What exactly is "striker fired" when referencing guns?

[nola_]

I've only recently heard the term and after some online searching, I still do not grasp the difference between a striker and a firing pin.

Are there any pro's/cons to a striker fired firearm?

Thanks for the feedback and education.

 

[whitsend]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=striker+fired+pistol&l=1

 

[SpeedRacer]

I think the simplest way to put it is, on a striker fired pistol the firing pin (striker) directly interacts with the trigger/sear. The striker is held back until the trigger releases it. On the other hand, on a hammer-fired pistol the trigger/sear interacts with the hammer, which in turn strikes the firing pin. Striker-fired pistols eliminate the hammer from the equation.

 

[Hitman]

Striker Fired Animation
http://www.genitron.com/Basics/Interactive-Glock-Pistol

Hammer Fired Animation
(On the left side of the screen, under the (split) Column,(Grey/Yellow boxes)
Click the Slide, frame, barrel and magazine boxes. The Top 4.
http://www.m1911.org/loader.swf

 

[Ijaw]

Great info - I was not aware of Glocks vertically tilting barrel mechanism.

 

[nola_]

Striker Fired Animation
http://www.genitron.com/Basics/Interactive-Glock-Pistol

Hammer Fired Animation
(On the left side of the screen, under the (split) Column,(Grey/Yellow boxes)
Click the Slide, frame, barrel and magazine boxes. The Top 4.
http://www.m1911.org/loader.swf

thanks, this puts in an easy to understand perspective.

 

[Hitman]

Great info - I was not aware of Glocks vertically tilting barrel mechanism.

Most people are generally surprised that the Glock Trigger
is doing more than just releasing the firing pin.
It actually moves it back some and then releases it
among other things.