Snap-caps - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

rickett · 06-07-2008, 09:46 PM

I'm wondering if anyone can provide any insight into some snap cap brands. I'm looking at Pachmayr, Tipton, and A-Zoom. Differences, preferences, reviews, do's don'ts?

D-FENS · 06-07-2008, 10:24 PM

I use snap caps in my 357's during dry fire practise. A-zoom and tkm have held up well.

Broadside · 06-07-2008, 10:26 PM

I've got A-Zooms just because it was the only brand the gun store had or ones I saw at the gun show. I've got them in all the calibers I own.

whit · 06-07-2008, 11:05 PM

I use the .40 azoom and have only had one problem. I had one failure to feed when I was shooting a mix of snapcaps and range rounds (Georgia Arms). But, that was probably ESO (equipment superior to operator). I'm still trying to get over the habit of dipping the muzzle when I shoot. It hasn't fixed the problem but it sure makes it obvious when there isn't a bang. I also use them for dry fire practice. So far, they've held up pretty well - a little scarred up from the extractor but they work fine.

My main suggestion is shop around. Whether you get them locally or from a vaporstore, the prices will vary . . . widely!!

rickett · 06-07-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whit

I use the .40 azoom and have only had one problem. I had one failure to feed when I was shooting a mix of snapcaps and range rounds (Georgia Arms). But, that was probably ESO (equipment superior to operator). I'm still trying to get over the habit of dipping the muzzle when I shoot. It hasn't fixed the problem but it sure makes it obvious when there isn't a bang. I also use them for dry fire practice. So far, they've held up pretty well - a little scarred up from the extractor but they work fine.

My main suggestion is shop around. Whether you get them locally or from a vaporstore, the prices will vary . . . widely!!

Yeah that's where the question comes in. Midway has three different brands ranging from $10-$15 for 5. Since I want at least 10 to simulate "loaded weight" the cheap ones are tempting, but not worth it if they're crap. I like the idea of alternating them in the magazine at the range. I'll occasionally load only 3 or 4 rounds in my .357, spin the cylinder, and close it without looking. It sure exposes any flinching or movement when you land on an empty chamber!

whit · 06-07-2008, 11:17 PM

I can't vouch for the cheaper ones but Midway's price is a little better than what I paid. For what it's worth, I'm looking to buy some more and I'll stick with azoom; I think they're worth the $.

rickett · 06-07-2008, 11:19 PM

Maybe this should've been a poll. Seems A-Zoom is taking home the prize though...

jon45xdtac · 06-07-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickett

Since I want at least 10 to simulate "loaded weight" the cheap ones are tempting, but not worth it if they're crap.

I have a-zoom .45 cal and 9mm snap caps. Functioned great so far. They are much lighter than actual rounds, so they wouldn't really function well to simulate loaded weight. I'm not sure if other manufacturers have snap caps with weights closer to actual cartridge weights.

sti1968 · 06-08-2008, 10:23 AM

I have the a-zoom. Picked them up from midway.

pleasantguywhopacksAXD · 06-08-2008, 11:35 AM

Skip the Traditions brand. They are JUNK! I may have 500 dry fires in my XD 45 acp. The snap caps are toast. The brass pocket that the spring sets in loosens up and sets high after about 500 rounds. This causes me to have to drop the mag to rack the slide and clear the cap. It started out with one but now all five do it every time.

06-07-2008, 09:46 PM	#1
rickett XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 978	Snap-caps I'm wondering if anyone can provide any insight into some snap cap brands. I'm looking at Pachmayr, Tipton, and A-Zoom. Differences, preferences, reviews, do's don'ts? __________________ XD-45 service with Trijicon night sights GP-100 6" stainless .357Mag. Heritage Rough Rider 4 3/4" 22LR/22Mag. Savage 99 EG .300 Savage "At long last I have discovered that most shooters are not interested in firearms as tools, but rather as toys. Such people do not acquire their weapons because of what they will do, but rather to gratify the "Christmas morning joy" that we largely left behind in our childhood." -Jeff Cooper

06-07-2008, 10:26 PM	#3
Broadside XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,935	I've got A-Zooms just because it was the only brand the gun store had or ones I saw at the gun show. I've got them in all the calibers I own. __________________ XD - 9 Subcompact XD - 357 Service w/ SA Custom Carry Pro Pkg SA - Mil Spec 1911 A1

06-07-2008, 11:05 PM	#4
whit XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North of Atlanta, GA Posts: 45	I use the .40 azoom and have only had one problem. I had one failure to feed when I was shooting a mix of snapcaps and range rounds (Georgia Arms). But, that was probably ESO (equipment superior to operator). I'm still trying to get over the habit of dipping the muzzle when I shoot. It hasn't fixed the problem but it sure makes it obvious when there isn't a bang. I also use them for dry fire practice. So far, they've held up pretty well - a little scarred up from the extractor but they work fine. My main suggestion is shop around. Whether you get them locally or from a vaporstore, the prices will vary . . . widely!! __________________ If to be nothing more than a bad example, everything serves a purpose.

06-07-2008, 11:17 PM	#6
whit XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North of Atlanta, GA Posts: 45	I can't vouch for the cheaper ones but Midway's price is a little better than what I paid. For what it's worth, I'm looking to buy some more and I'll stick with azoom; I think they're worth the $. __________________ If to be nothing more than a bad example, everything serves a purpose.

06-07-2008, 11:19 PM	#7
rickett XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 978	Maybe this should've been a poll. Seems A-Zoom is taking home the prize though... __________________ XD-45 service with Trijicon night sights GP-100 6" stainless .357Mag. Heritage Rough Rider 4 3/4" 22LR/22Mag. Savage 99 EG .300 Savage "At long last I have discovered that most shooters are not interested in firearms as tools, but rather as toys. Such people do not acquire their weapons because of what they will do, but rather to gratify the "Christmas morning joy" that we largely left behind in our childhood." -Jeff Cooper

06-07-2008, 10:24 PM	#2
D-FENS XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 134	I use snap caps in my 357's during dry fire practise. A-zoom and tkm have held up well.

06-08-2008, 10:23 AM	#9
sti1968 XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 45	I have the a-zoom. Picked them up from midway.

06-08-2008, 11:35 AM	#10
pleasantguywhopacksAXD XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Blanchester, Ohio Posts: 384	Skip the Traditions brand. They are JUNK! I may have 500 dry fires in my XD 45 acp. The snap caps are toast. The brass pocket that the spring sets in loosens up and sets high after about 500 rounds. This causes me to have to drop the mag to rack the slide and clear the cap. It started out with one but now all five do it every time. __________________ Member OFCC, Life Member NRA ʞɔns sʞɔolƃ WARNING: The FDA requires all those using glocks that side effects may include: A rose colored appearance of your surroundings. Voices telling them they are invincible. A uncontrolable urge to smash, poke, prod, wet,salt, bury and drop from low flying aircraft said glock, then need to brag uncontrollably.

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