My otherwise faithful model 457 .45acp pistol exhibited several light primer strikes today at the range. Examination showed a fairly deep, almost dead center hit with no smudging indicating lack of locking by the slide.

My course of fixing this would be in this order, with testing between each stage:

1. complete cleaning
2. replacement of firing pin spring
3. examination and possible replacement of firing pin (provided I can find one)

Is there anything else I should be considering? Replacement of hammer spring?

Light firing pin strikes would not be an indication of a faulty firing pin spring, or firing pin.

First step is a thorough cleaning, as you wrote.

If light strikes continue, I would install a new main spring (hammer spring).

Don't forget to remove the firing pin & spring and clean/flush out the firing pin's tunnel. They get dirt & shavings in them.

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Waiting for the break of day

What brand ammo?

Do you consider this to be indicative of a light hit?

Or, are you talking about failures-to-fire with deep primer cup hits?

Light strikes would make me inclined to check the firing pin channel for crud & debris. Excessive application of cleaning solvents/CLP's over time can let them migrate to the FP channel, where they can attract fouling, debris, metal shavings, etc, eventually interfering with the normal freedom of movement of the FP. I've "repaired" many older S&W 3rd gen guns exhibiting actual light-strike issues by simply removing the firing pin & firing pin spring and cleaning the channel, and then telling the users/owners to keep them dry from now on.

Normal hits on primers and failures-to-fire would make me inclined to consider an ammunition issue.

So, what ammo was being used at the time?

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

The ammunition was Sellier & Bellot 230 gr. ball. I didn't have another brand to compare, but the same ammunition all ignited just fine in a Colt Officer's Model I also had with me.

I wonder if I am just the victim of plain old hard primers.

ETA: having just watched a Youtube video on removing the safety on third gen pistols, and especially after Fastbolt's recommendation above, it certainly seems a firing pin / channel / spring cleaning would be an excellent thing to do.

Always go with the easiest, most likely simple 'cause" first.

Cleaning costs nothing.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Just as an update, I replaced the hammer spring, took the slide apart and cleaned it well. The firing pin and its channel were, as predicted, pretty gummy. Replaced the firing pin spring, put everything back together, and now it works beautifully.

Thanks to all for your suggestions, and especially the input from Mr. Fastbolt. I hardly ever read his posts without learning something.

Glad it worked out.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer