Tipton vs A-Zoom Snap Caps, We Ask Grok To Give Us A Comparison

Snap caps are always very handy when wanting to dry fire your weapons without doing nay damage to them. There are two brands out there that people probably know very well, Tipton and A-Zoom. So now the only question left is, what's the difference? Grok is going to help us with that, but before we do that let's see a couple of options. We decided to go with 9mm for both so that we know we're comparing apples to apples.

Below is the Tipton 9mm pistol snap caps pack of 5. Currently on Amazon for only $19.62 and it has a 4.6 star score on over 11,000 ratings.

Next we have the A-zoom 9mm snap caps pack of 5. Currently on Amazon for only $19.19 and it has a 4.6 star score on over 8,600 ratings.

On face both listings seem pretty much the same as far as the big three of price, score, and ratings amount. We ran it through Grok and got some good stuff returned. What stood out to us is that because of the material A-zoom should be more expensive, but in what we are seeing all the prices seem to be comparable. In which case then the tie breaker goes to A-zoom because its material is more durable than the Tipton plastic.

For the full Grok analysis you can read it below:

Tipton Snap Caps:

• Material: Often made with a plastic body and a brass or spring-loaded "primer" for cushioning the firing pin.

• Durability: Generally less durable than A-Zoom; some users report flaking paint or the primer getting dented relatively quickly, though they can still last for many dry fires.

• Performance: Works well for training and drills, especially in handguns. Some users prefer them for their function in specific firearms like SIGs. However, certain models (e.g., translucent plastic with springs) may jam in some guns.

• Cost: Typically inexpensive, making them a budget-friendly option.

• Caliber Availability: Covers popular calibers like 9mm, .38 Special, .45 ACP, but may not have as broad a range as A-Zoom.

• Best For: Casual dry-fire practice, trigger pull testing, and budget-conscious users.

A-Zoom Snap Caps:

• Material: Precision CNC-machined from solid aluminum with a hard-anodized finish for smooth functioning. Features a durable "Dead Cap" (hard plastic primer insert) to absorb firing pin strikes.

• Durability: Highly durable, rated for up to 3,000 dry fires per cap. Some users report wear (e.g., finish scraping or rim damage) after extensive cycling, but they last significantly longer than plastic snap caps.

• Performance: Excellent for training, function testing, and safe decocking. Simulates real ammo weight well (especially in 12-gauge) and feeds reliably in most firearms, though some note occasional feeding issues in specific guns.

• Cost: More expensive than Tipton but considered a premium option due to durability and quality.

• Caliber Availability: Extensive range, over 100 calibers, including niche ones, from .22 Hornet to .50 BMG.

• Best For: Serious dry-fire training, long-term use, and users needing a wide variety of calibers.

Key Differences:

• Durability: A-Zoom lasts longer (30x longer than plastic snap caps per manufacturer claims) and is better for heavy use. Tipton is more prone to wear but still functional for casual use.

• Material Quality: A-Zoom’s aluminum construction feels more premium and robust compared to Tipton’s plastic and brass combo.

• Price vs. Value: Tipton is cheaper and good for occasional use, while A-Zoom’s higher cost is justified for frequent dry-fire or professional training.

• Reliability: A-Zoom generally has fewer reported issues with jamming or breaking, though Tipton performs well in specific contexts.

Recommendation:

• Choose Tipton if you’re on a budget or need snap caps for occasional dry-fire practice with common calibers.

• Choose A-Zoom if you prioritize durability, need a wider caliber selection, or plan to do extensive dry-fire training.

Both are solid, but A-Zoom is widely regarded as the more durable and versatile option, while Tipton offers good value for less intensive use.

NOTE: All price and review info is based on the time of posting. The numbers may have changed since the creation of this article. Don't forget to always research everything yourself before you buy it, don't just take our word for it. All links to Amazon on this page are part of the Associates program which gives us commissions, thanks for your support!

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