All about guns

There are loads of myths and assumptions surrounding handguns. If you grew up around guns, you probably heard some of these myths. Today, we will answer the question: Is it bad to dry fire a Glock.

The Quick Answer

Dry firing modern centerfire guns is completely fine (this includes most Glocks). The firing pin does not hit anything when released and no damage is done.

On the other hand, excessively dry firing rimfire guns can actually damage the firing pin. The firing pin on a rimfire gun is designed to hit soft brass when a round is loaded. When dry firing, the pin will hit the much harder steel of the breech face. Over time this can dull the firing pin which can lead to misfires.

Most Glocks are chambered for centerfire cartridges. The one exception is the new Glock 44 which is chambered for a 22 long rifle, and is Glock’s first rimfire handgun.

The company even states that dry firing this modern rimfire G44 will not damage the gun. However, they recommend using snap caps if you plan to be doing a lot of dry fire practice.

So, the quick answer is “No”. Dry firing will not damage your Glock, but let’s go into a little more detail.

What Does Dry Firing a Glock Entail?  

First, let’s define dry firing. Dry firing simply means racking the slide and pulling the trigger on an empty chamber.

The only thing you should hear is a click as the hammer hits the firing pin. It sounds like a safe and straightforward procedure but the debate still rages.

Why Is There So Much Controversy Over Dry-Firing a Glock? 

I’ve come to notice that every shooter has their own policy on dry firing drills. So, it’s easier to look at both sides to see where the controversy lies.

Here are a few arguments for and against dry firing:

What the Supporters Say:

1. According to the NRA, dry firing centerfire handguns is perfectly fine if you ensure that you don’t have a live round in chamber. You also need to ensure that the gun is pointed in a safe direction before dropping the hammer.
2. Many recreational shooters find the cost of ammunition and range memberships prohibitive. Therefore, dry firing your gun comes as a natural cost-cutting measure.
3. A healthy mix of live fire and dry fire drills can help you improve the accuracy and other aspects of your shooting. These fundamentals include stance, breathing, and aim.

What the Opposition Says:

1. Firing a handgun without a snap cap, live round, or an empty shell casing in the chamber can damage the firing pin. As we saw earlier, this is only true for some older rimfire guns.
2. Many forums point to the fact that dry firing drills fail to simulate the experience of firing a loaded Glock. I guess this is a valid concern if you only ever train by dry firing.

What Is Glock’s Policy On Dry Firing Their Products?

Here is an excerpt from Glock’s FAQ section:

It’s ok to dry fire your GLOCK pistol, but we recommend using a snap cap or dummy round if you will be dry firing for a long period of time.

https://us.glock.com/en/faqs

Why Do Many People Recommend Dry Firing Drills for Glocks?

Trigger discipline and gun safety are essential aspects of owning a Glock or any firearm. Running dry firing drills has helped me gain the confidence to handle a Glock and take ammunition conservation seriously.

However, there some concerns that dry firing your Glock might fail to address. Such questions include:

Can A Glock Go Off Without Pulling the Trigger?

You’ve probably heard horror stories about Glocks going off by themselves, especially in pawn shops and other secondhand gun stores. However, all Glocks come with 3 safe action systems to prevent such things.

These include:

Trigger Safety

A lever blocks the hammer from moving backward unless deliberate pressure is placed on the trigger. 

Firing Pin Safety

A mechanism automatically reengages a firing pin channel to block it from moving rearwards unless you’re ready to fire.

Drop Safety

This mechanism engages the safety ramp inside the trigger mechanism to release or block the firing pin. It automatically engages when you take your finger off the trigger. It also prevents your Glock from going off when you drop it accidentally.  

Is It Safe to Carry a Glock with a Round in the Chamber?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to carry a Glock with a round in the chamber.

Most people worry about the stress the loaded round puts on the trigger when in the forward position; however, the entire firing system remains under the same stress level, whether your Glock is loaded or not. 

Such people contend that it could stretch the mag spring beyond its engineered capabilities, making your Glock go off with a little pressure. However, Glocks have been around for decades and there’s no evidence to support such a conclusion. 

Can I Fire A Glock While Underwater?

Glocks of various calibers can fire underwater because their firing mechanisms fit inside the body of the gun. However, as Edwin Sarkissian shows in his YouTube videos demos, your accuracy will depend on your targeted distance and choice of ammunition, i.e., full metal jackets, federal hollow points, etc.

Why Do Glocks Have 2 Triggers?

Engaging and pulling the first trigger fires your Glock. The inset trigger prevents a holstered Glock from going off, and effectively prevents you from accidentally discharging your handgun.

How Fast Can I Fire My Glock?

Most Glocks are semi-automatic with a short recoil with no measured fired rate. Glocks of various calibers can fire at an impressive rate of 1000-1200 rounds per minute (Provided you can load it at such a rate). Such handguns can fire at a muzzle velocity of 375 m/s.

Conclusion

Dry firing most modern firearms is completely fine and is a great way to practice with your firearm. It’s also a cost-effective way to sharpen your accuracy and overall trigger discipline.

However, there are loads of gun collectors, competitive shooters, and even active/former servicemen that discourage Glock owners from dry firing their handguns.

In this age of fake news and contradictory information, I thought it would be a great idea to shed some light on the question: Is It Bad To Dry Fire A Glock?

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —

To answer the question: “What Is A Centerfire Pistol?”, you must first understand that there are two main types of ammunition:

• Centerfire
• Rimfire

These ammo categorizations are based on where the firing pin hits the back of the bullet to make it fire.

A centerfire pistol is one where the firing pin strikes the center of the bullet instead of the rim. The firing cap is at the center of the bullet, which explains why the firing pin strikes the center of the bullet.

Once the pin hits the middle of the bullet, its propellant ignites and the round is fired.

The rimfire pistol, on the other hand, is where the firing pin strikes the rim of the bullet to ignite its propellant and send it into motion.

Centerfire or Rimfire: Which One to Select

If you are an avid hunter, you have most likely come across both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. To truly determine which kind of ammunition is best for your hunting adventure, you need to look into their designs and operation.

The centerfire wins in both design and function, making it the most popular type in today’s rounds.

The first advantage of the centerfire is how the gunpowder is burned evenly upon firing.

On a rimfire bullet, the powder on one end of the rim may burn faster than on the other; therefore, reducing the amount of powder that can be used in each round.

Since the centerfire is struck in the middle, it is assured that all the powder will ignite and burn evenly.

The second advantage to the centerfire is that it can be made with thicker cartridges.

With rimfire, the edge of the cartridge must be struck for it to fire, which weakens the cartridge wall.

For a successful firing, the cartridge wall needs to be thin to ensure the strike ignites the primer bead.

On the other hand, a centerfire round’s primer bead is removable and is the only piece that needs to be struck. This allows designers to make the cartridge walls as thick as possible, allowing more powder and bigger bullets.

The last advantage of the centerfire is that the cartridge is left intact after firing, making it available for reuse.

The cartridge of a centerfire round remains in one form because the primer is self-contained and removable. If you have the tools needed to reload your rounds, you can save your cartridges and use them multiple times.

The Centerfire and Rimfire Also Differ In Terms Of Functionality

In addition to design, you must also consider the functionality of the pistol’s rounds, which will determine your user experience.

The first crucial difference between the centerfire and the rimfire is reliability.

Centerfire rounds have separate self-contained primers built for one function only–making them more reliable and less likely to misfire.

On the other hand, a rimfire rounds’ primer bead is built into its casing, making it more likely to have issues at the manufacturing stage, often leading to misfires.

This difference in reliability is why people use centerfire rounds for the military and self-defense, and rimfire rounds for hunting and practice. Everyone can agree that in both the military and self-defense, the round is required to fire every single time.

A second distinction in functionality is accuracy.

When it comes to accuracy, both rimfire and centerfire have their pros and cons.

Rimfire rounds are generally smaller and carry less powder. This means the recoil from a rimfire will be less than a centerfire, and less recoil can help with the following:

• the user may flinch less as the level of recoil they anticipate is reduced
• recoil is also known to make the second and third shots less accurate because the explosion will pull the barrel off target, causing the user to have to realign the pistol for each shot.

Due to reduced recoil, the rimfire may be deemed more accurate. However, the lack of recoil may be due to reduced power and a lighter bullet, making long-distance shots more difficult.

Due to reduced powder and therefore less propulsion, the round will travel slower and drop more over longer distances.

Lighter bullets can also be affected by crosswinds. Firing such a shot over 100 yards will show the winds clearly taking the bullet up to 6 inches from its initial path. Therefore, for longer distances, the best round is the centerfire.

The last element of functionality is how the round type affects the design of the gun.

On a single-shot gun, there is no difference in reloading. However, on semi-automatic rifles, there is a significant difference arising from the kind of round used. Centerfire rifles use the force generated by escaping gases upon igniting the powder to reload the round.

Rimfire pistols, on the other hand, rely on the small amount of recoil generated by the round to reload, making their operation less complex. When it comes to guns, simplicity is often the better option.

Differences between the Centerfire and Rimfire Cartridge for Hunting

If you are hunting small game, rimfire ammunition may be the best option. For example, the rimfire .22 rounds are inexpensive and have less recoil, making them good enough for hunting rabbits and squirrels.

If you are hunting larger game, you need to consider your proficiency as the rimfire rounds will greatly reduce your chances of success. A well-placed shot with a rimfire can take down a larger animal, but to increase your chances of success, save the rimfire rounds for smaller animals.

The other factor to consider is the bullet quality. Rimfire bullets are made with thinner, weaker metals so that they fracture and spread upon impact.

This will work well for smaller game, but not for the thick hides of larger animals.

Although there are centerfire rounds for small game, they are more expensive. Instead, use centerfire rounds for larger game, where the power, speed, and accuracy will significantly boost your chances of taking down an animal.

Centerfire Vs. Rimfire for concealed carry

Centerfire is generally recommended for concealed carry because larger rounds mean more stopping power. It’s often said that a .380 is the smallest caliber that you should even think about carrying for self defense.

However, you have to choose a gun you will carry consistently and have the most accurate aim with.

If the only round you can handle is a .22 rimfire, then choose that gun and carry it every day (Just remember to find proper defense ammo).

Personally, I carry the Ruger LCP, which is chambered in .380. Since I have to tuck in my shirt at work, I can easily slip this little gun in my front pocket.

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —

Hey, would you like a more firm grip on your gun? Would that help you shoot better? Well that is what stippling is for.

Stippling is a modification to the grip that makes it, well, more grippy. It is done by sanding off the original finish and then using a hot soldering iron to make tiny dots.

If you simply need to improve your handgun stance and hold check out our article titled: How Should You Hold A Handgun For Maximum Accuracy?

What Is Stippling on a Gun?

I remember when I was younger, I was trying to learn how to fire a gun. I participated in Boy Scouts and commonly went to Boy Scout camp.

I held a gun in my hands for the first time when I was about eight or nine years old. I was not a large child, but I had a revolver in my hand. I’m not exactly sure what type of revolver, but to me it seemed like a very powerful gun.

The first time I pulled the trigger, it literally knocked the gun out of my hand. I was terrified. At the same time, the best way to address this was to work with the professionals at the camp to learn how to get a better grip on the gun. 

One of the best ways to address this issue is to add something called stippling on a gun.

Stippling is a gun modification that can be added to take a stock grip from the factory, and convert it into something that is easier to handle.

By adding dimples, ridges, dots, and other formations to the grip, it is easier to hold the gun.

Think about holding something that is coated in oil versus something that has the texture of sandpaper. It is going to be easier to hang on to something that has more texture to it. This is the goal of gun stippling. 

Does Stippling Weaken the Frame?

One of the most common questions people have about stippling is whether or not it is going to weaken the frame. The good news is that a well done stipple job is not going to weaken the frame.

It is important for anyone who is adding stippling to a gun to make sure that it is done by a trained professional, or at least practice on something else before attempting this yourself.

When stippling is added by somebody who doesn’t know what they are doing, it is possible that it could weaken the frame.

Does Stippling Wear Off?

No. In the vast majority of cases, stippling is not going to wear off.

Stippling just modifies the existing grips by pressing a soldering iron into the polymer thousands of times. As a result, this is sturdy, durable material that should last as long as the firearm.

At the same time, it is important for everyone to make sure they take care of their firearm properly to ensure that it is preserved. I remember when I first purchased a gun, I spoke with a dealer in-depth about how to take care of the firearm properly. 

How To Stipple a Gun?

If you would like to learn how to stipple your gun, you need to make sure that you do this properly to prevent damaging the firearm.

First, it is important to note that stippling is a permanent modification. Those who do not have patience and a steady hand might end up with a firearm that looks ugly. Therefore, it is critical to make sure that this is done correctly.

In order to stipple a firearm, individuals will need to use a soldering iron and a Dremel tool. The Dremel tool is usually used to remove finger grooves from the grip.

When adding stippling to a weapon, it is important to let the soldering iron heat up. Then, test it on something that is similar to the surface of your firearm grip before using it.

Finally, start lightly dabbing the soldering iron into the grip of the gun. Work in small dime sized circles and rotate the gun frequently. This rotation will ensure that your grip has multiple angles.

It might be a good idea to ask for a professional to provide instruction before trying this on a valuable firearm.

How Long does Stippling Last?

In most cases stippling should be permanent. Therefore, it should last as long as the firearm lasts as long as the gun is cared for properly. The type of stippling and the quality of the craftsmanship is going to impact how long it lasts. 

One weird issue with stippling is the smell. If you don’t clean your grips often enough they could develop a smell. This happens because the tiny holes made by stippling are great little spots for dead skin cells to hide.

To learn more about cleaning your gun check out our article titled: How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?

Does Stippling Void Glock Warranty?

Yes. It is important to read the details of the warranty before deciding to add stippling to the firearm. At the same time, in the vast majority of cases, adding stippling to the firearm is going to void the warranty.

In most cases, there is a clause in the warranty stating that any user-made modifications to the firearm will void the warranty. With this in mind, stippling likely falls under this category and will likely void the warranty of any gun. 

Stippling will also reduce the resale value of the gun. If there is a chance you will sell a gun then I don’t recommend a stipple job.

Who Does the Best Glock Stippling?

If you are looking for the best Glock stippling, there are a few options to keep in mind. Some of the top companies that will add stippling to Glock grips include:

Stippgrips

MLS Customs

Fine Line Tactical (FLT)

Landers Weapons Systems

Instead of trying to add stippling to your Glock yourself, it might be better to ask for professional help from experts who know what they are doing and can provide consistent results.

Legal Issue With Stippling a Concealed Carry Gun

There is one major issue to think about if you are considering stippling your concealed carry gun. That is legal liability.

When I took my concealed carry class the instructor made it clear that carrying a modified gun could get you into trouble.

What he meant by this is that if you use a modified gun in self defense, the prosecutor, or family of the person you shot, could claim that you were simply out to kill someone.

They could argue that you modified the gun to make it more deadly. I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advice but please consider this carefully before modifying your carry gun.

Click here to learn about concealed carry requirements and laws in your state.

Alternative to Stippling

If you have decided that stippling is not for you there is an easy alternative. The easiest way to add more grip is with grip tape.

Foxx Grips -Gun Grip Material Sheet 6 x 6 inch Rubber Texture

You can buy sheets of grip tape and cut them to match your gun perfectly. These sheets can even be cut with a CNC machine if you want perfection.

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —

Whether it’s for sport or you find yourself in a defensive situation where you need to use a handgun, how you hold it will significantly affect your accuracy. Developing your handgun techniques will help you become a better shot and keep you safe.

Read on to learn the answer to the question: How should you hold a handgun for maximum accuracy?

Handgun Techniques

A lot more goes into holding a handgun then merely picking it up and shooting. Understand the methods that go into shooting a pistol before you take your first shot.

Grip

You should always hold your gun with your dominant hand. While your writing hand is usually also your dominant hand for gripping your handgun, try both hands and get a feel for what is most comfortable to you.

After you’ve felt for your primary hand, you need to practice gripping the gun. Hold the handgun so that you can press the trigger back without losing focus on your sights. This may take some practice, but it is vital to improving your accuracy.

When holding your handgun, keep your thumb held high on the gun. You do not want a gap between the backstrap of the pistol and your hand. Maintaining this high grip will help you to control the gun during recoil.

Stance

To make the most of your shot, you need a stabilizing stance that benefits your sight alignment, trigger access, and recoil control. There are several common stances, but you should try a few out to see which is most comfortable for you.

Isosceles

This stance is considered one of the most natural, two-hand stances for handgun shooting. You face your target squarely with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold your gun directly in front of your eyes with both of your arms at full extension.

The isosceles is one of the fastest stances to assume, which is beneficial in an emergency.

Weaver

My personal favorite and one that I’m working on perfecting is the Weaver stance. It was first used by Jack Weaver, Deputy Sheriff of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, during a freestyle pistol competition in the late 1950s. It is not as easy to assume as the power isosceles but allows you a better range of vision with practice.

Assume a boxer-style stance by bringing your supporting foot forward, and toes pointed toward your target. Your toes on your shooting side should face outward by 45-degrees.

Your shooting arm is almost fully extended pushing the gun away from your body, and your support arm is bent pulling the gun back to you. This push and pull creates more stability to control muzzle rise. This means you will be able to fire subsequent shots more accurately.

I’m a lefty and I know it’s hard to find pictures of left handed stances. So here’s a picture for all you lefties out there.

Chapman

The Chapman is also known as a modified weaver stance because the two are so similar. It takes longer to assume, but it is a more relaxed version of the weaver stance because it doesn’t require your feet to be as far apart. It also requires less upper body strength, which may be better for beginners.

To assume the Chapman stance you can start with the Weaver and then lock your shooting elbow straight. This allows people with less upper body strength to control their gun with bone in addition to muscle.

Power Point

When it comes to one-handed grip vs. two-handed grip, most enthusiasts recommend a two-handed grip for the best precision. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot use both hands. Practicing one-handed stances helps keep you sharp at the range or in a real-life situation.

The power point is a quick stance you can perform with your strong or weak hand and still have accuracy at close range. Assume the boxer-style foot stance, and tuck your non-shooting hand into your chest in a fist for the best trigger control.

Aim

You must pay attention to get your most accurate shot, but there are a few aiming techniques that can help you improve precision.

• Aim with your dominant eye
• Align your front and rear sights
• You may want to look at the target, but focus on your gun
• Finally, select your point of aim

Remember, slow and steady when you are learning how to aim. Speed shooting will sacrifice accuracy.

How Do Triggers Work?

The trigger on your gun is a lever that trips another lever, called a sear, which holds the hammer back until enough pressure is applied to fire the handgun. Most handguns today have double action triggers that cock the hammer and fire a shot when pulled.

Trigger management, or the method of controlling your trigger when shooting, takes practice but pays off when you finally get the feel of your trigger. To get the most control of your trigger, use the pad of your fingertip. This most sensitive part of your finger can help you keep control of your trigger.

Dry firing with your trigger finger will help you improve your trigger management skills without wasting bullets. I personally like to stand in a full length mirror to check out my stance and dry fire. It feels a little silly at first but it’s effective.

Part of trigger management is perfecting trigger reset. Controlled trigger reset allows you to let the trigger move forward enough to reset the sear, but not so far that you lose valuable time between shots.

Effective trigger reset reduces the gun’s jerking motions, so you don’t have to realign your sights to make another shot.

Being Surprised By the Shot

It may seem counter intuitive to want to be surprised by the shot, but this technique can help you have more effective trigger management skills. Each trigger has a slack, sometimes referred to as pre-travel or take-up, that you feel when you press the trigger. The more gently you pull the trigger, the easier it is to feel the slack.

The slack is a slight resistance that initiates the mechanisms in the gun to fire. If you are pulling the trigger correctly, you may be surprised by the shot because it will sneak up on you in the middle of your trigger pull and doesn’t necessarily happen when the trigger is pulled all of the way back. More accurate shooters feel for the slack instead of jerking the trigger quickly.

Safety

Safety is essential when handling any firearms, including handguns. The first and most common rule of gun safety is to always treat a gun as if it’s loaded. This prevents accidental discharge or malfunction and can save a life.

Always keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This best practice also avoids accidental discharge, harm to others, or personal injury.

How Not To Hold a Handgun

Another critical part of safety is correctly holding your pistol. Avoid holding the gun too low. You have much less control over the recoil the lower you hold your gun.

For two-handed grips, there are a few don’ts that will save you time and frustration when practicing. Believe me, I’ve made all of these mistakes while trying to perfect my stance and grip.

1. Don’t wrap your strong hand around your support hand.

2. Don’t interweave your fingers around the gun.

3. Don’t cross your support hand thumb behind your handgun.

4. Don’t rest your index finger in front of your trigger guard.

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —

Last updated on November 7th, 2022

Rimfire vs Centerfire

Everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re new to guns, learning the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition is important.

Let me backtrack a moment. The first time I went out on the gun range, I had zero idea that there were different types of ammo for different types of weapons. All I knew at that point was that you put these little metal things in a gun and it makes it go pew pew. But there’s much more to it.

That said, learning about the various types of ammunition is important. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition.

How a Gun Works – The Basics

Before we can talk about the difference between the two, we really need to go over basic mechanics of how a gun operates. If you weren’t already aware, the way shooting a gun works is that you pull the trigger and the firing pin inside the gun hits the primer, which creates a mini-explosion that ignites the gunpowder, sending the actual bullet itself forward out of the gun.

Why is it important to know this? The difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition takes this chain of events into account, so it is highly important to remember as we continue on in this discussion.

The Difference Between Rimfire and Centerfire Ammo

Now, there are two types of ammunition that you’ll come across: rimfire and centerfire. According to this simple description from Hunter Ed, centerfire ammunition is most commonly used in rifles, handguns, and shotguns. The primer in this type of ammunition is located in the center of the casing base. This is usually ideal because it creates a bigger explosion, making it easier to shoot larger sized bullets from the casing with much higher accuracy.

With rimfire ammunition, the primer is located in the rim of the shell casing. Some people prefer this type of ammo as it does not have the same level of recoil as the centerfire variety. For those who have a tendency to flinch in anticipation, this can be a better alternative.

You can easily tell the difference between centerfire and rimfire by looking at the bottom of the casing. Centerfire will have a small circle in the middle, showing the location of the primer. (Hence the name.) In contrast, rimfire ammo will not have this circle.

What Calibers Are Rimfire and Centerfire?

Both rimfire and centerfire ammunition come in a wide range of calibers designed for use with various kinds of guns.

Rimfire ammo is available in numerous sizes, but the most popular varieties are the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Short.

There are many different calibers of centerfire ammo available on the market today. Most modern shotgun shells are centerfire and nearly all ammunition with the following calibers are considered centerfire:

• .38
• .357
• .45
• .44
• .223
• .308
• .270

Which Type of Ammunition Can Be Reloaded?

The only type of ammunition that can be reloaded is centerfire. Rimfire ammo creates too much of an explosive reaction during shooting, which can damage the outside case and make it less reliable. Thus, it cannot be reloaded.

Due to where the primer is placed in centerfire ammo, it can often be reloaded and used again. For avid hunting enthusiasts or those who like to go to the gun range fairly often, this is a benefit. Although centerfire ammunition is more expensive than rimfire, the reloaded ammunition is often less costly than new rounds making it easier to get more (pardon the pun) bang for your buck.

Are Rimfire and Centerfire Interchangeable?

While each type of ammo has a specific use, rimfire and centerfire ammo are not interchangeable. In fact, inserting one type into a weapon that isn’t designed to handle it is a good way to cause problems. And that’s assuming that you can even get it to fit.

Instead, make sure to read the manual of your gun to determine the type of ammo it takes. If no manual is available, such as in the case of older firearms, do a bit of research online. Most centerfire weapons were manufactured within the last hundred years, so if yours is older than that there is a chance that it might be rimfire.

Which Types of Ammo Are Better?

Really, the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition comes down to personal preference and the type of gun you already own.

However, if you’re looking to purchase a new gun and are trying to decide between the two types, centerfire is usually the preferred option. Not only does it hold up better to rough handling, such as in hunting or military applications, but it is less prone to manufacturer defects.

Pros and Cons – Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammunition

Taking all of what you’ve just read into consideration, let’s take a look at some of the basic pros and cons of centerfire versus rimfire ammunition.

Pros – Centerfire Ammo

• Can be reloaded.
• Much more reliable.
• Most modern guns use this type of ammo.
• Higher velocity due to location of the primer.

Cons – Centerfire Ammo

• More expensive when purchased new.
• Not available for some older gun models.

Pros – Rimfire Ammo

• Lower in initial cost.
• Better for target practice or small game.
• Fits a lot of older or antique weapons.
• Less recoil.

Cons – Rimfire Ammo

• Cannot be reloaded.
• Much more prone to firing problems.

While the decision of which ammunition to use is ultimately up to you, this list of pros and cons should help you determine the difference between the two types and make a solid decision for yourself.

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —

After purchasing a firearm, you might wonder how often you should clean your gun. The truth is that it largely depends on how often you use it and where you live. Keep reading to learn more.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?

The short answer: do a light cleaning after every shooting session and a deep cleaning a few times a year. If you shoot every weekend then you will need to deep clean more often.

A light cleaning consists of running a few patches dipped in a lubricant cleaner through the bore and over the slide.

How Often Should You Oil Your Gun?

There are two different reasons to lubricate your gun. If you engage in intense range sessions on a regular basis, it is a good idea to clean and oil your weapon at least once a week. However, if you simply conceal carry without ever firing, you can likely get away with once every two weeks or once a month.

Where you live makes a difference, too. Moisture is the enemy of working guns, so any time spent in a humid environment should be taken into consideration. In that case, stick to a weekly clean and lubricate schedule.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Gun?

Not cleaning your gun on a regular enough basis is pretty much a sin in terms of what most gun owners believe. While it’s okay to skip a session now and again–hey, life happens–this isn’t something you should really make a habit of. Instead, try to stick to cleaning at a minimum at least a couple times per month.

Dirty guns can lead to parts inside rusting and even fusing together. Ultimately, this can lead to the handgun misfiring or not working as well as it should. If you conceal carry, these issues could mean not having your weapon when you need it most.

Is It Bad to Clean Your Gun Too Much?

This is one of those questions that really has two meanings. No, you cannot damage your gun by cleaning it too often. Each time you do a cleaning session, you’re removing harmful debris and residue that causes damage. So, in this sense, there’s no such thing as too much.

But, it is possible to clean your handgun wrong too many times. Using the wrong type of brushes or not lubricating with the right oil can lead to damage to the frame or various parts. In turn, this makes them more susceptible to rust and can eventually make your pretty pistol absolutely worthless. So, it pays to use caution and care to ensure you’re taking the right steps while cleaning your handgun each time.

How Do You Clean a Handgun?

Start by working in an area that is ventilated. Some of the chemicals used during the process can be a bit strong and the fumes aren’t exactly fun to breathe in. Cover your workspace with a trash bag or an old towel for added protection.

Next, make sure the gun is completely unloaded and make sure all ammunition is put away. Begin the field-stripping process of disassembling the handgun for cleaning. While you might be tempted to completely take it apart, this isn’t necessary. Revolvers and semi-automatics each have their own configuration for doing this, so make sure you read your owner’s manual or do a quick web search to find out how far to disassemble the weapon.

As you start to clean, make sure to pay attention to several key areas. The interior of the barrel should be one of your top focuses and can be cleaned using a bore brush attached to your cleaning rod and solvent. Make several passes through while rotating the brush to remove material left behind from shooting use. If you have to add more solvent along the way, that’s okay.

Once that’s done, remove the bore brush from the cleaning rod and attach the patch holder. Run the patch through the barrel a few times, replacing patches if they look especially dirty. When finished, use a nylon brush and more solvent to clean all other areas of the handgun.

Finally, complete the process by adding a few drops of gun oil to areas where rubbing is most prominent. Again, this will vary from one style of handgun to another, but you get the basic point. Reattach all parts and your handgun should be as clean as almost new!

What Are the Best Products to Use for Cleaning a Handgun?

To clean a handgun thoroughly, you’ll need a basic kit of supplies designed specifically for this chore. You have two choices in this matter: purchase a premade kit or assemble your own.

Most gun enthusiasts find products that they like over the years and choose to collect them together on their own. But many newbies find the ease of having everything together in one kit highly convenient.

A few options of products to use to clean your handgun include:

Hoppe’s No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit: This set includes everything needed to clean your handgun including rods, brushes, lubrication oil, and solvent.

Pro-Shot Products Classic Box Kits: Each of the available box kit is designed for a different type of handgun, giving you the option to choose the one that matches your firearm.

Remington Premium Lubricant: A favorite of gun enthusiasts and military service members around the globe.

How Deeply Do You Need to Clean Your Firearm?

Deep cleaning a firearm is also highly subjective. In most cases, getting the inside of the barrel, cleaning and lubricating the slide, and thoroughly wiping down all exterior parts is sufficient enough.

But what if you use your weapon on a fairly regular basis, such as during hunting or extended afternoons at the range? Then it is even more important to get inside that barrel, clean up the residue with solvent, and lubricate all areas appropriately.

Do You Need to Clean a Gun You Don’t Use?

This is a question a lot of people wonder about. Yes, you do need to clean a gun you don’t use. Dust and debris can still get inside the chamber, even if it is locked safely away in storage. The only difference is that you might not have to go through the process as often.

For example, if you never shoot your gun and only take it out of the case a few times a year to show it off, you can probably get away with cleaning it once or twice annually. Any more than that and you need to adjust your schedule accordingly.

Have you ever thought about buying ammo online?

I’m telling you it’s so easy with Lucky Gunner! The ammo shown on their site is guaranteed to be in stock and will ship fast. I heartily endorse Lucky Gunner and so do their many customers.

“Okay, so far I’ve dealt twice with LuckyGunner, and all I can say is, I LOVE YOUR COMPANY!!!!

Imagine: only items in stock are advertised. Who’da thunk, eh? The more highly advertised ones – Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela’s, et. al. – will put you on backorder forever and a day. But LuckyGunner – I ordered 500 shells of .45 ACP (hard to get in this “shortage”) – and there it was at my address. No backorders, no bull. Business as it should be.

Yes, I’m telling my friends! I’m constantly writing down your addy on bits of paper (and running out of the latter), spreading the joyous news, “No backorders! No bull! Try LuckyGunner.com, you won’t be sorry!” Thank you for being there for an ammo-starved public. And, thanks for the SUPERB customer service.”

— Walter J., Silverdale, WA —