Author Topic: Light Primer Strike  (Read 1859 times)

Offline regalka

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Light Primer Strike
« on: January 21, 2010, 12:10:48 PM »
Has anyone had difficulties with light primer strikes with an R-9 and Fiocchi 115g ammo?  I've never had a problem before with the R-9 and any other type ammo.  Also, what is the procedure to remove the firing pin/spring for cleaning, or must that be done at the factory?
Thanks,
Ron

Offline Writer_Ron

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Re: Light Primer Strike
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2010, 08:07:59 PM »
Quote
Has anyone had difficulties with light primer strikes with an R-9 and Fiocchi 115g ammo?  I've never had a problem before with the R-9 and any other type ammo.  Also, what is the procedure to remove the firing pin/spring for cleaning, or must that be done at the factory?
Thanks,
Ron

I had no difficulty with Fiocchi 115g ammo last week.

However, all of the cases I recovered (Fiocchi + three other brands), SEEMED TO have relatively shallow primer strikes. (So did the two fired cases that came with my new R9s. These were Federal cartridges, which are supposed to have the softest primers.)

I say "SEEMED TO," because when I used a magnifier to compare the R9s shells with casings ejected by other 9mm pistols, the strike depths looked similar (I don't have a gauge to measure them), but the R9's strike circle looked considerably smaller.

Has anyone on the Forum done a true comparison?

I peeked at the tip of the R9's firing pin (by pushing the back forward against the return spring). It appears to have a smaller diameter than the pins of my other automatics, but a comparable length. The return spring tension also felt comparable to other pistols.

If this unscientific analysis is true -- the "light primer strikes" may actually be "narrow primer strikes." Some brands of ammo may require a more energetic strike.

I wouldn't attempt to remove the firing pin, but it's easy to check for dirt and crud at the front and rear. Many (most) manufactures recommend against oiling the firing pin, on the theory that the oil can attract gunk and prevent easy movement.

Ron






Offline tracker

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Re: Light Primer Strike
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2010, 08:23:52 PM »

Ron,
I think you summarized the problem with your comment about some brands of ammo requiring a more energetic strike. This issue seems to center around hard primers such as S&B and some other foreign brands.
Some small .9mm pistols, the R9 included, tend to make light strikes on these hard primers and in some cases a failure to fire.
I had a light primer strike and a FTF yesterday on 1 round of Hornady Critical Defense ammo which has been discussed at length on this forum.
This box appeared to be Winchester primers instead of the S&B that they occasionally push on us. I have decided not to fire any more Hornady in the R9.

Offline tquieng

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Re: Light Primer Strike
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2010, 09:35:58 PM »
I had light strike before due to me oiling the firing pin--do not put oil due to the oil can act as a shock absorber and slow the firing pin.  Keep the pin very dry.