How many of you intentionally "dry fire" your rifles or DRs to unload the spring before putting them back into the safe or storage? I guess I typically do this as part of clearing the rifle but I cannot say that it has been intentionally done before placing them in the safe.

Yes, I do that with every gun.

mbogo

I don't dry fire them, but I don't leave them cocked either. I hold the trigger down on an open bolt while closing the bolt.

quote:

Originally posted by filmit:
I don't dry fire them, but I don't leave them cocked either. I hold the trigger down on an open bolt while closing the bolt.

All my bolt rifles are put away like this

What about your double rifles? Do you store them assembled and de-cocked or do you break them apart?

Eric

Assembled, de-cocked onto snap caps, into a Bore Stor, muzzles down in safe.

quote:

Originally posted by ELeeton:
What about your double rifles? Do you store them assembled and de-cocked or do you break them apart?

Eric

Assembled and decocked.

Never, I see no need as if a spring is properly made it should not lose its strength unless it is pushed beyond its elastic limit.

Sam

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
Assembled, de-cocked onto snap caps, into a Bore Stor, muzzles down in safe.

Good.

Doubles:
I de-cock them with snap caps.
Disassemble, remove the snap caps, apply a light coat of BreakFree CLP to the bores and chambers and wipe down the exterior surfaces with same.
Reassemble in de-cocked state.
Then store muzzles down with muzzles standing in a plastic cup on the floor of the gun safe.

Why bother them by storing them cocked? Let them relax.

Muzzles down is important, as any lubricants in the action will tend to gravity-migrate away from the buttstock and thus not tend to soften the wood.

If the double rifle or shotgun has been safe-queening for an extended vacation, that action/locks mechanism needs to be cleaned and re-lubed by a competent gunsmith.
Congealed grease or oil can lock up a firing pin in protruded position, and thus lock up the entire break-open action,
especially with cold temperatures.

Bolt actions: Much easier.
Dry fire or de-cock by turning bolt up and pressing trigger then turning bolt down.
Store muzzle up or muzzle down with either synthetic or glass-bedded walnut stocks.
Alternate up and down in the safe for easier clearance between them.
Muzzles also protected by a plastic cup, cap, or pill bottle of proper fit.
Much easier to clean and lubricate properly (easily field-strippable) than a double.
The bolt action safe queens are a lot more fun than the fussy doubles.
Stored lubed and de-cocked, just relaxing, but always ready for a good cocking, and sure fire.

Bolt rifles dry fired or trigger pulled while closing the bolt. Doubles dry fired with snap caps. All are stored barrels wet muzzle down in chair cups.

Dave

What nopride2 said. +1

quote:

Originally posted by Don55:
What nopride2 said. +1

Yup

I only have bolt actions to worry about. Dry fired, muzzles up.

I use 3 in one dry professional silicon spray on every rifle inside out. Inside the bolt, trigger, bore, screws and on the all metal outside.

It dries out completly in 1 hour or less, it repels water for years, it doesn't accumulate dust and the rifle can be fired without even cleaning the bore. (just in case you need to fire a shot in an emergency)

I always only clean the chamber with a tissue paper wrapped around a cleaning rod attachment before I shoot it.

It is an invisible dry coatting that gives all my guns the best protection they need.

Pyzda

Gents:
Here in Alaska I put my rifles away for 6+ months and don't shoot them (but do fondle them every once in a while). I clean and oil as best as I can, oil the snap caps' exterior, an dry fire them to release the tension. They are ready to go in April.
Cheers,
Cal

How does storing a double with firing pins released effect the springs for the ejectors? Always was under the impression the ejector springs engaged when the firing pins released.

Anybody suggest a place where I can purchase snap-caps for the 450NE 3 1/4"? Azoom does not make them.

Home made snap cap. Use a dummy primer of hard nylon.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:
Anybody suggest a place where I can purchase snap-caps for the 450NE 3 1/4"? Azoom does not make them.

Ain't cheap but nicely made.

http://www.csmcspecials.com/product_p/riflesnap.htm

Jorge,
Trader Keith's lists snap caps for 375 and then for "heavy calibers" at $70. per pair
1-800-338-3146

Yikes. Thanks gents.

Jorge I have a pair of A-Zoom snap caps for my 450 If you cannot find them NEGC http://www.newenglandcustomgun....x=0&imageField2.y=0
has them for for $12 per

jorge: As stated, check with Bill Keith at Trader Keith's. Yes,they're not cheap but they are very well made, and worth the money in my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
Jorge I have a pair of A-Zoom snap caps for my 450 If you cannot find them NEGC http://www.newenglandcustomgun....x=0&imageField2.y=0
has them for for $12 per

Thanks!

Generally, double rifles/shotguns should not be in the fired position and then disassembled. When you try and reassemble you run the risk of bending the cocking rods and/or messing up the timing of the ejectors when the forearm is snapped in place.
With modern guns using coil springs you will not have the problems associated with leaf springs. I leave my doubles cocked and stored muzzle down.
Note on A-ZOOM snap caps, I have used them myself but be careful, the gun should close normally, if it is tight the rims might have a burr. be bent, or oversized....do not force them.
The material is somewhat soft and I have seen them bend the rim when they eject on to a hard surface

I concur with Ken on the quality of the A-Zoom snap caps