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Can you dry-fire a semi auto with an empty magazine in place, or will the slide
stay open when you rack it?

Depends on the gun. On my glocks I just pull the slide back far enough to reset the trigger which is before it reaches the slide lock.

I just always do dry fire with no mag in gun. Problem solved.

What jmra said. Just pull the slide back far enough to reset the trigger between dry shots. If your particular gun can't reset the trigger without a full slide cycle, or for some other reason doesn't work for you, then I would suggest using snapcaps so the slide doesn't lock back, or just dump the mag all together.

jmra wrote:Depends on the gun. On my glocks I just pull the slide back far enough to reset the trigger which is before it reaches the slide lock.

S&W M%P Shield

gmfitter wrote:

jmra wrote:Depends on the gun. On my glocks I just pull the slide back far enough to reset the trigger which is before it reaches the slide lock.

S&W M%P Shield

On the M&P, you only have to move the slide back a fraction of an inch to reset the sear/trigger/ etc. No need to pull it back far enough to lock back.

for safe dry-firing, you might consider a 'blue' magazine in place of a real one:

http://www.alternateforce.net/ber92fmag.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

they simulate the weight of a fully loaded magazine without the ability to hold any ammo.

Another option is getting 10 or so inert rounds/snap caps (with actual bullets on the rounds, but filled with silicone or some other substance that is visible where the primer would normally be). Not only does this allow you to simulate the actual weight, but when it comes time for range time, these inert rounds can be randomly inserted into your magazine to simulate a misfire that you have to clear. Mine has a red silicone visible where the primer would be, some people use erasers where the primer would be. You obviously must take care not to confuse these with actual live rounds for dry fire or carry purpose.

Thanks to all!

Why do you feel you need to dry fire with a magazine inserted? Would it not be better to leave the mag out and double check the chamber so you don't get used to just pulling the trigger with a mag inserted?

Kind of brings up the whole accidental discharge vs. negligent discharge conversation.

F350-6 wrote:Why do you feel you need to dry fire with a magazine inserted? Would it not be better to leave the mag out and double check the chamber so you don't get used to just pulling the trigger with a mag inserted?

Kind of brings up the whole accidental discharge vs. negligent discharge conversation.

Some M&PS have the magazine/trigger interlock (I decline to call this a "safety") making it impossible to dry fire without a magazine inserted.

In all cases, safe dry fire requires strict discipline.

I personally like the blue magazines or dummy rounds for weight.

loktite wrote:Another option is getting 10 or so inert rounds/snap caps (with actual bullets on the rounds, but filled with silicone or some other substance that is visible where the primer would normally be). Not only does this allow you to simulate the actual weight, but when it comes time for range time, these inert rounds can be randomly inserted into your magazine to simulate a misfire that you have to clear. Mine has a red silicone visible where the primer would be, some people use erasers where the primer would be. You obviously must take care not to confuse these with actual live rounds for dry fire or carry purpose.

I've made them in the past using hot glue in the primer pocket. I've considered ways to color the hot glue, but haven't put that much mental effort into doing so yet. Drilling holes through the case is an accepted method to identify such "dummy" rounds.

Most reloaders would gladly help you get a set of dummies together.

A set of inert rounds can present a whole day of fun with a friend at the range doing tap-rack-ready drills.