myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 I was doing a bit of browsing through a few websites and I came across an article which said: Store your gun in the downwards position (barrels facing down) and in the fired position with snap caps in place. Apparently this prevents your springs from wearing out, is this true or a waste of time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webber Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 This subject has been discussed at length several times. You should find your answer if you do a PW search webber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Ok, so the general consensus is not to use snap caps. Another question is storing the shotgun upside down, but that then contradicts leaving the chokes loose as that will but pressure on the threads, wouldn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEFTY478 Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Ok, so the general consensus is not to use snap caps.Another question is storing the shotgun upside down, but that then contradicts leaving the chokes loose as that will but pressure on the threads, wouldn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong! I believe this is to allow excess oil in the barrels, to drain safely away from the stock, so as not to damage the wood (which mineral oil will do). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Ok, so the general consensus is not to use snap caps.Another question is storing the shotgun upside down, but that then contradicts leaving the chokes loose as that will but pressure on the threads, wouldn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong! I believe this is to allow excess oil in the barrels, to drain safely away from the stock, so as not to damage the wood (which mineral oil will do). But wouldn't that damage the barrels instead, corrosion etc. Think I would rather have a slightly different colour stock than a new set of barrels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 this is one of those what if statements, its a crock of basicaly, of cource if you fill a gun full of oil it needs to drain out, then dont fill it, most of my guns are broken down and stored cocked, have been for years never done any different, the only thing wearing out,or getting damaged is me :blink:. store as you normaly would. take a look at gun racks in stores, arent they full of oil/lubes from the manu's Martin p.s. as to the snap caps, i once read a book called 100 things to do with a dead cat, i'm currently updaitng it to "100 things to do with a dead cat with snap caps" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 IIRC this is one of Oly's favourite topics, he will along soon to comment :blink: Don't forget paper weights Martin. Only 99 to go . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Why do so many people have a problem with snap caps? In my franchi manual it says: CAUTION: It is important not to decock the hammers on an unloaded gun without the use of snap caps to avoid damage to the firing pins. So if the manufacturer says use them, use them! If I fired into an empty chamber and the firing pins were damaged the manufacturer would not carry out the repair under warranty, as I have not followed the correct procedure. If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance, so I'm now a snap cap user :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance Says who? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance Says who? Says me :blink: If it happened, I followed the manufacturers recommendations, the firing pins failed so it would be classed as mechanical failure which is covered under warranty (3 years). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadeye ive Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Concerning snap caps and a modern ejector OU ............If you use them then the gun is stored with tension off the firing pins but being left on the ejectors :blink: . My advice is don't bother ...........With an older non ejecting SBS it'd be different then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Concerning snap caps and a modern ejector OU ............If you use them then the gun is stored with tension off the firing pins but being left on the ejectors :blink: . My advice is don't bother ...........With an older non ejecting SBS it'd be different then I dont use them for that, I use them for the accidental trigger happy finger while in storage etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance Says who? Says me :blink: If it happened, I followed the manufacturers recommendations, the firing pins failed so it would be classed as mechanical failure which is covered under warranty (3 years). So how would they know you fired it against snap caps, would you take it along to them with them still in the chambers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Concerning snap caps and a modern ejector OU ............If you use them then the gun is stored with tension off the firing pins but being left on the ejectors :blink: . My advice is don't bother ...........With an older non ejecting SBS it'd be different then I dont use them for that, I use them for the accidental trigger happy finger while in storage etc So someone accidently opens your cabinet, and then accidently fires you shotgun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 So someone accidently opens your cabinet, and then accidently fires you shotgun? No, I will rephrase that, its when I'm cleaning etc. And no its not loaded at the time, I always have snap caps it place :blink: So how would they know you fired it against snap caps, would you take it along to them with them still in the chambers? Show them the snap caps and preferably take a photo, they cant really argue. You could really say that about everything under warranty, my microwave packed up the other day, they replaced it no questions asked. For all they know I could have been abusing it and not following the manufacturers instructions, buts thats customer service for you. They would rather replace/repair than quibble and gain a bad reputation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Oh dear Oh dear the blissful ignorance of youth :blink: If you can manage to clean a gun with snap caps in place then well done you are a hero. I have seen the rims broken off the plastic caps and they then drop down in the chamber, Stick a cartridge in behind that and you will more than your 3 year warranty. If you want to use snap caps then use them, just don't have a go at the people that don't. You asked a question to get peoples opinions and then get stroppy because they don't agree with you. I think you don't understand how these forums work Of course the manufacturers won't think for a minute that you have just taken a photo with snap caps in place for their benefit. A reputable gun dealer won't quibble anyway but you will probably find that broken firing pins come under normal wear and tear and therefore probably excluded from your warranty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 You asked a question to get peoples opinions and then get stroppy because they don't agree with you Sorry if I've come across that way, I was only telling you what my experience has been with warranties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 to end the row, ask all the shooters you know how many use them, i'm betting the majority dont, there a pain in the ***, i use them as paperweights projectiles to muppet workers who require a wake up, stress releaving tools(squeeze them not her neck) and a multitude of other useless ideas soon to follow. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Why do so many people have a problem with snap caps?In my franchi manual it says: CAUTION: It is important not to decock the hammers on an unloaded gun without the use of snap caps to avoid damage to the firing pins. So if the manufacturer says use them, use them! If I fired into an empty chamber and the firing pins were damaged the manufacturer would not carry out the repair under warranty, as I have not followed the correct procedure. If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance, so I'm now a snap cap user I get the impression they are on about dry firing the gun if you wish to. Not that the gun has to be de-cocked before putting it away. FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 I go shooting with 7 guys, 5 I know use snap caps, one of whom has been shooting for over 12 years. I can see both sides views, I suppose it depends on your experiences with and without snap caps and advice given. Anyway thanks for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustyfox Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 I dont know anything about this but looked up this page for youhttp://www.scottcountry.co.uk/products_det...p?productID=340 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 Why do so many people have a problem with snap caps?In my franchi manual it says: CAUTION: It is important not to decock the hammers on an unloaded gun without the use of snap caps to avoid damage to the firing pins. So if the manufacturer says use them, use them! If I fired into an empty chamber and the firing pins were damaged the manufacturer would not carry out the repair under warranty, as I have not followed the correct procedure. If I fired into snap caps and they damaged the firing pins, at least I have a chance, so I'm now a snap cap user I get the impression they are on about dry firing the gun if you wish to. Not that the gun has to be de-cocked before putting it away. FM The above is under "Decocking The Hammers" although it doesn't say you have to do it. Under that it says "Decock the hammers using the procedure described below when the gun is unloaded to allow the springs to remain in an uncompressed state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myuserid Posted November 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 I think there needs to be some large scale testing to clear this one up once and for all, especially with ejector shotguns. Its confusing receiving advice from the manufacture telling you to do one thing, then the end user telling you to do the opposite. As I said previously they are useful for the accidental trigger pull, if its dropped or for testing ejectors etc etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadeye ive Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 to end the row, ask all the shooters you know how many use them, i'm betting the majority dont, there a pain in the ***, i use them as paperweights projectiles to muppet workers who require a wake up, stress releaving tools(squeeze them not her neck) and a multitude of other useless ideas soon to follow.Martin How about a BUTT PLUG!!!! Back to topic ..............Snap caps for cleaning ...................Trigger happy etc!!.........I know a built in addition that 'll will save you having to use Snap Caps ......It's called the SAFETY CATCH ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 PM the address deadeye, i have a nice line in titanium butt plugs for you a pair "his and hers" can be anodized in colours of your choice, i will add to the growing use's book. should put this on e/bay snap caps for cleaning safety catch another can of worms i fear to rear its head Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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