1911 Newbie Question

[jesseatamez]

So...

Have been considering a 1911, I know they have never had hammer mounted firing pins like our beloved S&W revolvers but I'm wondersing why? Just curious if any of our forum members can give me a definitive answer.

Many Thanks

 

[Jswiney9]

not to sound like a smart alec or anything but the answer is only because John Moses Browning didnt design them that way.

 

[lawman90]

It just wouldn't work with the design of a semi automatic handgun. The breach would have to be right at the back end of the slide where the hammer strikes it, making for a very uncomfortably positioned grip no doubt as well. Structural integrity might not be the best either for the slide.

 

[jesseatamez]

I see lawman, I appreciate your quick and courteous response based on facts. Another reason I asked was that I recall seeing in a hammer mounted firing pin in an early semi auto (like early 20th century Euro hardware) if memory serves. Thought it was unique and just wondered about it now that I'm about to dive into 1911s.

One other thing, these insanely expensive Karl Lippard guns, are they the real deal? This question is for anyone with experience. The guy sounds on point from an engineering standpoint, vacuum arc remelt S7 tool steel seems to be one hell of a material. But, 400 yard accuracy claims out of a 45ACP just kills all the credibility he gained from his material choice and fitting standards. Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[handgunner356]

I can't recall a hammer mounted firing pin on any semi-auto. As the slide recoils across the face of the hammer to cock it, that would be hard to have the pin sticking up on it. The 45acp will travel 400 yards no doubt, figure in the right arch and you should come up with some sort of group.

 

[Pote]

post above beat me to it. Technically and Physically impossible. The rearward motion of the slide would shear of anything on the hammer....more likely the hammer/protrusion would all together stop the rearward travel of the slide. not to mention, the firing pin would have to be inches long.