If you’ve ever hesitated to train at home because you’re worried about damaging your firearm, you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions we get is:
“Is it safe to dry-fire my gun?”
Short answer: For most modern firearms — yes, it’s perfectly safe.
But let’s break it down in detail so you can dry-fire with confidence.
What Is Dry-Fire, Exactly?
Dry-fire means practicing trigger pulls and sight alignment without using live ammunition.
No bang. No recoil. No projectile. Just you, your firearm, and your training focus.
It’s one of the most effective ways to build better fundamentals — and when done correctly, it’s totally safe for your gun.
Centerfire Pistols: Safe to Dry-Fire
If you’re using a modern centerfire pistol (like a 9mm, .40, .45, etc.), you’re good to go.
Dry-firing won’t harm your firing pin, striker, or internal components. Manufacturers like Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, and others have confirmed this for years.
Strikeman is designed specifically for these platforms.
Our laser cartridges have a soft rubber pad on the back to absorb the impact of the firing pin.
Rimfire Firearms: Caution Required
Rimfire firearms (like .22 LR pistols or rifles) are a different story.
- On rimfire guns, the firing pin strikes the edge of the cartridge — not the center.
- Without a cartridge in place, the firing pin can hit the chamber edge and cause wear or damage.
There is not currently a laser cartridge on the market for .22 LR firearms due to the size constraints. Batteries are not available small enough to power a .22 laser cartridge. Therefore, if you want to practice dry-fire with your .22 LR you will be limited to traditional snap caps, or an option with a clunky external battery. Our engineers are always looking for a solution to this issue, as .22 is one of our highest requests.
What About Wear and Tear?
This is another common concern — will dry-firing wear out your trigger or internals?
Not significantly.
In fact, regular dry-fire smooths out your trigger pull over time. As long as you’re following safety protocols and maintaining your firearm properly, dry-fire won’t reduce its lifespan.
Key Safety Tips for Dry-Fire
Dry-fire, like all types of firearms training, is only safe when done responsibly. Follow these golden rules:
- Always triple-check that your firearm is unloaded
- Remove all live ammunition from the room before training to eliminate any chance of a mix-up
- Use a safe backdrop (like a wall, not a window)
- Avoid distractions — stay focused
- Use a laser cartridge (like Strikeman) for feedback and added peace of mind
Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Safe — And Smart
Dry-fire is one of the most time-efficient, cost-effective ways to improve your shooting.
If you’re using a modern centerfire firearm and following basic safety protocols, dry-fire is absolutely safe.
Want to train with confidence?
Check out our laser cartridges and dry-fire training kits — designed to protect your firearm while helping you shoot better, faster.