Been reading about guys that have dry fired their Excaliburs for a few years now. Just read about one who dry fired his without any problems, only to have his limb crack 20 or so shots later. Be careful. I'm sure it's just a matter of time till it happens to me. I did leave my thumb up and had the string wack it.WOW did that hurt. Think i would rather dry fire my Exocet than go through that again. Good luck to you this season.