To store cocked or uncocked?
 

I have searched without finding this discussed.

I have a DHE and would like to know whether it is best to store it with the mainsprings cocked or dry fired? FWIW it has a Miller single non selective trigger.

I have read about the complex ejector mechanism and would like to store the gun in the manner least likely to cause it to require repair.

Thank you.

One opinion is:
http://www.parkerguns.org/pages/faq/Storage.htm

I store my guns with the hammers in the uncocked position. If a gun is left with the hammers cocked for a very long period of time it could weaken the mainsprings which can result in light primer strikes. I had this happen once with an L.C. Smith that was stored with the hammers cocked.

Should you dry fire to uncock the gun? I was always taught never to dry fire a gun but I don't know if it really matters. Nowadays I use snap caps, just because I like them and they're another fun accessory, but I don't know if they're necessary either.

it is OK to dry fire a Parker. See our FAQ on the topic at:

http://www.parkerguns.org/pages/faq/DryFire.htm

I don't think I would dry-fire a Parker Bros. hammer gun though.





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I don't believe in dry firing any Parker, regardless of the little tag they printed. The hammer comes to a screeching halt somewhere, and I'd rather it get some cushioning from a pair of snap-caps than the frame pocket in front of the hammer.

From a practical point, I don't believe anyone has ever proven that Parker hammerless coil springs suffer significantly from long-term compression. Do you jack up your car and put it on blocks when you go on vacation?

From a metallurgical standpoint, there is nothing taking place that changes the ductility of the spring material.
The other reason I don't think it matters, in the case of an ejector gun is that the ejector hammers also remain compressed, even if you dry fire the hammers onto a pair of snap-caps. I have never heard of anyone storing their hammerless Parkers in a dry fired, and opened (ejectors fired) position

Ejector guns, I use A-zoom alloy snap caps. This gives the ejectors something to do when they are released...less chance for damage...(-:

Having snap caps in when ejectors are tripped do little to nothing to ease stress on the ejector system. The hammers are still firing and the kickers are still slamming i to the stop plate. Snap caps have no resistance on the chamber walls.

Even when the ejector hammers are tripped, the springs are still partially compressed.

As edgar said, from a metal composition and integrity standpoint, a spring should work as new forever, in theory. We know that this is not exactly always reality, but i think it has a lot to do with a certain spring doing the job it was intended to do and not being overworked from a load standpoint.

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