antidryfire

Antidryfire, sometimes written anti-dry-fire, is a term used to describe mechanisms, devices, and practices that prevent dry firing—the act of discharging a firearm's firing mechanism without a cartridge in the chamber. In a firearm context, the phrase is often used to describe safety features designed to reduce or prevent accidental discharge from the firing pin or hammer when the chamber is empty, as well as training aids that allow safe dry-fire practice.

In firearm design, many modern firearms incorporate safety measures such as firing-pin blocks, hammer blocks, transfer bars, or drop safeties to prevent discharge if the weapon is dropped or if a slide is slammed. Some models require the use of snap caps or inert dummy rounds for safe dry-fire practice, especially with sensitive rimfire or high-strike firearms. These devices cushion the impact of the firing pin and protect the firearm's components from repeated dry firing.

In practice, antidryfire can refer to two categories: (1) internal safety features built into firearms by manufacturers, and (2) external aids used during dry-fire training, such as dummy rounds, snap caps, or chamber inserts that fill the chamber and absorb impact. Although dry-fire practice is common for training, owners should consult the manufacturer's guidelines, as some guns warn against dry firing without appropriate protection.

The term is sometimes used in related fields to indicate safety measures that prevent unintended discharges during handling or testing, though the specifics vary by device.