Does any recommend using Snap Caps for Dry Fire Practices?
Here is the definitive answer about snap caps in the XD line (copied from one of my earlier posts).
All of us who have read the respective manuals of arms know that the manuals for the XD/XD Mod2, the XD(M), and the XDs all include the following statement,
"NOTE: Extensively dry firing can accelerate component wear/stress. Use snap caps if dry firing on a regular basis."
Most of us probably also know that dry-fire practice can be an extremely helpful part of our firearm training.
I have heard different opinions about what constitutes "excessively" and "regular basis." Consequently, I decided to ask Springfield directly.
I just spoke with a rep. at Springfield Customer Service (800-680-6866). She said, "It is completely safe to do the dry-fire that is necessary for field stripping; a little dry-fire is not going to hurt it, but guns in the XD line should not be dry-fired excessively because damage to the striker assembly can result."
There was that word again, "excessive."
In an effort to pin down the meaning of "excessive," I said, "So, if I am going to do a few hundred dry-fires with my XDs or Mod 2, then I should use snap caps?"
She said, "Yes."
I hope this is helpful information.