Dry firing Colt's.

[TattooPaul]

I have read in my Kimber manual that dry firing it is actaully recommended. I have reviewed my XSE's manual and see no reference for or against. Will I crack the pin or stress the spring if I do it with my Colt? To this point I have avoided dry firing but it would be nice to know one way or another. Thanks in advance!

[paul45]

I don't see it being a problem, but there are snap caps available as an option.

[Joni Lynn]

I'd use a snap cap.

[TattooPaul]

I'd use a snap cap.
Think I'll do the same... Thanks.

[larry starling]

Think I'll do the same... Thanks.
Good decision I haven't seen or experienced any problems with dry firing , But as a general rule I don't do it and generally frown upon it.... ;)

[TattooPaul]

I've never been comfortable with it all these years and was actually surprised to see my new Kimber Ultra Carry's manual stating it as part of cleaning and reassembly and was wondering if I had been unecessarily cautious by avoiding it 'til now. Guess it's always better to stay on the cautious side especially with anything you value and reguire god service from.

[wetidlerjr]

I have been told by Bob Rodgers (who knows much more about 1911s than I) that dry firing does no harm.

[Joni Lynn]

Bob knows more than most of us mere humans. If he says it's okay.........then it's okay.

[Elmo C]

Dry firing is ok,and so is using a snap cap. I would rather feel the round leave the barrel and hit the target though.

[zenner22]

Dry firing will not harm modern made autos or revolvers. I dry fire mine constantly without snap caps. I think this is a holdover from the real old days when dry firing could in fact harm the firearms. As a matter of respect though, I don't dry fire anyone else's firearms without permission, knowing some are sensitive about the practice. And I certainly wouldn't dry fire a collector's piece.

Since this question keeps getting brought up again and again and the answers are always some do, some don't, some use snap caps, there is obviously no definitive answer one way or the other.

So do whatever makes you comfortable. There is no wrong answer to this question.

[dogdollar]

Since we can't ask JMB and get closure on this, I will defer to Jerry Kuhnhausen, author of the definitive shop manuals on the Colt .45 Automatic.
A Gunsmith's Safety Rules, #12.) "Limit .45 auto dry firing, no matter WHO says it's okay."

I guess, as is so often the case in life, moderation is the key. :)

Tim