Use of red blanks?

[SoupDragon]

I have sent for a new Dummy launcher, I only previously used them with a group. How detrimental is the occasional use of the long-range blanks to its working lifespan? Something not to worry about? use sparingly? or not at all? I sent for the banks already and had a good deal on 3 boxes (each colour) but Now I'm wondering if I should use the red blanks. Any advice gratefully received.

[munstyman]

The dummy launcher should be proofed if its from a reputable company so the `red blanks' shouldn't cause any undue wear and tear. However the same can't be said for your wrists if its a hand held launcher
The O ring is about the only wear and tear item on the launcher, however a few years back I do remember the end of some dummies being blown through being reported. Whether this was poor manufacturing or general degradation of the plastic and how it was stored, I do not know.
Best accessory is the shoulder stock if your going to use it a lot.

[SoupDragon]

Thanks for the reply. just what i wanted to know. Ive sent for the Lucky 2 launcher which has a stock. If anyone is in the process of thinking of buying I had it off Dog and Field for £171 (10% discount code) which was significantly cheaper than anything else out there.

[Judy]

I've been training gun dogs for 30+ years and never used a dummy launcher, not sure I see the point of them? Folks must use them as there's many on the market but I find my dogs don't like the noise they make. Mind you, I train on my own a lot, I suspect they are better used with someone else operating them for you. Which is a roundabout way of saying please be careful how you introduce the launcher to your dog, some hate the noise they make.

[PRH]

I went somewhere the other week and they had a remote control 3 or 4 dummy launcher, it was great. Nice not to be near it, the bang is unpleasant.