Trent Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 (edited) In the manual for my Hatsan it suggests dry firing the gun after use to drop the hammer back (presumably so the spring doesn't lose it's strength) but a friend tells me dry firing can be bad for some guns, I suppose because the hammer would be designed to be stopped by the resistance of hitting the primer, but in dry firing it might over shoot, what with their being nothing to stop it. I also know that for these reasons some people use snap caps, and I was thinking of buying some, although not sure whether brass or the plastic+spring type was better, but I also am soon to buy one of those orange flags to put in the breach (not sure of the correct name for those yet) so that people can see the gun is unloaded/safe, and someone at the range suggested I wouldn't need a snap cap if I had this, as I could just fire the firing pin against the plastic of the flag, but I wouldn't want little bits of plastic getting into any of the workings... So, am I ok to use the plastic backing of a safety flag as a subsitute for a snap cap, or do I not even need to worry about it with this particular model of shotgun? Many Thanks Edited July 24, 2009 by Trent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J@mes Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 dont bother with snap caps or dry firing, just dont dry fire. as for flags - yes it can be a good idea. you can either buy one or just tie a piece of ribbon around a spent cartridge and use that instead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 snap caps has been on here befor, dont waist your money no need for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_R Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Whilst I have no knowledge of the Hatsan, I was told with my Benelli M2 if I wanted to dry fire with it empty it would be fine. Perhaps some semis are like that and others not. I made my own flag by drilling a hole near the back of a spent shell and threading flou orange fabric through and knotting one end. Pull the knot back inside the shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Whatever you do don't use plastic snap caps coz they will do exactly what their name implies.....SNAP ...into loads of bits which could get into the moving parts. I got a tough plastic safety device from a firm in the States, might have been Cabeleas(spelling) It is called a SAFT PLUG. I have had loads of comments about it. People say what a good idea it is. Cost about £6. GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincinnatikid Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Hi Trent To release the hammer on your semi-auto draw the bolt back to about half way you should feel some resistance at this point. Pull and hold the triger then ease the bolt forward this should leave the gun in an uncocked position. Hope this helps. Regards Rik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Snap caps = trouble. Just the process of loading something into a shotgun without the intention of actually wanting something to come out the barrel is stupid. There are quite a few people in this country with holes in their ceilings from the mistakes that snap caps can cause. You'll sit there and say I'm talking bull, but trust me, it happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nel Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Yes, but these people are idiots & deserve to have "holes in their ceilings" & have their guns taken away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Snap caps = trouble. Just the process of loading something into a shotgun without the intention of actually wanting something to come out the barrel is stupid. There are quite a few people in this country with holes in their ceilings from the mistakes that snap caps can cause. You'll sit there and say I'm talking bull, but trust me, it happens. Yes, but these people are idiots & deserve to have "holes in their ceilings" & have their guns taken away! I had a hole in the floor so at least I'm not an idiot And if I am I'm a safe one GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trent Posted July 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Hi TrentTo release the hammer on your semi-auto draw the bolt back to about half way you should feel some resistance at this point. Pull and hold the triger then ease the bolt forward this should leave the gun in an uncocked position. Hope this helps. Regards Rik That works perfectly, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen72 Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 keep it open, won't hurt it any!! have fun Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuck. Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 (edited) I wouldn't bother with a flag either unless they insist on them where you go. Every range I've been to people have just told me to put it back in the bag, it's a lot of unnecessary fumbling around for the autosafe when people are waiting to shoot or move on. As long as you carry your semi with the empty chamber in view there won't be a problem. Oh and if you do get a flag I'd advise you NOT to let the firing pin hit the back of it as the ones I've dealt with have warnings about using them as snap caps! Edited July 27, 2009 by Shuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Yes, but these people are idiots & deserve to have "holes in their ceilings" & have their guns taken away! No, someone who loads a gun indoors is an idiot. Regardless if it's a shotgun cartridge or a snap cap. Every person should get out of the habit of 'loading' snap caps indoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil smith Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 The problem with most chamber flags as previously mentioned is they can be fiddly to get into the gun because most of them on the market are almost the same size as standard shotgun shell only with a flag attached. The simple answer is to use the one mostly found around the practical circuit which is far faster to fit into the gun & is probably one of the cheapest around, I have tried all types & find these thin flags the easiest to use. here's the flag im talking about... £2.65 http://www.midwayuk.com/apps/eproductpage....leItemID=535054 N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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