S&W K22 - OK to dryfire?

[garandsrus]

Hi,

I recently picked up a K22 that was made/shipped in 1951. Excellent condition. Is it OK to dryfire this pistol? Some .22's can be dry fired, some shouldn't be, so I figured I would ask. Since it is a target pistol, and dry firing is common with target guns, I figured there may be a firing pin "stop" that prevents the pin from contacting the cylinder when there is no cartridge.

Thanks!

[timtheartist]

I am a bit curious as well. I have been practicing fast draw with my Ruger Vaquero using spring loaded snap caps so that's a lot of dry firing, sort of. What I don't know is what is likely to wear or fatigue on modern guns when dry fired.

[Jeff Michel]

The rule of thumb I've alway heard and after repairing MANY .22 chambers, I would invest in some snap caps. Other opinions may differ

[725]

I don't like to dry fire any of them, however, the rule of thumb is if it's a floating firing pin (pivots on the hammer) it's OK to dry fire. If it's a firing pin set in the frame (fixed firing pin) it's not OK. This all goes out the window when you are concerned with .22's. Damage to both the pin and the cylinder wall is the reason. Center fire aren't affected.

[M-Tecs]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757815_-1_757814_757812_image#2



Can I dry fire my S&W handgun?


Q: Can I dry fire my Smith & Wesson?

A: Yes, except for the .22 caliber pistols which includes models 22A, 22S, 422, 2206, 2214, 2213 and 41.

.22 caliber revolvers such as models 17, 43, 63, 317 and 617 also should not be dry fired.

Q: Why can't I dry fire my .22 pistol or revolver?

A: Dry firing a S&W .22 pistol or revolver will cause damage to the firing pin.

[garandsrus]

Thanks, that's what I figured but wanted to confirm.

[M-Tecs]

Model 41's, Rugers and High Standards Semi-auto's all have firing pin stops. If the firing pins are fitted correctly you can dry fire without harming the gun. Properly fitted the firing pin should be about .010" below the breech face when fully forward.

My K22 has a recessed cylinder and the firing pin does not contact the cylinder when dry fired. I dry fire my auto's a lot but much less so with my K22's unless I am using snap caps/ fired brass.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/216339-22lr-snap-caps-something-review-updated.html

S&W has changed its position dry firing the 41's over the years. I don't ever remember them stating it was OK with the K22's.

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-565738.html

[bubba.50]

for cheap snap-caps for .22's fill the cylinder with fired cases.

[lefty o]

its not about fixed or floating, with rimfires its about whether the firing pin can hit the back of the barrel or not!

[newrib]

In 2011 as a part of my rehab after a stroke I dry fired my S&W 617 about 10000 times, no damage to any part of the gun. ( I actualy was having the stroke while filling out the 4473 for the 617 at the LGS ). Many years before that happened I borrowed a old K22 from a friend for some Bullseye shooting and I dry fired it to no ill effects. I had a S&W M41 after that I dry fired that gun many times with no problems. I think these guns are built to shoot and the good folks at S&W know they will be dry fired when they build em and then build them accordingly. Happy Days. Every Day a Holiday. TM

[enfield]

Why dry fire them when there is so much cheap 22 ammo around ?

[John Allen]

for cheap snap-caps for .22's fill the cylinder with fired cases.

bubba, I have been doing the same thing for years.

[garandsrus]

My K22 has a recessed cylinder and the firing pin does not contact the cylinder when dry fired. I dry fire my auto's a lot but much less so with my K22's unless I am using snap caps/ fired brass.


From the reading I have done, I am pretty sure all the K22's had recessed cylinders. I haven't measured how far the firing pin protrudes so don't know if it would hit the cylinder. I shot some rounds today and the firing pin strike is different than what I have seen before. It is rectangular and wider than I have seen. Probably to help with reliable ignition.

I like the idea of using plastic wall anchors! I will give that a try.

Another question - If I ever carry this loaded, is it safe to have six shells in the cylinder?

[garandsrus]

.... I borrowed a old K22 from a friend for some Bullseye shooting and I dry fired it to no ill effects. .... I think these guns are built to shoot and the good folks at S&W know they will be dry fired when they build em and then build them accordingly. Happy Days. Every Day a Holiday. TM

Thats why I originally asked, dry firing is very common with target shooters. S&W says not to do it, but other folks said that it didn't do damage. I still like the hollow wall anchor idea. Especially easy to do with a revolver since there is no ejection or hammer reset.