32NAA snap caps

[pratthobbies]

I like to dry fire, and the Guardian has a nice heavy DA trigger pull, so one of the first things I did when I got a 32NAA die set from CH4D was to make up some snap caps. I've done this before with other calibers. I start with new brass, drilling a hole through it longitudinally above the groove so it can't be mistaken for a live round. I degrease the primer pocket, and run it through the full length sizing die. Then I pour polymer compound into the primer pocket, enough to flow through the hole and form a little bit of "rivet" head. When that sets I trim it flush and seat a bullet over it.

The Guardian has taken a bit of practice to get used to. I guess my fingers are a little longer than normal. When I first fired the Guardian the nail on my index finger hit my thumb hard enough to be distracting. With practice I've learned a thumb-high grip, which I used today to fire 50 rounds of practice loads. I think the Guardian and I are going to be friends.

If any other 32NAA Guardian owners would like a few of these snap caps for practice, let me know. I'm not comfortable dry firing any handgun without a snap cap or at least a fired round in the chamber to protect the firing pin. I just finished fixing the firing pin on an ancient Tanfoglio .25 that had been dry fired so much it had peened a ridge onto the body behind the retaining pin. The firing pin would hardly move. I polished the ridge off with emery cloth and replaced the firing pin spring, and all is well.

[grayelky]

Generous offer. If I come up with a 32 NAA barrel for my P3AT or LCP, I will be in touch.

What would you compare the recoil to?

[pratthobbies]

Please let me know if you come up with those alternate barrels. I would be willing to pick up a Kel-Tec or Ruger if I knew I could get alternative barrels. I have a lead on a possible source for 32NAA barrels for the Sig P238, which is one of my favorite pocket pistols.

The recoil was pretty nice, actually. I fired 200 rounds in one session, stopping only to reload the two magazines, and had no pain in my wrist. There was very little muzzle flip and no problem at all keeping it on target. Definitely more fun than shooting the .380 Guardian, which reminded me of the Colt Mustang Pocketlite...nice pistol but you feel the recoil. I don't know exactly what they did to the Sig P238 to solve the problem, but shooting it is sheer pleasure compared to the Mustang Pocketlite.

[JoeCz]

Hi, I know this posting is 2 years old, but I am interested in the 32 NAA snap caps if you are still making them available.  If so, please advise on the cost and how to get them.  I'm in North East Pa.
Joe

[Canoeal]

Be in Northeast Pa tomorrow. Greensville (Newton Lake) then Scranton...Picking up canoes to restore.

[Stuffgeek]

Great idea for the caps, never thought of making ones for other calibers