Oops. Hope I didn\'t break my gun!

[Mark2282]

This is my first post here, so if this topic has been addressed already please forgive me.. Last week I accidentally fired a Crow Magnum pellet backwards in my rifle. The gun is a Crosman Vantage NP. I know dry firing this gun is very bad, and although the pellet did fit snug, I hope I didn't do any serious damage. I suppose it would be like a partial dry fire since the cup of the hollow point is quite large. A couple of rounds after I made this mistake, one of the shots was VERY loud. It has become quieter since that however. I would appreciate any input. I have a very low income, and replacing the gun would be difficult for me. I did do some testing afterwards and the Crow Magnums are still expanding nicely in soap. I just don't want to invest in a scope if I have reason to believe the gun is damaged.

 

[Vetmx]

Your gun should be fine. A loud shot every now and then with a springer/NP is a sign the gun is still dieseling. That also is no big deal. Disassembly, a good cleaning then proper lube can cure that but it’s not absolutely necessary.

 

[JCD]

Putting a pellet in backwards isn't nearly a 'dry fire' Don't worry about it unless you see evidence of problems. Now, how you managed to single load a pellet into a break barrel backwards is something to pay attention to going forward....

 

[Saltlake58]

Read an article long ago where putting a pellet in backwards was called "The Poor Man's Hollow Point". Apparently fairly common back in the day.

As for louder or quieter, sometimes breakin can change the sound. If the gun was new there might be oil in the barrel that is igniting (dieseling) causing the bang. As you shoot a hundred or so pellets, that bang should go away. That might be one reason it sounds quieter.

have fun with the gun!