RE: Gun Question
No. Unless the gun has some inherent problem or weakness, it should cause no problem. I wouldn't advise anyone to do it repeatedly , like say, hundreds of times per year, but even that is not supposed to be a problem on a gun in good condition. many shooters practice getting a feel for thier triggers through dry firing. If you're worried get some snap caps.
Rimfires rifles are another story altogether, as are all pistols.