Dryfire S&W model 12?

geologist

geologist

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I have a K frame S&W model 12-2 Airweight. It has the firing oin mounted on the hammer. I have not dryfired it due to fears of damaging the firing pin.

Can it be dryfired on empty chambers without harm or do I need to buy snap caps for it?
 
I used to dry fire a S&W Model 10 heavy barrel 4" all the time that I had for many years with nothing in the cylinders with no apparent ill effects. Other than attracting a premature unsightly line scored around the cylinder from it turning I doubt you will do your Model 12 harm.

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NAA.
 
While I tend to agree with NAA with most S&W K frames, the aluminum frames might bare a bit of caution. All the other parts are the same, but I fear too much dry fire could damage the recoil bushing, or what ever the gizmo that's inserted into the frame around the firing pin hole.
 
I won't dry fire any of my firearms. Sure, folks say it won't hurt and that's fine for them. The weight of the hammer has to fall on something and it sure don't do it any good. Snap caps are not that expensive and if they're not available, make your own from an empty cartridge.

Rod
 
It shouldn't be a problem at all, the bushing through which the hammer nose passes will wear, but not at a rate that you will see in any one lifetime. The hammer nose pivots as it passes through the bushing, so that's the location that will show wear, it's the same for aluminum as it is for steel guns, because the bushing is the same on both. I owned an M10 that I shot 30,000 live rounds through plus dry fired, there was little apparent wear.
 
Open the cylinder and pull back on the cylinder release? So he will dry fire with the cylinder "hanging" open, and only in single action mode? Uh huh.... sure.... LOL!!!! And when he wants to holster, he will have to close the cylinder and then holster... and when he draws, he will have to reopen the cylinder and only in single action again...???? ROFL!!!
 
keep_it_karara said:
Get snap caps. For the minimal amount that a pack of 6 will cost, it is well worth the investments.
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I agree with the above statement.

Not because i believe that dry-firing without snap caps will damage a well built revolver in good shape, but because I believe that snap caps are "insurance" for the unlikely chance of damage due to long-term dry fire practice. There are revolver make/models that have been known to fail due to DF even a little, but Smith and Wesson revolvers are not.

As well, the value of dry-fire practice and your peace of mind, is way more than the value of a pack of snap caps.
 
easyrider604 makes an excellent point when he talks about "insurance" and peace of mind. I am assuming that the initiator of this thread is still interested in these responses so I will further add that, if his intent is to improve on his trigger pull, sight picture, and all those goodies that will produce a decent grouping, the use of snap caps will also allow him to practice reloading with speed loaders from a speed loader pouch. All in all, practice properly = safety AND competency on the firing line. I am sure the shooters in the left and right stalls will appreciate that. Ok, 'nuff pontificating....
 
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