Striker Fired question

[GunsAreGood]

Just wanted to know some opinions from people that own striker fired pistols. My question is in between range visits or after cleaning do you leave your pistol engaged or do you dry fire it to release the spring. Any input would be appreciated.

[BobbyT]

It doesn't matter; it's fine to leave it ready.

It's not fully cocked anyway.

[B18C5-EH2]

I own two striker fired pistols and they stay loaded because they are both conceal/carry pistols.

For actual storage I'd pull the trigger to release the tension off of the firing pin just because most of the manuals say to do so.

Also on pistols such as Glock the trigger stays in the rearward position when dry fired, so you know there isn't a round in the chamber. (Not that I wouldn't still check.)

[pilpens]

I have Walther P99 DA/SA. I leave it decocked for a DA first shot.

Similar to magazine springs. It probably is ok to leave it cocked as long as the compression is not over the elastic limit of the spring. I am just learning about elastic limit. See also leaving magazines loaded.

[christcorp]

After a cleaning, especially if field stripped, you should definitely dry fire it after putting it back together. Not for the spring, but to make sure you put it back together properly. But if you want to "Trust" it for the time you might need it, that's up to you.

[Hoss Fly]

After a cleaning, especially if field stripped, you should definitely dry fire it after putting it back together. Not for the spring, but to make sure you put it back together properly

I have a Ruger SR9-
I usually pull the trigger for the above reason- not really worried about the spring

[GunsAreGood]

Thank you all for the feedback. Much appreciated.

[44 AMP]

It doesn't matter; it's fine to leave it ready.

It's not fully cocked anyway.

He has it half right. It doesn't matter, modern guns (made in the last hundred years or so) are generally fine to leave cocked for indefinate periods of time. Weeks or even months should make no difference. While it used to happen that springs would take a "set" from compressed storage, its very rare today, with modern firearms. That being said, dry firing before long term storage also very, very seldom does any harm, even with old guns. Some antiques should be handled differently, as even a tiny risk from dry firing has to be considered.

The half right part comes from the assumption that it "isn't fully cocked anyway". There are lots and lots of striker fired pistols, not just GLocks. My 1936 Luger is a striker fired pistol. So are all my .22 auto sport pistols. In fact, any hammerless auto pistol, other than a GLock (or one with a similar trigger action) or designs like the H&K P7 squeeze cocker is fully cocked when cycled.

If you are concerned about the spring life leaving it cocked, or worried about damage from occassional dry firing (rare though it is), get some snap caps. Problem solved.

[GunsAreGood]

44 AMP thank you for your feedback I found it very helpful and informational.

[gc70]

(confused by a pesky comma)

[Lost Sheep]

Welcome to the forum, GunsareGood.

Originally Posted by BobbyT

It doesn't matter; it's fine to leave it ready.

It's not fully cocked anyway.

Some striker fired pistols (the Double-action only ones) are fully UNcocked. The Colt 2000 is one, but probably not the best example, as it was only in production a short while.

Some are, as you point out, only partially cocked. The Glocks' "Safe-Action" is a prime example.

Some are fully cocked (Taurus Millenium PT145 for example).

Also, some guns that you might THINK are striker-fired actually have a hammer, but fully enclosed (Ruger 22 rimfire pistols)

Truth is, there are more action types than you can shake a stick at.

As to the question. "Should you release the mainspring for storage?". I don't know. Since I don't know, it do release the spring pressure, but to be sure, I suggest contacting the manufacturer.

Lost Sheep

[Bill DeShivs]

Even if the gun is fully cocked, it's OK to leave it that way.

[PSP]

I don't leave any stored gun cocked, whether striker or hammer fired.