Why You Need To Dry-Fire Practice

by
posted on December 5, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dryfire3.jpg
If you had 10 pro shooters in a room, and asked each of them what the number one tip is to improve shooting skills, we bet at least nine of them will reply "dry-fire practice." And with good reasonmost really great, championship-caliber shooters dry-fire a lot.

SIRT training pistol
The SIRT training pistol was specifically designed for dry-fire practice.

We often receive questions from readers about dry-firing with a firearm. Check out the query below, along with our explanation on why dry-fire-practice is extremely important.

Q. What is dry-firing and how do I do this with my firearm?

A. Many competitive shooters use dry-firing as a training tool both at the range and at home. During some competitions, such as international pistol, competitors dry-fire between live rounds to review the fundamentals. Many competitors even go through a dry-fire routine at competitions prior to stepping to the firing line.

According to the NRA Firearms Sourcebook, dry-firing is the releasing of the firing pin on an unloaded chamber of a firearm. It is an inexpensive, safe and time-efficient way to enhance shooting skills. This is an excellent way to train for both beginners and advanced shooters alike. Fundamentals can be drilled without the interruption of recoil while improving coordination, draw speed from a holster and getting into and out of various shooting positions safely. Remember to always use a snap-cap or dummy cartridge when dry-firing a rimfire to relieve wear caused by the firing pin.

Dummy rounds for dry-fire practice
Dry-firing allows you to save on ammo and practice important skills in the comfort of your home. Using dummy rounds or snap caps such as the ones pictured here will add an extra layer of protection for your gun during dry-fire practice.

Despite the fact that dry-firing does not require live ammunition, it is important to follow these safety rules:

  • The firearm must be unloaded.
  • All dry-firing must be done in a dedicated dry-fire area with a safe backstop in the direction the gun is pointed.
  • No live ammunition is permitted in the designated dry-firing area.
  • Only dummy ammunition is allowed to be used for reloading drills.
  • Always wear eye protection. 


And remember, even though the gun is unloaded, it is always important to practice safe firearm handling in keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction.

If you are interested in adding dry-firing to your pre-competition warm-up, ask a range official where the designated dry-fire area is prior to beginning your warm-up. This is important for the safety of all competitors and match officials.


Have a question? Email us at [email protected]

Latest

Rem Wethepeople America250 Jun2026 1
Rem Wethepeople America250 Jun2026 1

Remington We the People 250th Anniversary Ammo Ships to Retailers

Remington’s We the People 250th Anniversary ammunition is now shipping nationwide, a 2026-only commemorative run across rifle, handgun, rimfire and shotshell loads.

Kansas and Texas Headline Team Titles at 2026 4-H Shooting Sports Nationals

Kansas and Texas each claimed two team titles at the 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, which drew nearly 700 competitors to Nebraska.

XS Sights Adds Pre-Drilled Fiber Optic Sights for Smith & Wesson Revolvers

XS Sights now offers pre-drilled fiber optic sights for Smith & Wesson J-, K- and L-frame revolvers, installable without custom gunsmithing.

NRA Youth Ambassador Jackson Schmidt’s Bianchi Cup Experience

NRA Youth Ambassador Jackson Schmidt shares his first Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament, where he won Junior Rimfire division and placed third in Junior Centerfire.

Review: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP

A review of the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm optic, a first focal plane LPVO built for multigun and IPSC Rifle competition.

Remington Performance Wheelgun 22 Rimfire Built for Classic Revolvers

Remington’s Performance Wheelgun 22 rimfire load is shipping nationwide, a 39-grain subsonic .22 LR cartridge built for classic revolvers and plinking.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.