old brass as a snap cap

R

revolverrandy

New member
is it possible in some way to use a used brass as a snap cap?
I have a hi power 9mm semi auto and want to become more familiar with the trigger pull but wondering if there is a less expensive way to safely do it without soending the money for a snap cap?
 
Snap Caps

Hello, revolverrandy. Sure..but that old primer won't take the beating. What I use for my .22 Hornet & .222 Rem. which are single-shots & cant be un-cocked without snapping firing pin, is remove primer or use new brass, using a piece of nylon rod turned to a press fit in pocket & faced off flush with case head.
 
I'm wondering if you could cram a rubber eraser in there, or fill it with silicone caulk. I don't have a nylon rod turning device.

Regards,
Tom
 
Snap Caps

Hello, tmlynch, I have been trying to think of alternative...don't think rubber eraser would offer enough cushion. How are you set for drills & taps? I was thinking of those nylon screws that better hardware stores carry. Might not even need tap or drill for that matter..a large rifle or pistol pocket is .210"- perhaps you could force a 1/4 screw in & cut off. For small pocket-.175 I believe a 10-32 screw..nom. dia. of .190 should work ok.
 
Ideal Tool: Thanks for the thoughts. If I try some alternatives, I'll share the outcome.

revolverrandy: good luck! Let us know what works for you.

Regards,
Tom
 
Hot melt glue

I've "heard" that you can use hot melt glue in the primer pocket after you drill out the primer. I have't tried it but you may want to.
 
Is a snap cap even necessary?
Click to expand...
It depends on the gun, but they're not necessary in most modern centerfire firearms. Many owner's manuals say so.

Rimfires are another story; many rimfire guns don't have a mechanism to prevent the firing pin from whacking the edge of the chamber if you dry-fire, but OTOH all you need to use as a "snap cap" in most rimfires is an empty case indexed so a non-crushed portion of the rim is under the firing pin.

Some older guns have notoriously flinty firing pins; CZ-52s, Nambus, and S&W concealed-hammer top-break "lemon squeezer" revolvers spring to mind, but few folks use these collectible guns seriously enough to justify extensive dry-fire practice.
 
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=612279 You know, the real things aren't really all that expensive. And surely somebody put a little thought, research, and engineering into these things. $9.00 shouldn't break the bank too badly I hope.

I guess nearly everybody slips from time to time (I certainly do), but I really do see a certain advantage to using the right tool for the job.
 
Sometimes a more expensive or laborious homemade solution is just more satisfying than store-bought.

Heck, I can get a barbecue sandwich for less than $5, but I'd rather stay up all night tending the fire to smoke my own brisket.

Regards,
Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top