Rimfire misfires, hangfires and dry firing: what makers actually say
Written in our own words from the sources cited after each fact. We haven't run hands-on tests for this page; where sources disagree we say so. Prefer the primary source (SAAMI, the maker, the governing body) if anything here conflicts with it.
Why rimfires misfire
Ignition depends on priming mix being evenly spread in the rim. NIJ notes that voids in the rim cavity can cause a misfire[NIJ firearms examiner training], and American Rifleman says the spinning process doesn't always fill the rim completely[American Rifleman]. Rotating the round and re-striking a different part of the rim sometimes fires it, but only do that if your manual allows it.
What to do after a click
SAAMI defines a failure to fire as either a misfire or a delayed "hangfire"[SAAMI glossary]. Its FAQ says to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, wait several seconds, then clear the chamber carefully[SAAMI FAQs]. Hunter education material also tells shooters to wait out a possible hangfire before opening the action[Hunter-ed.com].
Sources differ on the wait: SAAMI says "several seconds"[SAAMI FAQs], hunter-ed material sets its own waiting period[Hunter-ed.com], and Grokipedia says at least 30 seconds[Grokipedia]. Waiting 30 seconds costs nothing, so we suggest it.
Does dry firing hurt a .22?
The concern is the firing pin striking the edge of the chamber with no rim in the way. Maker manuals answer this best:
- Ruger 10/22: the manual says moderate dry firing for function checks won't cause damage, but to use a snap cap for extensive practice and avoid excessive repetitive dry firing without one[Ruger 10/22 instruction manual].
- CZ 457: the manual says CZ doesn't recommend excessive or frequent dry firing and suggests snap caps (dummy cartridges designed for it)[CZ 457 instruction manual (03/2024)].
Rule of thumb: follow your manual, and use rimfire snap caps for dry practice. More troubleshooting: feeding and cold-bore troubleshooting.
Sources
- NIJ firearms examiner training: primer manufacture
- American Rifleman: what you should know about .22 rimfire
- SAAMI glossary: fail to fire
- SAAMI FAQs
- Hunter-ed.com: beware of hang fires
- Grokipedia: Rimfire ammunition
- Ruger 10/22 instruction manual
- CZ 457 instruction manual (03/2024)