Is it safe to 'dry fire' my L.C. Smith Shotgun?

There seemed to be little concern with dry firing early L.C. Smith shotguns, but the following statement was added to the Hunter Arms Hang Tag sometime after 1913.

"GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS – The gun should not be snapped when there are no shells in the barrels."

Both Parker and Fox hang tags instructed the user to have no concern about dropping the hammer without a 'striker block' or snap caps. From the 1899 Parker catalogue:

"When desiring to let hammers down, remove the shells and snap hammers down as if firing the gun. This will not injure this 'Hammerless Gun' and we know of no other gun having this desirable feature."

The best advice is to use snap caps in L.C. Smith shotguns from any vintage to avoid broken firing pins, but there are some cautions.  Especially with pre-1913 guns with firing pin bushings, the pins may 'hang up' in the 'primer pocket' of some snap caps making it difficult to open the gun. If this happens, remove the forend and cock the hammers (rotating the cocking arms DOWN). Dr. Drew has not had problems with the A-Zoom caps.

Always remember:  If you let the hammers down with the gun disassembled, be sure and cock the hammers before reassembly.