I discussed in one thread that I think the C&S pin is the better pin due to a longer reach and the way is it cut it can travel further than the XP. The C&S pin is also more flat like a stock pin as opposed to the XPs pointed tip.

I think the Apex is an improvement over OEM due to the slightly extended cutout that allows a bit more travel, but for problematic guns or very light springs I would certainly opt for the C&S.

I figured I'd post some pics so folks can make up their own minds.

Top to bottom - C&S, Apex XP, OEM


C&S Pin


Apex XP


OEM Pin

Attached Images

	C_S Apex and OEM pins.jpg (56.6 KB, 175 views)
	Cyl and Slide.jpg (69.1 KB, 172 views)
	Apex XP.jpg (77.5 KB, 172 views)
	OEM pin.jpg (75.0 KB, 174 views)

M629 with OEM pin


M29 Classic with Apex XP


M629 with C&S pin

Attached Images

	OEM pin M629.jpg (51.9 KB, 169 views)
	Apex XP M29.jpg (59.3 KB, 167 views)
	C_S pin M629.jpg (48.7 KB, 167 views)

Very interesting. The C&S appears to stick out a lot further.
Have you many rounds on the C&S, no punctures?

I've only had it just over a week so I have not actually fired the C&S yet, but in my research I have not seen any reports of punctures. I was looking at some of my old guns with hammer mounted pins last night and they look longer than either the OEM or Apex pins, so I'm not worried about punctures at this point, especially since I'm using lighter than stock springs with these C&S pins.

I agree with dr. mordo's observations.

I've not had any troubles with pierced primers from the C&S firing pins. I use them in several models & load CCI primers exclusively.

I posted these pics before but the older APEX XP firing pin was better than the later/current model, IMO, which is why I use the C&S firing pin in revolvers that need a longer firing pin now.

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S&W firing pin in 325TR with 45ACP brass
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APEX XP firing pin in 325TR with 45ACP brass
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C&S firing pin in 325TR with 45ACP brass
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Waiting for the break of day

Be sure to use snap caps when dry firing after installing the C&S firing pins.
The pin can break during dry firing if they are unsupported. There is a note on their order page concerning this recommendation.

CS0188 - S&W Extra Length Firing Pin for New Style J - K - L -N Revolvers - Cylinder & Slide - Handguns parts and accessories

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Which OEM firing pin are you using for this comparison?

There was at least one change to the factory firing pin over the many years that it has been in use

Additionally, I have a bag with 25 of the current OEM firing pins in it and the lengths vary. I can not recall the OAL range off the top of my head and currently they are still packed from my move

That pin is from a recent manufacture gun, I believe my M629 Deluxe that I bought brand new in early 2018.

Good info about the different pins - I had no idea.

The shortest firing pin I have found reliable is .495, also the longest S&W ones I have ever seen. Many factory ones are .480 to .490. I prefer one in the .500 to .505 length. There are many variations in the guns and ammo that make an extra length firing pin desirable.

I originally came up with the extra length firing pin and licensed it to Cylinder and Slide. Soon after, Apex and others were making their versions. There was never a patent filed, so no one is infringing, it's all public domain, anyone is free to make them.

Over the years there have been a number of variations in the OEM firing pins for the frame mounted firing pin revolvers. Both the shape of the tip and the length have varied.

Ten years ago or more, there were problems with excessively short firing pins, but as far as I know, those problems have been resolved.

I believe the nominal length of the factory firing pins is .495, plus or minus a couple of thousandths. I bought several spares about three years ago, and they were all in this range, and they work fine. I have not used them up yet, so I have not sampled the more recent production.

Based on commentary in previous discussions on this forum, I use .492 as my threshold for factory firing pins. If I find one shorter than that, I replace it. I have gotten good results using OEM firing pins that are at least .492 in length.

Not long ago I purchased a 325TR & a 327TRR8 (PC revolvers). Both had light primer strikes & FTFs. S&W seems to have two length firing pins they're installing.

Some factory S&W firing pins run .485"-.490" long & are the ones likely to cause a problem (**). Their others run .495"-.499" & have been fine for me. The two factory S&W F/Ps I recently ordered from MidwayUSA were .498" long & had the broad rounded nose.


(**): Previously I pulled the sideplate off of several of my other S&W revolvers (to add reduced power rebound slide springs) & checked their F/Ps while in there. A couple had .486", .489" long F/Ps. Those guns have over a thousand rounds thru each & never had a misfire, or light strike, in them.

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It's my opinion, beyond an obviously too short FP, that little differences in gross headspace clearances can add up to make one gun more likely to experience light strike over another of the same model.

Also, some brass have slightly shallower primer pockets than others and with the primers firmly seated to the bottom some will be ~.001-.002" below flush. Another brand, with slightly deeper pockets, maybe be ~.008-.010" below flush, when firmly seated.

Combine the three, marginal FP length, a little extra gross headspace, & deep primer pockets, some guns are just more reliable with an extra length FP.

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Waiting for the break of day