apex ignition firing pin for 442

skorittnig · Dec 18, 2010

Hi guys,

I'm not usually one to exchange springs and such on a carry gun- but I was wondering if anyone has reliable info. regarding replacement of the stock 442 firing pin, with one of extended length from Apex. I am referring to the ignition model (for reliability), and not the competition model.

Is this good/bad/indifferent?

Thanks

LubeckTech · Dec 18, 2010

I have put extended pins in my lightened S&W competition revolvers with good results - they eliminated the occaisional misfires I was having.
In my opinion Mr Lee at Apex makes great products - I have his Hard sear in my M&P 40 and the Competition AEK in my M&P 9L and love them. I would trust their products. Personally I would probably not change the pin in a stock S&W revolver unless I was having a problem or seen/heard of other 442 having problems. If you do go with the pin make sure you use snap caps for dry fire.

bountyhunter · Dec 18, 2010

skorittnig said:
Hi guys,

I'm not usually one to exchange springs and such on a carry gun- but I was wondering if anyone has reliable info. regarding replacement of the stock 442 firing pin, with one of extended length from Apex. I am referring to the ignition model (for reliability), and not the competition model.

Is this good/bad/indifferent?

Thanks

Unless there is something wrong with the stock firing pin, putting in a longer one will do nothing for increased ignition energy. When the C+S extended firing pins first came out years ago, I did measurements on several of my 66 comp guns and found absolutely no gain compared to titanium stock pins. I brought my trigger gauge to the range and backed the strain screw out very gradually to find the "light strike" point then measured DA pull. Installed the longer pins and repeated tests. same for both types of firing pins.

There were a few defective stock SW pins that got out way back when, but their fix is to put in a good stock pin.

IMHO, longer pins do nothing. Reduced mass pins MIGHT, but the SW titanium pins are already reduced mass compared to steel and work very well. I am sure the Apex pins are good quality, I just don't think they will give more striking energy. In use, the primer stops the forward travel of the firing pin and both pins are long enough to give the primer a good strike.

Fastbolt · Dec 18, 2010

As an owner, user and armorer I'm of the general opinion "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I haven't had an ignition problem with any of my J-frames, nor has anyone I know who carries one brought one to my attention for an "ignition problem".

skorittnig · Dec 18, 2010

Many thanks guys!

apex ignition firing pin for 442

skorittnig

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