Expert Advice: What is Dry Firing and Should You Do it?
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to discharge a firearm without actually firing a live round, we’ve got news for you. Here’s your chance to do so, thanks to a term called dry firing.
But what exactly is dry firing? More importantly, why should you dry fire your firearm? We will vividly explain the concept of dry firing and what it entails.
What is dry firing?
Dry firing is the practice of discharging your firearm without any live ammunition being present in it. It essentially involves unloading your firearm of all ammunition, including the one in the chamber, and then releasing the trigger just as you would with a loaded firearm.
What type of firearm can I dry fire?
First, it’s important to know that firearms can be categorized into two depending on the type of ammunition used in them. The two categories used to distinguish firearms are:
- Rimfire ammunition firearms
- Centerfire ammunition firearms
In the first category, the breech face of the firearm is made of a lighter material that is easily susceptible to preening when the firing pin impacts it without actually releasing any ammunition. This practice, if repeated continuously, can dent and eventually damage the firearm, causing it to malfunction when it is eventually loaded with ammunition.
The second category, known as centerfire ammunition firearms, is generally safe to dry fire. In this type of firearm, the breech face is made of steel, a far stronger metal that can withstand the impact of the firing pin a thousand times over without being dented.
How do I dry fire a firearm?
The concept of dry firing a firearm is quite straightforward. The first thing to do is visualize the entire process of actually firing a firearm. This includes:
- Drawing your firearm from its holster.
- Gripping your firearm in the perfect stance.
- Aligning your aim with your target.
- Squeezing the trigger until you hear the click sound.
Once your visualization process is complete, it’s time to put it into practice. The next thing you want to do after visualization is to go to a safe area where there is minimal risk of damage to property in case you end up firing a live round.
Now draw out your weapon from its holster and aim it at a target. Be aware of your surroundings when handling firearms, so you don’t accidentally point or fire at anyone or anything.
Once your aim is fixed at a target, gently squeeze the trigger until you hear the click sound. Now pull back the slide to reset the trigger and repeat the same process all over. You can practice this continuously until you become more conversant with the process.
However, if you’ve never fired a firearm before, various YouTube videos and training materials can give you a visual demonstration of the process.
Why should I dry fire my firearm?
There are so many reasons to dry fire your firearm, such that even professionals who have handled firearms for years still engage in dry firing occasionally. Some of the reasons why you should dry fire your firearm include:
It improves your shooting skills
Whether you’re a newbie or an expert at firing firearms, there’s always room to get better and improve your skills. Dry firing allows you to do just that by providing an opportunity for you to practice your stance, aiming, and shooting skills without actually going to the range.
Enhances your accuracy
You’ve probably seen people shoot off a couple of rounds and hit their target with pinpoint accuracy. Most times, we even go from admiring their skill to wishing we were like them. Well, constant practice is the secret to such levels of accuracy, and the best way to achieve that without wasting precious ammo is by dry firing your weapon for practice.
Familiarization with firearm
It’s no secret that when you perform at an event regularly, it eventually becomes second nature. The same can be said for firearms. Constantly practicing with your firearm can help you become more familiar with your firearm’s grip, recoil, and aiming sight.
Moreover, the more you practice dry firing, you tend to build muscle memory with your firearm to the point that you can even perform certain operations on it with a blindfold. This should not be mistaken as advice to use your firearm with a blindfold.
In addition, you can also use dry firing to improve your aiming and shooting skills using your weaker hand; that way, you can easily adapt should the situation call for it.
Save precious dollars on ammo
If you’re a firearm enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered what it would be like to fire your firearm without spending so much on ammunition. Good news! By dry firing your weapon, you can simulate all the firing procedures without having to spend a dime on ammo.
Is it safe to dry fire your firearm?
In general, dry firing your firearm is completely safe unless you have a rimfire ammunition firearm, an old firearm, or forgot to unload your firearm completely. Before dry firing your firearm, always double and triple check to ensure your firearm is not loaded with ammunition, including the one that is usually left in the chamber.
Furthermore, ensure that your firearm is aimed at a blank wall or in an open area to avoid accidents when practicing dry firing. It’s never advisable to practice dry firing with your firearm aimed at someone.
If you’re using a modern rim ammunition firearm, don’t forget to check in with your manufacturer to ensure your firearm is safe for dry firing, so you don’t risk damaging the firing pin or the firearm itself.
You can also use dummy rounds and snap caps to help protect the firing pin of your firearm. These rounds give the firing pin the same cushioning effect that a live round provides to the firing pin when fired.
Above all, always practice and adhere to firearm safety rules when handling your firearm, whether it is loaded or unloaded.
The safe way to dry fire your firearm
Regardless of whether you’re firing a live round or dry firing your firearm, it’s always advisable to clean your firearm properly so that all the parts work and function properly.
At Armory Den, we are committed to providing you with the best cleaning kit and solutions to help you keep your firearm safe and in perfect working condition. However, if you have any further questions about firearm maintenance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
