strikerfired

Striker-fired refers to a type of firing mechanism used in many modern semi-automatic pistols, in which a spring-loaded firing pin (the striker) is held under tension and released by the trigger to strike the cartridge primer, initiating ignition. Unlike hammer-fired designs, there is no external hammer that must be cocked.

In operation, the trigger movement cocks or holds the striker, and then releases it to move forward under spring pressure. The striker strikes the primer, igniting the powder and firing the round. After discharge, the striker is reset by the firearm’s mechanism for subsequent shots, typically returning to a pre-tensioned or partially cocked state depending on the design.

Safety features are a key aspect of striker-fired pistols. Most designs incorporate firing pin safeties or drop safeties to prevent unintended discharge if dropped or mishandled. Many models also feature an internal trigger mechanism or grip-related safeties to prevent accidental firing. The trigger is often engineered to provide a consistent pull across all shots, rather than the two-stage feel common to some hammer-fired systems.

Advantages commonly cited for striker-fired pistols include a relatively simple mechanism with fewer moving parts, a flatter and often shorter trigger pull, and consistent trigger feel that some shooters prefer for rapid follow-up shots. Potential drawbacks discussed by users include perceived differences in trigger feedback compared with hammer-fired designs and variations in maintenance or reliability tied to manufacturing quality.

Striker-fired systems are prevalent in modern service and concealed-carry handguns. Prominent examples include Glock Safe Action pistols, Smith & Wesson M&P, SIG Sauer P320, Springfield Armory XD, and Walther PPQ.