Why is "Dry Firing" Dry?

[Philoctetes]

The phrase "dry fire" refers to firing a gun without ammunition. Why is it "dry" and is there an equivalent for firing with ammunition - "wet" perhaps?

[Postdog]

The term dry run originated with the military, and was used to describe practice and simulations, going through the motions but nothing happening for real. So to dry fire (not that I've heard it) would be to pretend a bullet was in the gun, maybe to test the motions of the gun, targetting, whatever.

Can't really help as to why "dry" tho.

[Quizmonster]

I've never heard the phrase either, but I imagine the dryness element came about simply to suggest that something normally considered essential...ie ammunition...is in this case missing. We see the same basic idea in the phrase 'dry-stone wall'. This does not imply that wet stones can't be used, but just that mortar is absent.

[Clanad]

Good morning Q!... the phrase is often used here in the U.S., primarily to advise against it's use. A "dry fired" fierarm (either a long gun or handgun) means to actually pull the trigger on a cocked piece when no round of ammunition is in the firing chamber. The problem is that many firearms can be damaged when dry fired. The firing pin that strikes the rear of the round and thereby igniting the primer which in turn ignites the rapid burning powder charge is not meant to strike an empty chamber.... There would be no discharge from a dry fired gun and, I suspect, since there is no issuance of a bullet it's considered "dry". Somewhat synonymous with the phrase "Dry run" when practicing some skill without actually manipulating whatever is being used...

[scotman]

Further to Clanad's posting, I only heard this recently as well. It was in an episode of CSI Miami. I imagine it is similar to 'dry run'

[Quizmonster]

Hi, C! We all seem to be pretty much agreed here; namely that the key element - whatever it may be in varying situations - is not present in current circumstances.

[lankeela]

Could it be anything to do with the phrase 'keep your powder dry' used in relation to guns, but meaning don't fly off the handle and let people know what you are planning?