With firearms, certain parts get all the recognition for their contributions to the firing sequence. Parts like the trigger, hammer, sear and firing pin remain at the forefront of conversation. But if it were not for parts like the 1911 firing pin stop, the firing sequence would never take place.
Just as table setters and table clearers are very important to winning a baseball game, both the firing pin stop and the firing pin are significant components of the firing sequence. The M1911 is one of the most well-designed pistols that has ever been produced and there is a reason that its design has remained largely unchanged in its over 100 year history. Every part is integral to the design and operation.
So what does a firing pin stop actually do? In any pistol that utilizes a hammer as opposed to a striker-firing system, the firing pin stop is one of the most vital components. The firing pin is responsible for striking the cartridge primer, thus completing the firing sequence. This is achieved after the trigger is pulled, which acts on the sear and releases a spring-loaded hammer. The hammer then falls on the firing pin, which allows it to strike the primer. The firing pin stop is a small plate that holds the end of the firing pin in its recess. It also serves the function of preventing over travel of the firing pin. In the 1911, the firing pin stop is located in the rear portion of the slide between the firing pin and the hammer. This newly manufactured part was manufactured to mil-spec 1911 specifications and features a black oxide finish. Note that a wide variety of the 1911 firing pins exist. Ours is designed specifically for mil-spec pistols.
Spare parts are an important consideration when it comes to firearms. Like any machine, firearms rely on a series of parts to function properly, especially all components that impact the firing sequence. In general, if a part breaks or fails, a repair or replacement becomes necessary immediately – not only to keep a firearm functioning properly but also to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
It is also important to consider availability. At this time, Keepshooting.com is seeking to provide our customers with a wide selection of replacement parts for the M1911 pistol. Several parts are now readily available on our website at an affordable price. If you have any need for spare parts, now would be a good time to take advantage of this offering.
Though the firing pin stop is not the most common part on the M1911 pistol to experience wear, keeping replacement parts of all sorts on hand is generally a good idea.
