Dry Fire a Lot? Check your Firing Pin Retainer

Sharpsdressed Man · December 8, 2011, 04:13 PM

Just noticed the firing pin retaining plate on my Browning Hi Power had a crack in it. This has happened to me several times over the years with my 1911's, probably from dry firing along with regular shooting. Not a big deal if discovered, as they usually just split from the FP hole to the edge, not completely through both sides to break off. If discovered, just replace with another. I did have one 1911 many years ago that somewhat flattened the rear stub of the firing pin (apparently, the firing pin was not hardened properly) enough that it wedged in the FP retainer plate, and would not function, so it is not a bad idea to see if your firing pin is being misshapen or deficient, and clean the FP channel. This has been a friendly reminder to help you keep your guns running.

drail · December 8, 2011, 04:33 PM

Agreed. Dry firing should not do any more damage than live firing but it will increase the rate and speed of wear. And occassionaly you do get a pin or pin retainer/stop that was not hardened properly. (too hard too soft). Have spares on hand for all your guns. You just have to get into a habit of looking for this stuff. On revolvers screws like to get loose on you.

Coltman 77 · December 8, 2011, 06:13 PM

That's why AZoom makes snap caps. Check 'em out.

Therealkoop · December 8, 2011, 06:25 PM

I dont think it would matter on a BHP if you used a snapcap or not.

C0untZer0 · December 8, 2011, 06:27 PM

For SA designs, A-Zoom. For striker fired pistols, Tipton SnapCaps.

Sharpsdressed Man · December 8, 2011, 06:51 PM

The rear of the firing pin and firing pin retainer are going to get wear from the hammer strike regardless of whether you use snap caps or not, right?

December 8, 2011, 04:13 PM	#1
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	Dry Fire a Lot? Check your Firing Pin Retainer Just noticed the firing pin retaining plate on my Browning Hi Power had a crack in it. This has happened to me several times over the years with my 1911's, probably from dry firing along with regular shooting. Not a big deal if discovered, as they usually just split from the FP hole to the edge, not completely through both sides to break off. If discovered, just replace with another. I did have one 1911 many years ago that somewhat flattened the rear stub of the firing pin (apparently, the firing pin was not hardened properly) enough that it wedged in the FP retainer plate, and would not function, so it is not a bad idea to see if your firing pin is being misshapen or deficient, and clean the FP channel. This has been a friendly reminder to help you keep your guns running.

December 8, 2011, 04:33 PM	#2
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	Agreed. Dry firing should not do any more damage than live firing but it will increase the rate and speed of wear. And occassionaly you do get a pin or pin retainer/stop that was not hardened properly. (too hard too soft). Have spares on hand for all your guns. You just have to get into a habit of looking for this stuff. On revolvers screws like to get loose on you.

December 8, 2011, 06:13 PM	#3
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	That's why AZoom makes snap caps. Check 'em out.

December 8, 2011, 06:25 PM	#4
Therealkoop Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2010 Posts: 285	I dont think it would matter on a BHP if you used a snapcap or not.

December 8, 2011, 06:27 PM	#5
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	For SA designs, A-Zoom. For striker fired pistols, Tipton SnapCaps.

December 8, 2011, 06:51 PM	#6
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	The rear of the firing pin and firing pin retainer are going to get wear from the hammer strike regardless of whether you use snap caps or not, right?