What Happens When You Shoot an Empty Glock?

Glock handguns are used by many police officers, security services and the military. Many gun enthusiasts insist that firing an empty Glock will not damage the gun. However, fake bullets may be used to relieve any tension on the firing pin if the owner has any reservations about firing the empty gun many times.

  1. Features

    • The Glock is a popular handgun used by both professionals and amateurs for a variety of reasons. The trigger is the only operating element. All three pistol safeties are released when the trigger is pulled. A magazine holds the bullets that are fed into the gun's chamber. After the last bullet has been fired, the slide that holds the barrel will be held in the open position by a lever to show that the bullet chamber is empty.

    Considerations

    • The only way to get better at shooting is to practice. You can use live ammunition at a firing range, which can become expensive, or you can "dry fire" the pistol at a target without any ammunition. You'll become familiar with the gun, and learn how to aim it and pull the trigger without the expense of firing off ammunition.

    Effects

    • Many gun enthusiasts in chat rooms debate whether extensive dry firing sessions will damage the Glock. Damage can include the breechface, which is struck by the unimpeded firing pin, or the slide area in the chamber where a cartridge would normally sit. Other owners insist they have had hundreds of dry fire sessions with no damage. There is nothing in the Glock manual on the subject.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you're concerned about possible damage to your weapon, you can use a snap cap instead of live ammunition when practicing. Snap caps are fake bullets with a spring inside that offer an effective way to relieve tension on the gun's firing pin. They come in various sizes, including one that will work in the Glock pistol. They allow you to practice trigger pulls safely with a full chamber.

    Benefits

    • Practicing pulling the trigger with the Glock is important. According to the Glock website, the gun's "Safe Action" system is contrary to conventional pistols so it could take some getting used to. The partly tensioned firing pin lock is moved back by the trigger bar when the trigger is pulled. The trigger bar is deflected downward by the connector and the firing pin is released under full load. When the trigger is released, all three safeties re-engage.