Where can I get a titanium firing pin?

[BigGunsMoreFun]

I recently purchased a very nice (almost new) French MAS 49/56 rifle. It looks to be all original.

I have been told by more than one person that due to the configuration of the bolt and the heavy duty firing pin that these rifles are prone to slamfires. It was recommended that I use old military surplus ammo since the primers are much harder than in commercial ammo. I'd love to do that but there is very little surplus 7.5x54mm French surplus ammo around. What real, military surplus ammo that is around is over $1.00 per round and considered a collectors item not ammo that you go out and shoot.

Another suggestion which sounds like a better option to me is to buy a titanium firing pin for the rifle. The thought is that a light yet still strong firing pin will not fall forward inside the bolt and hit the primer on soft, commercial ammo and if it does, it is not heavy enough to set off the primer.

There is no return spring on this firing pin in the bolt assembly so that is not an option. I figure this has probably been discussed before and I have searched the archives. None of the old links to this type of firing pin work any more. I have googled looking for this type of firing pin with no luck. There are plenty of old, original (NOS) firing pins out there but I have yet to find a titanium one. :banghead:

Does anyone know where I can get a titanium firing pin for a French MAS 49/56? Please don't waste my time with wise ass comments like "How many times do you want to cover this? Search the archives." or "Why don't you google it yourself." I have already done that.

I'm looking for useful answers here. If the answer is that I can't get them any more, so be it but please, let's get there without lowbrow commentary.

Thanks.

Molon Labe,
Joe

 

[Onmilo]

You should be aware that French ammunition is also known to occasionally pop primers.
Pop a primer and jet hot gas and flame back into the firing pin port with a titanium firing pin in place and the titanium pin will ignite and fuse itself into the firing pin port.

This is probably something you don't want to experience with a MAS rifle.

I know of no one who makes a titanium pin and offers it commercially for a MAS but any skilled machinist could turn one out if you really want one and are prepared to pay for it.

 

[Vaarok]

Take the firing pin and blunt it very slightly, so there's more surface area to the tip.

McCann enterprises sells titanium firing pins, but I've never heard they work any better than steel.

You're gonna love your rifle. I love mine. Best MBR ever made.

 

[BigGunsMoreFun]

Thanks folks

I never thought about the popped primer and fused titanium firing pin. Thanks for bringing that up.

I think I'll try the flattening of the firing pin and see if that helps. If not maybe I'll take a few thousandths off the firing pin or try to get a return spring inside the bolt around that firing pin.

If I get anything to work properly I'll post it here for others to use at their own risk of course.

Molon Labe,
Joe