Thread: Keeping semi autos cocked

Is this a bad idea and does it damage anything if it is left cocked for a period of time? I'm talking about if you cock it during cleaning, disassembly or inspecting the chamber yada yada yada

I just don't like to dry fire, Especially rimfires

I dry fire mine to release the firing pin while it is being stored as much as I do not like doing this I also do not like the idea of having the firing pin spring compressed either unsure if you can get snap caps for rimfires so you can dry fire prior to going in the gun cupboard without damaging the firing pin.

It's a good question. I always fire on an empty .22 case if the rifle is not going to be used for more than a couple of days.

Originally Posted by Scottishkiwi

Is this a bad idea and does it damage anything if it is left cocked for a period of time? I'm talking about if you cock it during cleaning, disassembly or inspecting the chamber yada yada yada

I just don't like to dry fire, Especially rimfires

No firearm should be left cocked, nor should magazines be left loaded, as this can cause the springs to take set and lose strength. With semi autos, particlularly rim fires, the cocking handle should be held back about 5 - 6 mm while you press the trigger. This will eliminate the chance of any chamber damage.

Originally Posted by gundoc

No firearm should be left cocked, nor should magazines be left loaded, as this can cause the springs to take set and lose strength. With semi autos, particlularly rim fires, the cocking handle should be held back about 5 - 6 mm while you press the trigger. This will eliminate the chance of any chamber damage.

Very helpful, thanks a lot

this is crap springs wear out because of use not compression the metal only has so many times that it contracts and expands before it wears out leaving your magazine full doesnt harm it loading it and unloading does if the springs failed because of being compressed then all your cars would be sitting on their axles after a couple of years think vintage cars tappet springs etc

Its not crap, springs will see elastic fartigue when compressed for a long time.
This fatigue life is different for all springs, depending upon their material, duty, and type of cycling.

Originally Posted by carlhurley

this is crap springs wear out because of use not compression the metal only has so many times that it contracts and expands before it wears out leaving your magazine full doesnt harm it loading it and unloading does if the springs failed because of being compressed then all your cars would be sitting on their axles after a couple of years think vintage cars tappet springs etc

So you've done a bit of metallurgy and know that steel under a certain stress level does not fatigue but does above that level? Motor vehicle springs that are loaded don't sag over time? I'm with mikee, just check it is empty and close the bolt while holding the trigger to take the load off a couple of springs.

Originally Posted by carlhurley

this is crap springs wear out because of use not compression the metal only has so many times that it contracts and expands before it wears out leaving your magazine full doesnt harm it loading it and unloading does if the springs failed because of being compressed then all your cars would be sitting on their axles after a couple of years think vintage cars tappet springs etc

I've heard the same from a person who knew a lot about metallurgy.

IMHO leaving them cocked does no damage, the training rifles at work are always cocked so the safety can be on, they function well. I know magazines that are always left full, for months/years on end and they still function well.

Originally Posted by gundoc

No firearm should be left cocked, nor should magazines be left loaded, as this can cause the springs to take set and lose strength. With semi autos, particlularly rim fires, the cocking handle should be held back about 5 - 6 mm while you press the trigger. This will eliminate the chance of any chamber damage.

Sounds like a good idea, however some semi auto's such as my Brno 581 can't be left with the action open or can't be fired by pulling the trigger 5 - 6 mm from closing.

As carlhurler said it doesnt make any difference. Store your rifles safely which for semis is with the action open.

Originally Posted by MassiveAttack

As carlhurler said it doesnt make any difference. Store your rifles safely which for semis is with the action open.

So, what makes a semi more safe, stored with action open as opposed to stored with action closed?

Bolt closed, hammer down is what I use on my semis, Bolt closed and un-cocked for bolt actions and un-cocked with snap caps for my shotties.

You don't generally remove the bolt from your semi for storage so why not close it and put the hammer down, wont hurt anything

Always dry fire with a snap cap after cleaning, then storage.

Magazine springs only get loose from use, store compressed or uncompressed = no difference. Science, she be a harsh mistress !

Hahaha, so this is going to be one of those : your view is crap, no YOUR view is crap kind of threads