Spent case feeding question

[arizonaicedtea]

Hello, I was thinking of buying a Henry US Survival Rifle sometime in the near future and it is my understanding that there is no sort of bolt locking system. Since dry firing rimfire rifles is a no-no, and I can't rely on myself to count the number of rounds fired, and nothing locks back when the magazine empties, could I simply load a spent case in place of a live round at the bottom of the magazine? I would have a minus one mag capacity, but if it fed and extracted alright I would never damage any internals of the rifle.
If anyone could help me with some information here it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

(PS: Please, nobody tell me to 'just buy a Ruger 10/22.')

 

[tjhaile]

I wouldn't worry about it. The occasional dry fire from shooting the gun to empty is nowhere near as severe as dry firing repeatedly on a regular basis.

 

[FLHTCUI]

eventually the frustration of not knowing how many rounds you have left or have shot will win out the dry fire concern you may have.
I still find when plinking paper targets with a ten round mag. in my bolt gun that i forget how many I have shot off.The frustration of acquiring perfect shot placement, good trigger feel and the snap of of the firing pin striking the empty round in the chamber will teach you to count the number of rounds fired/left...
The real concern is for proper safety to always clear the firearm before heading forward to the targets or when going to retrieve that grouse you have just shot.
enjoy and practice safe firearms handling always with your new gun.
Tight Groups,
Rob

 

[sunray]

A spent case won't feed.

 

[arizonaicedtea]

OK, thanks for the answers everyone. I realized the best thing to do was to just... buy a Marlin Papoose.
Bolt hold open and superior construction (so I hear)
Hey, nutnfancy liked it, can't go wrong there!