PM40 Dry Fire vs Snap Caps

[garyb]

I did a search on dry fire and watched some of the training videos on U tube: 15 min dry fire program; pistol dry fire practice; personal defense training... I understand the advantages of dry fire training. I was hoping that someone would be so kind as to give me some input about the pros and cons of dry fire practice vs practice using snap caps. Specifically, is it OK to dry fire the PM40? What is the advantage of using snap caps? I am waiting for my new PM40 to arrive and want to get off on the right foot. Thank you.

[Bawanna]

It is ok to dry fire Kahrs with no damage. Snap caps are used in guns that can be damaged when dry fired. Snap caps can be used to practice clearing the chamber or cycling after a reload, that sort of thing but for just getting used to the trigger and working on sight picture, hold etc you don't need them.

Your already off to the right foot. Your doing research and taking notes. Your gonna do just fine.

[garyb]

Thank you Bawanna45cal. I just wanted to confirm. Your response was helpful.

[BroncoAZ]

Regardless of safe or not safe for the gun, I prefer to use a snap cap when possible. I use them for trigger practice and will randomly put one in a magazine while at the range to check my reaction and clear a dead round.

[garyb]

Thanks BroncoAZ. I'll see how it goes on the dry fire practice. I'd need to be very careful not to mix up a snapcap with live rounds when loaded for defense, but we'll see how it goes and whether or not I need to practice that way. Thanks for input.

[jocko]

trust me

Thanks BroncoAZ. I'll see how it goes on the dry fire practice. I'd need to be very careful not to mix up a snapcap with live rounds when loaded for defense, but we'll see how it goes and whether or not I need to practice that way. Thanks for input.

what BRONCOAZ said about loading a few snap caps in your magazines when at the range is for me the best damn drillyoucan ever do. It will show you if you are jerking that trigger or anticipating the "bang" thing. have someone load your magazines when at the range even so you don't know if there is one, none or 3 snap caps in the gun. It will make a true believer out of you.. Also a super drill at the same time for the TAP,RACK AND BANG DRILL..

[Bawanna]

Yeah, the snap caps always make me look bad, the gun darn near jumps out of my hand from the flinch and it's really embarrasing for me. It never does that when I use real bullets. I try to avoid em much as I can.

[wyntrout]

I recommend metal snapcaps, if you're going to buy some. I've had multiple failures with the Pachmayr plastic ones... mainly the 9mm.
That's a real good idea if you're going to mix them with live ones at the range... danged things jammed my pistol... plastic tightly wedged in the barrel and other little parts can go other places... maybe causing a problem with live fire. Just sayin'
Wynn

[BroncoAZ]

I recommend metal snapcaps, if you're going to buy some. I've had multiple failures with the Pachmayr plastic ones... mainly the 9mm.
That's a real good idea if you're going to mix them with live ones at the range... danged things jammed my pistol... plastic tightly wedged in the barrel and other little parts can go other places... maybe causing a problem with live fire. Just sayin'
Wynn

I use the A-zoom aluminum ones. They work well but need to be replaced when the rim eventually gets too damaged to eject properly

They sell some that are regular cases poured full of orange plastic with a bullet head molded in, but those don't have anything to soften the strike of the firing pin like some others.

[tomwalshco]

Just my opinion, don't beat me up, but I think they are a waste of money unless you use them at the range like the others guys are talking about. I've bought a bunch and it seems like after 4-5 strikes, whatever material they put in there to absorb the energy (brass, polymer, goo, springs) gets dented and dimpled and does nothing really. A #2 pencil with an eraser probably works better...

For what you spend on 5 crappy snap caps, you could buy a new firing pin/striker.

[garyb]

I have gotta laugh at this thread guys. I already own 3 new conceal carry methods (pocket holster, side holster and fanny pack); 300 rounds of ammo; 3 SafeVault Nano 200's; a compact tactical flashlight; am still waiting for my new PM40 to arrive and now I'm talking about snap caps.... What is wrong with this picture????? Thanks for all the input and it is all good stuff and appreciated, but it sounds like a mixed review on the snapcap expenditure. My wife will be using me as a snap cap if I am not careful....ha ha.

[jocko]

yup sure looks like you have put the ol cart way ahead of the horse. I just call that excitement...

[garyb]

Not to mention a CTL and Kahr cap. You are correct Jocko....excitement. I can't wait. It is my first handgun and I hope I made a good selection. I couldn't shoot one before I ordered, but I handled one at a shop in FL; heard Kahr was good and based my decision on size and weight for 40S&W vs Glock 27. Hope it shoots well and I like it.

[jocko]

u made a great choice, now when you get it and it gives you more recoil sensation than you expect, just PORT IT and enjoy the PM40.

definitely do the PROPER PREPPING OF YOUR NEW KAHR THOUGH.. and get a good locked wrist grip on that puppy, the 40 cal is an awesome caliber and in the lightest 40 caliber on the market, well u get my point.

[Bawanna]

It's only recoil. I find that if I tie a cinder block from the trigger guard with a piece of 20# fishing line, it's hardly noticeable and really tames the beast.

Don't let em scare ya garyb. Many get along just fine with the 40. I'm so happy your getting your first handgun. I have fond memories of my very first handgun. I still have it.