Thejonl

The only handguns I've owned up until now has been revolvers. I just purchased my first semi auto, ruger lcp. I must say they're quite different from what I'm used to, having to take them apart and all that.. I bought some snap caps to familiarize myself with the firearm before I take it to the range. They're a hand made item from eBay, I guess the guy made them from spent ammo, anyway, they have the same weight as live ammo. My question is, because they're heavier than store bought snap caps like from a zoom, would it be hard on the gun when racking the slide? Hard on the springs and stuff, considering an empty casing weighs alot less and that's what the gun is really intended for... Ejecting empty casings. Hope my question makes sense....

Terry_P

Are the primers spent?

As to your question it shouldn't bother the LCR when you consider what happens when a live round goes off.

RidgeRunner

I believe he stated LCP. That is the .380.
Personally, I would suggest buying some more ammo and spend time shooting the gun. It has a terrible long trigger pull. The recoil is light even if it is a small pistol. I bought a leather holster that fits it like a wallet and tote it in my back pocket, when I am not carrying my Glock 30S, which is most of the time. Don't expect to be very accurate. I personally consider the LCP to be a close-up last chance pistol....but it dang sure beats a stick. Buy ammo and have fun. Try different semi-autos to get a real experience. The LCP should NOT be your deciding opinion on what you think of semi-autos.

north country gal

Why do you feel the need to use snap caps? Ruger states on their website that dry firing this series is okay and will not damage the pistol.

The whole subject of dry firing a gun gets very controversial with some folks and I have my views, too, but when a manufacturer states that dry firing is okay as far as damage to the gun, I don't mess with snap caps, especially on a bottom feeder.

tx gun runner

+1 ......... I agree with NCG 100% ...... I use snap cap a lot in my match guns . But I dry fire over 500 rounds per gun when I get ready for a match . I like them because in my opinion they deaden blow on the firing pin and keep the wear down if there is any . But they are not really needed . My bottom feeder and lever guns I cut the rim down at the extractor so it don't remove it from the chamber when cycling the action .

Machinist

I do mostly use snap caps. I used to do a lot of dry firing and have broken too many firing pins, even "unbreakable" ones. The weight will not be an issue. As stated, the stresses when firing are much more. That said, you do not need to eject the cap each time if that is what you are doing to cock it. I just pull the slide back until it resets, usually about 1/4" to 3/8", and let it move home. Faster and easier. Dry firing is important in my opinion to master the trigger pull. Keep a tight grip as if you were firing live ammo and watch the sight picture for movement as you pull through. You can also practice pulling the trigger as you bring the gun on target to get the timing right. If you want to get really good practice I find the Laser sights very good. They will show any movement of the muzzle as you pull the trigger through. The main thing after safety is to remember to use a firm grip as you will when shooting live ammo.

Thejonl

Thanks for the friendly and informative responses, guys. I appreciate it. Someday I'll know enough to be able to contribute, but for now, I'm just trying to soak up as much info as I can.

tx gun runner

Yes all my Glock all reset the trigger if I move the slide back a 1/4" . Glock also make a trigger reset you install and remove in 5 min for dry firing only or use for the magic bullet .

bearcatter

We've all been there, and we're all still learning.

Machinist

I think you will find we are interested in your thoughts, feelings, and impressions, as well as your questions. Nobody is going to jump on you for being new. Feel free to pull up a chair and join in. Sometimes it helps me to get a reminder of the joy I found in getting into this that the years have obscured. We are all here to share our love of this, not to show off or put anyone down.I think you will see this from our conversations.

RidgeRunner

I enjoyed reading everyone's response to Thejonl's question. I learned a bit as well.

north country gal

Couldn't agree more about asking questions and beginners being welcome. Glad you joined us.

tx gun runner

Thejonl ...... I learn something everyday of my life and this forum is not filled with BS like other forums .