How does a striker fired gun differ from a hammered gun?

[TargetTerror]

I understand how a gun fired via hammer works, as it is all exposed and visually makes sense. But I realized today I have no idea how a striker fired gun operates. What is going on inside of the gun?

Does anyone know of any diagrams that show what is going on? (I'm thinking of something along the lines of www.howstufffworks.com, but any visual would be appreciated)

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A striker is merely a firing pin that is retracted and released by spring tension only, instead of having to be struck by a hammer.

Here is an exploded view of a typical Glock: http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=2440z17

 

[Autolycus]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=290884

Check that thread.

 

[wes]

I only own one striker fired handgun, a Glock Model 30. It is my understanding that the striker is partially cocked be the action of the slide moving back to chamber a round. The trigger bar completes the backward motion of the striker as you pull the trigger. When the striker reaches it's farthest position, the trigger bar moves down and releases the striker. The Striker is propelled into the primer by the striker spring. The trigger being retracted by shooter's finger also disengages the drop safety (a safety that locks the striker in place while not being disengaged by trigger depression preventing contact with the primer in the event of a sharp blow) allowing the striker to fire the round.

 

[Bobo]

Hammer (STI (1911 type)):
http://www.m1911.org/loader.swf

Striker (Glock):
http://www.sniperworld.com/glock/

Click on each of the "Split" boxes.

 

[Odd Job]

Thanks Bobo, those are interesting animations!

 

[lee n. field]

only own one striker fired handgun, a Glock Model 30. It is my understanding that the striker is partially cocked be the action of the slide moving back to chamber a round.

For the Glock, yes. That is not necessarily true for other striker fired guns. For the Springfield XD, for instance, the striker is under full tension. Pulling the trigger only releases the sear.