Gunsmithing Firing pin lifespan

[DAVID1989]

Had the firing pin on my Stiller tac30 snap tonight during dry fire practice. Was wondering what you guys were seeing for a typical lifespan. It only had 388 rounds but I dry fire a lot. Id already planned on getting a spare but didn't think it'd break this soon. Also, any tools I'll need to install it? I field strip it using the shoe lace method. Guessing I'll need an actual firing pin tool? Not bashing them either lol just to head that off before someone says it.

 

[Sheldon N]

I've broken a couple both probably somewhere between 5k and 10k dry fire cycles, two different manufacturers. The latest one seems to be going strong with no issues, probably also north of 10k dry fires and 2k live rounds. My guess is that there are some which are prone to breaking, then those which will last and last.

I'd call Stiller and tell them what happened, my guess is they fix it for free given how new the action is.

 

[DAVID1989]

I've broken a couple both probably somewhere between 5k and 10k dry fire cycles, two different manufacturers. The latest one seems to be going strong with no issues, probably also north of 10k dry fires and 2k live rounds. My guess is that there are some which are prone to breaking, then those which will last and last.

I'd call Stiller and tell them what happened, my guess is they fix it for free given how new the action is.

Yeah I've got an email in to them and the builder. I think they'll take care of me. But in all fairness I've probably got 10k worth of dry fires on it so I'm not really upset about it from that perspective. We'll see what they say though. Just wanted a rough estimate of what other folks were seeing.

 

[DAVID1989]

So I emailed accurate ordinance about it and the owner replied first thing this morning. He putting one in the mail today for no charge. So as usual their customer service was awesome

 

[B y r o n]

When you guys are dry firing are you using Snap Caps? The resistance these offer may help prevent future breakage.

 

[Sheldon N]

When you guys are dry firing are you using Snap Caps? The resistance these offer may help prevent future breakage.

The thought of loading tens of thousands of snap caps into magazines is not appealing at all. I'd rather pay for firing pins.

 

[DAVID1989]

Yeah I don't use them either. Agree that they're more of an annoyance than anything and I've never heard of a need on centerfires

 

[B y r o n]

To each their own. I can only draw from my experience and I have not had a firing pin failure while using them.

It would be interesting to see some photos of the failed firing pins to try and determine why they failed, what part of the firing pin failed.

 

[Sheldon N]

The thinnest part of the tip breaks off, usually right where it meets the thicker firing pin body. You don’t usually notice it until you get to the range and your first round goes “click”. That’s why I carry a spare firing pin and shroud assembly.

 

[DAVID1989]

Here's a pic of mine. The piece went into lug recess and I couldn't close the bolt. Otherwise I wouldn't have known.