1873 firing pin

[Sturwilh]

Can someone tell me if there was a second, very slightly different, version of the earliest (with return spring) firing pin? Thanks!

[Fred]

There is an experimental one that was used on at least one of the very first 1868 rifles made. I believe that the later design of 1868 firing pin was identical to the first 1873 firing pin. The experimental firing pin is a unique design that won't work in later rifles. I'll try to post a photo of it.
How is the one you're referring to designed?

[Fred]

The proposed design of firing pin and breech block on 1868 rifle number 6 that wasn't adopted compared to the breech block and firing pin on 1868 rifle number 127 which Was adopted for production and I think was also used on the early 1873's. Somebody please correct me if I'm not correct.

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40235&stc=1

[Fred]

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40237&stc=1

[Fred]

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40238&stc=1

[Fred]

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40239&stc=1

[Fred]

The uniquely designed breech block of rifle number 6.

http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40241&stc=1

[Sturwilh]

It's interesting to get a glimpse of how the firing pins evolved. I'll soon post a couple pictures of the variations I was asking about, I believe I have the answer to the original question posted above. What I learned is probably common knowledge to lots of folks on this forum but I'm still learning. Thank you Fred!

[45govt]

Hello

If you go to volume 1 issue 1 of the Trapdoor Newsletter you can see an article on an experimental breech block and firing pin that appears to be a hybrid of a Kelton and Buffington firing pin system

This is in Tom Trevor's collection and I hope he doesn't yell at me for posting this snip of the article.:wave:

[Fred]

That's Very interesting! Thanks for sharing that.

[Fred]

http://www.jouster.com/forums/webkit-fake-url://a8788307-efe8-4d30-8307-bc9c0308aad9/imagejpeg

[Sturwilh]

My original question probably wasn't phrased correctly but I found my answer by comparing a firing pin from my "old 1873 carbine" with one I just purchased on-line.

The biggest difference I found was that the old pin offers a larger surface to be struck by the hammer. Also, the shaft of the newer pin is a very slightly smaller diameter and is not at all tapered.

Is it normal for the tips of the early steel firing pins in normal use to distort like in the last photo?

[Dick Hosmer]

The difference in coning the end is the only one of which I'm aware during that early period, and I'm not sure there was any intended sequence to it. Since the fatter one prevailed, I'd think that the pointy one came first. I do know that I have never seen a pointed one in a late gun. As to taperin the shaft, I do not believe any was intended. And, as to the buggered tip, no, that is not common - my guess would be that someone dug at it or beat on it at a time when the pin may have been stuck.

[Sturwilh]

The difference in coning the end is the only one of which I'm aware during that early period, and I'm not sure there was any intended sequence to it. Since the fatter one prevailed, I'd think that the pointy one came first. I do know that I have never seen a pointed one in a late gun. As to taperin the shaft, I do not believe any was intended. And, as to the buggered tip, no, that is not common - my guess would be that someone dug at it or beat on it at a time when the pin may have been stuck.

Dick, thanks for your thoughts about the earliest firing pins. The damage to the tip of my "fatter" firing pin sure seems to be evidence of careless, brute force removal. Thanks!