1911 Firing Pin Question

[hrb02]

Ok,

So I'm reading an article today and the author was talking about the fact that the 1911 has an "inertial" firing pin. I'm thinking, "Great, another learning opportunity."

So, please help me learn. What is an "inertial" firing pin? Is there another type of firing pin? Multiple other types?

As always, thank you in advance for sharing your collective knowledge.

HRB

 

[LHB1]

HRB,
If you let a 1911 pistol hammer down to the frame gently, the firing pin is too short to protrude beyond the breech face and hit the primer. It must be driven forward by the hammer fall and then use the "inertia" of its forward progress to push forward enough to impact/detonate the primer.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[hrb02]

LHB,

Makes perfect sense. Thanks!

HRB