What are snapcaps and why might I want some for use with my firearm?

You might be asking “What are snapcaps and why might I want some for use with my firearm?” The answer is “for increased safety”.

Snapcaps are dimensionally identical copies of the ammunition a firearms uses but are functionally inert. They lack a primer, propellant, and a bullet.

Unlike a blank round which still goes BANG, a snapcap doesn’t do anything except allow for practice loading, unloading, handling, and trigger pulling without the risk of accidental discharge or damage to the gun.

A snapcap won’t cycle the action on a semi automatic because it doesn’t produce any recoil.

You would need to purchase snapcaps that match the size and type of ammunition for any firearm you wish to use them with.

There are snapcaps made of metal and also of plastic.

A key to developing confidence and competence with firearms handling is repetition. The use of snap caps helps you reduce the risks while practicing loading and unloading, drawing, or other manipulation of a weapon.

Some guns can be damaged by dry firing, which is letting the hammer drop when no round is chambered. Snap caps provide something for the hammer to strike and reduce the likelihood of things breaking. Snapcaps are able to be used over and over again.

Manno Fireams offers a variety of snap caps. If the particular one you want is out of stock, please use our back in stock notification system to email you a notice when we have them again.

Do I need a sling for my rifle or shotgun and what are some of my options?

You may wish to use a sling with your rifle or shotgun to make to make it easier to carry and less likely for you to drop it.

There are different type of slings. A one point sling is attached to your weapon at only one place while a two point sling attached at two points. Look at any firearms that you might have to see the number and type of any sling mounting points available. If it lacks a sling mount point, you can add one or more to it. Here are some examples.

Magpul and other vendors sell slings that convert from a 2 point to a 1 point sling by clipping back onto itself.

MP2or1ptsling

The photo above shows a sling with a clip at one end clipped back onto itself. Some slings have clips at both ends, while some other slings use quick disconnect or QD connectors at their ends. The right sling for your firearm needs to match the attaching hardware you are using. Here are some sling that use QD connectors but we have other kinds in our store.

QDholeMIforegrip

This MI (Michigan Industries) foregrip has a QD sling mount made into it, and it’s that round hole on the side.

QDslingMIforegrip2

The QD connector seen here on the end of a sling has little balls that normally protrude but will retract when the spring loaded button on the top is pushed and held. It snaps into the hole and then stays connected. Also note those regular spaced bars on the top in photo below. Those are Picatinny rails and there are mount adapters that can be used with them if you don’t have an existing QD hole or sling swivel loop.

QDslingMIforegrip

If your foregrip lacks a hole like this, you can still use something that attaches to it and adds a mounting point for a sling, like a M-LOK attached QD point. M-LOK is a pattern of holes on parts that support attachments using the M-LOK mounting system where the attachments have small screws with nuts that cam into place.

There are also attachments to let you use another type of sling with a QD mount.

If you are using a 2 point sling you will want a second attach point down near the stock. Some stocks are made with a QD sized hole in them, similar to the hole found in the foregrip.

Other firearms require you to add a mount and a common one is a plate that is installed right where the buffer tube meets the lower receiver on an AR-15 type rifle.

ARslingplate

This plate doesn’t use the QD type attachment and is made for use with clips.

ARslingplate2

This happens to be pictured on an AR style pistol but the same plates are used on rifles and are right where the stock and buffer tube meets the lower receiver.

Manno Firearms carriers a wide variety of slings, M-LOK attachments, and other accessories for firearms. This also includes items that mount on Picatinny rails.

A sling, sling mount, sling adapter, or handguard with rail might just be something you should consider for your next firearm accessory purchase.

Thinking about a Cerakote treatment for your firearm?






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M&P Shield 9MM Cerakote Stars & Stripes

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M&P Shield 9MM Cerakote Stars & Stripes

If you’ve been thinking about customizing your firearm, Cerakote is something worth looking into.  I recently had one of my M&P Shield’s done and thought I’d share my experience with you.

First, if you’re not familiar with Cerakote is one of several options for ‘painting’ a firearm and the internet can provide you with endless details on all the options.  For me, I did lots of reading and decided Cerakote was the best option.  Why?  It seems to have all the things I wanted… abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength and hardness.  All things that contribute to a long lasting, reliable firearm.

Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic coating that can be applied to metal, plastic, polymers and wood making it a great option for firearms.   It’s applied using a very specific process and results in an ultra-thin finish that won’t change typical tolerances meaning your firearm will reassemble and function perfectly!  While the process isn’t complicated, a first time do-it-yourselfer is better off having it done for them by a certified Cerakote Applicator.   In fact, that’s what I did… I worked with a professional… Tom’s Custom Coatings. (tomscustomguns.com)

The whole thing was actually quite simple and started off with completion of a simple form on their website describing what I wanted done.  I provided information about the firearm, uploaded an image and a few words about the 2nd Amendment ‘badge’, the stars & stripes pattern I wanted and submitted.  The next day I received a call from Tracey at Toms Custom Guns, and we chatted about my project.   Tracey’s goal was to ensure success right from the start and that included a real understanding about the look I wanted, positioning of the image and color.   From there, Tom took the next few days to fully disassemble the firearm, prepare it, and complete the Cerakote process.  He sent me pictures of the completed firearm and called to talk through the end result making sure I was happy…. which I am!  Very happy.  They did a great job on both quality of the work AND the customer service.

This was my first Cerakote experience but I can tell you it won’t be my last.  I’m in the process of selecting a design scheme for an AR-15 to feature on MannoFirearms.com.  I’m thinking about a complete and custom package… AR-15, Optic, Light and Bi-pod all in matching Cerakote.   Visit MannoFirearms.com, perhaps when it’s done you’ll be the lucky buyer!

So if you’re thinking about customizing your firearm consider Cerakote from Tom’s Custom Guns.  Take a look at Tom’s website and if you decide to use his service, please let him know you’re a customer of Manno Firearms.  I’m sure he and Tracey will do a great job for you too!