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SnapCaps???

timbroman
Hello friends...been away for a while...I know I'm not calling them by correct terminology, but I refer to the devices inserted into chambers to avoid "dry fire" damage...what are pros and cons as to long term storage (a year, give or take or between hunting seasons). I see plastic and metal and was thinking about my shotguns. I see brass shotshell replicas but don't know about that. Also, are some type guns more vulnerable to damage than others: doubles vs autos and pumps? Thanks. Best, Jim

timbroman@aol.com
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • RH2OMAN
    The plastic body ones are junk. I bought a bunch for my 12 gauge, .410 gauge, .38 special, etc. The rims tear off when you try to eject them from the shotgun and the pistol ones have so much preesure on the spring that they self destruct after dry firing only a few times. I did have trouble with my Rem. 11-87 seizing up with a snap cap in it after about 6 months. The gun was cleaned after using it during deer season and stored muzzle up in a warm, dry area. I honestly don't know if it was my fault or the snap cap causing some condensation in the action.
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  • timbroman
    rh20, Thanks for your comments. I think I'll just pass on those things. I've gotten along fine for years without them and since there has been little interest in the topic, its probably not so important. Your experience with the plastics is helpful. I guess the smart thing to do is just not to dry-fire, period. Best, Jim

    timbroman@aol.com
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  • He Dog
    I store all my rifles and shotguns with snap caps in. I have used the plastic ones with no problems. I do not do a lot of dryfireing with them, but simply let the snap cap spring support the pin rather than leaving a clean rifle cocked or dry fired on an empty chamber.
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  • kalifornian
    I store mine with snap caps too, but mine rarely go more than a couple of weeks without being taken out and used with live ammo. I do it to prevent an inadvertent dry firing if someone else handles them. So far the caps have never caused any problems for me.



    http://ynot4free.com
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  • Alpine
    I use some in shotguns. They have an o-ring on the metal body and a cotton bore brush screwed onto the end (lightly coated with oil), to prevent rust on bores not chrome lined.

    "If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."
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  • timbroman
    Thanks all. I've only recently had any shotguns of value where there are now some concerns about leaving the things stored with springs loaded or even caring about the consequences of dry-firing. We've got a gunshow coming up...I may see something there, but also considering the possibility of "homemade" caps with empty hull and silicone or neoprene primer plug. Best, Jim

    timbroman@aol.com
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  • RH2OMAN
    I am going to try some A-Zoom snap caps in .38 and .45. A method I use for my revolvers is to cut a circular piece of plastic the same diameter as the cylinder and cut out a circle for the extractor. I put that in place and use it to dry fire. I use the caps off five- gallon water jugs that go on water coolers you see in offices. The blue color really stands out and serves as an indicator that the chambers are unloaded.
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  • idsman75
    I've never had a problem with snap caps falling apart or tearing apart from routine use. My Pachmayr snap caps won't eject from my Ithaca 37 12 ga. shotgun so I don't use them there anymore. Actually, I've never met anyone that had a problem with snap caps. There are different companies that manufacture them. If your firearm doesn't take well to dry-firing then it is less expensive to try out a few different brands of snap-caps to figure out which is best than it is to buy replacement parts for your gun or invest in gunsmithing.

    I took a Ruger MK-II in .223 to the local sporting goods store to have a Leupold mounted. You should have seen the look in the guy's face when he opened the bolt and a snap cap ejected. At first he thought it was live ammo but he knows me well and knows that I would never take a loaded gun into the store. If you use snap caps, make sure that they are removed before handing the gun to someone in that type of situation. It'll save them a skipped heartbeat.
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