Dry-firing my Sig

[texastranger]

Is it OK for me to dry-fire my new Sig 220? The owner's manual doesn't discuss this. (By dry-firing, I mean without the use of snap caps.) Thanks.

[TMan]

The only gun I can think of where the manufacture actually stated that it was okay to dry-fire the gun was my Wilson CQB. Snap-caps are cheap, after spending all that money for the P220, I'm not sure why you would want to take the risk. If you just use the gun for target practice, it having a failure isn't too important, but if your life depends on it, why take a chance.

["DoubleAction"]

I agree with Tman; The use of Snap Caps is far less trouble than changing out a prematurly weaken firing pin spring on the 220, from over compressed use. The Steel Stamped 220 slides have a roll pin which should be replaced with a new one when removed.
The 1911s are designed to be detailed stripped, using simple objects for tools, the Sigs are not.
One way to tell if your firing pin spring has weakened will be a drag mark across the primer of the spent case. This is evidence that the firing pin is not retracting in time with the recoil of the slide and extraction of the case. This will cause the protruding pin to remain in contact with the case as it contacts the ejector, resulting in premature wear, and possible breakage, of the pin.
For the Sigs, if I want alot of dry fire at home, I shoot a few hundred lead wadcutter .177 pellets in my RWS Dynamite Noble C-225 pellet pistol. This pistol is modeled from the Sig Sauer P-225, manufactured in Germany, features all metal frame and slide, functional decocker, rifled barrel, DA/SA Trigger, 8 rd. rotary magazine, and dove tail sights.
These C-225 Pistols are also excellent back yard trainers for the Wife and children, and far less expensive than most other options, with the exception of the soft air replicas.

[texastranger]

Thanks for your advice,TMan and DoubleAction--I'll buy some snap caps.
Love the gun, by the way.

["DoubleAction"]

Thanks; I forgot to mention that the C-225 also fits perfect in the holsters made for the 220 and 226, which means that you can practice draw & shoot. I also use it to practice rapid fire, at 15 yd, distances on a 5" Shoot N See target.
My brother wonders how I can go in to the range cold and shoot like I've been there everyday. I bought him one for Christmas a few years ago, but he hasn't got the privacy fence that I have.The gun is heavier than the standard Sigs, as with the trigger, which makes for good practice.

[texastranger]

Thanks, DA. I want my three sons--ages 17, 15, and 11--to be as familiar with handguns as they are with their rifles and shotguns. The C-225 sounds like a good idea for all of us. My wife is tired of raids on her garden by the small furry creatures, so she may like the idea, too. (Although last week we had a black bear pay a visit. Probably need something bigger for him.)

[tptplayer]

Glock also specifically mentions that dry firing is OK.

[TMan]

Okay DA, now you got me interested in the C-225. Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck with Google trying to find one. Just about all the web sites I hit were in the U.K. AirgunExpress, who I normally by from doesn't list one either. Are they still in production and available somewhere in the U.S.? I currently shoot a Gammo PT-80, and it is okay, but after a few rounds I get sore trigger finger. I know, I know, I'm a wimp.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Do a search for "Ken Nolan, Inc", they distribute the C-225, RWS Guns, and many accessories. You can also look at "Cabela's", they often sell the C-225 for a few dollars less than Ken Nolan. I buy my extra rotary magazines and cleaning kit from Ken Nolan, and the pistols from Cabela's. I use the crossman wadcutter pellets because they feed alot better than those from RWS.

["DoubleAction"]

Tman; I went to Cabela's and found nothing on the C-225. I also went to Ken Nolan's site, did a search, and came up empty. I might have to look in one of my current Ken Nolan catalogs, or look up my contact number to RWS. I do hope they did not discontinue this pistol. In the meantime, here is the link to distributers for the Dynamit Nobel RWS airguns.
www.dnrws.com/retailers/index.html

[TMan]

DA, I guess you mean to try the local retailers. There are quite a few here in the DFW metroplex, so I'll put that on my list of things to do this week. In the meantime, if you find a source please let me know. Thanks - Tman.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Keep me updated on your progress in finding this pistol; A year ago there was plenty of these around. Like I said; I'll search through some of my catalogs and see what I can come up with also. If your do find one, inquire about a cleaning kit, with the CO2 rubber seal lubricant, and some extra rotary magazines.

[tbradford]

Tex,

One thing nobody mentioned yet, is that in lieu of dryfiring with a snap cap, a spent casing is better than an empty chamber.

["DoubleAction"]

TBradford; Welcome to the Forum. I've used empty cases with the primer cap removed, with permatex sealer to fill in the primer pocket, for an older Model P style single action revolver. Works great.