REVIEW: Clawgear Snap Cap

What sounds like a trendy energy drink is actually at the core of it known as "Exerzierpatrone" or buffer cartridge. What are Exerzierpatronen? Dummy cartridges with which loading and unloading handles and weapon handling can be practiced safely. These Snap Caps are available from Clawgear and we took a closer look at them.

There are a total of six different calibers for the Snap Caps: .308, .223, 7.62x39mm, 9x19mm, .45 ACP and 12 gauge shot. This covers the majority of common weapons. They are made of red, transparent plastic with a spring inside. This spring is designed to cushion the impact of the firing pin. In some older weapons, dry firing without a cartridge in the chamber can cause damage to the firing pin over time. To prevent this, buffer cartridges are used. However, this should not be a problem with current weapons.

The base of the Clawgear Snap Caps is made of brass and is slightly movable in the direction of the barrel. We are talking about approximately 2/10 mm, but that is enough to prevent the firing pin from rushing into nothingness but rather to slow it down.

The Snap Caps are clearly labeled so you do not use the wrong caliber. The dimensions match very closely with the live round. We had no trouble fitting the Snap Caps into the magazine.

They also fit well in the chamber. This makes dry fire training much more enjoyable.

The Snapcaps are available from 11.90 Euros, mostly in a double pack, directly from Clawgear.

CLAWGEAR on the internet: www.clawgear.at