Hammer/Firing Pin question on my S&W 36

[craig101]

Hi,

I have a question on my S&W 36. I was doing all the revolver tests that was posted above and I noticed my "firing pin" moves. the pin that actually strikes the primer, not the hammer. i can move it up and down. i never looked at this on my S&W 13, so i don't know if this is normal or not?

so should my firing pin be able to move? or should i take it to a smith asap?

thanks

Craig

 

[caseydog]

The hammer mounted firing pins are meant to pivot on the rivet (?) , this keeps the firing pin in line with the hole (pin bushing) in the frame as the hammer moves thru it's arc. Some models have a spring behind the pin and others don't. No problem in the gun. Ray

 

[Ala Dan]

Ray nailed it; as its perfectly normal.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Jim K]

Many moons ago, S&W put a tiny coil spring behind the hammer nose, but that proved unnecessary and it was dropped about 1910.

The main reason for the hammer nose pivoting is so it will strike the primer straight on rather than coming down at an angle as it would it were fixed, and as they were on older revolvers. If you watch the hammer nose coming through the frame, it appears to be a straight drive striker.

This prevents the hammer nose from "tearing" the primer and causing erratic ignition.

Jim

 

[caseydog]

Many moons ago, S&W put a tiny coil spring behind the hammer nose, but that proved unnecessary and it was dropped about 1910.

My 29-4 , circa 1989 definately has a spring loaded nose , my 14-2 does not , go figure. Ray

 

[ruger357]

Same here. My1979 M66 has the spring but my 1947 M&P does not.