This is fascinating stuff to me. I've been a frequent contributor to the revolver threads over the past couple of years. I presently own six Smith revolvers, old and new, and love everything about them. And, up until recently, I knew next to nothing about semiautos. I had convinced myself that they just weren't my thing.
That, as it turns out, is because nearly all of my experiences with semiautos were with my friends' polymer framed striker fired guns, including Glocks, Springfields, Rugers, and Smith M & Ps. Some of them worked quite well for me. For example, I discovered that I could shoot a Ruger SR9 as well as I could shoot any of my revolvers. But, none of them really held much charm.
Then, a few weeks ago, someone introduced me to a 1911. For me it was instant love. So much so that I immediately purchased a Smith 1911. The gun has been more than satisfactory. No offense to my beloved revolvers, but this gun is something else! However, I've begun to discover that, since all 1911s are built on essentially identical designs, manufacturers try to distinguish their products with little things that may or may not add to the utility, the performance, or the accuracy of the gun.
I'm getting the feeling that, perhaps, a titanium firing pin falls into this category. It's something that may or may not enhance the gun's performance but, if it does, it's extremely subjective. Meanwhile, it gives Smith the opportunity to say that it's producing something with bells and whistles that not every manufacturer has.
Btw, now that I've fallen in love with 1911s I'm really anxious to learn more. And, probably, to buy more as well. I'm really intrigued with the idea of getting one in 9mm . . . .
