is a mental illness

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by Walleye Hunter View Post
    I could get some plastic dowel and cut those things on my lathe.
    Since the Glock style snap caps are so cheap. Would it be worth the effort and time ?
    --ET

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by ett View Post
    Since the Glock style snap caps are so cheap. Would it be worth the effort and time ?
    That is a legitimate question to which I don't have the answer. However, just having an excuse to go out to my sanctuary might be reward enough.
    Gender confusion is a mental illness

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by ett View Post
    Since the Glock style snap caps are so cheap. Would it be worth the effort and time ?
    That is a legitimate question to which I don't have the answer. However, just having an excuse to go out to my sanctuary might be reward enough.
    Gender confusion is a mental illness

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    You don't NEED them, most manuals will say that dry fire is ok. However, I'm a fan of using them to be extra cautious and not screw anything up in a defensive-role firearm.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    You'd be surprised at how far firing pins in autos extend when dry-fired with nothing in the chamber.

    This leads to firing pin and spring damage , and could also damage the firing pin tunnel in the slide.

    A fired case works in a pinch. A company used to make hi-viz color Delrin plugs that fit in the primer pocket.

    CZ provides a plastic dummy case with a dozen or so replaceable plastic ''primers''.
    I don't speak English , I talk American!

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    I use the A Zoom snap caps and another brand that is likely it's predecessor that I've had for years. I also have them for my shotguns. Dry firing on an empty chamber hasn't changed since the 90's.
    Corruption is the default behavior of government officials. JPC

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Snap Caps and dummy rounds?

    I probably should have mentioned this in my first post.

    In an advanced pistol class I was taking.
    A striker fired pistol, of a fellow student, quit firing in the middle of a drill.
    It turns out the firing pin broke.
    Instructor asked him if he did a lot of dry firing.
    Fellow student replied "yes". But also that he had so many tens of thousands live rounds through pistol.
    So take what you want from that situation.
    --ET

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