A striker-fired pistol is a type of handgun that uses a striker mechanism as its method of firing the cartridge. Unlike traditional hammer-fired pistols, which use a visible hammer to strike the firing pin, striker-fired pistols have an internal striker that is cocked and released to fire the round. Here’s how a striker-fired pistol typically works:
- Cocking: When the pistol is chambered with a round and the slide is racked (either manually or by cycling the gun), the striker is partially cocked.
- Trigger Pull: When you pull the trigger, it releases the striker. This striker moves forward rapidly, striking the primer on the cartridge in the chamber, igniting the gunpowder and firing the bullet.
- Reset: After firing, the striker is partially reset, ready for another trigger pull. This reset is typically shorter and crisper than the initial trigger pull, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Striker-fired pistols are known for their simplicity, reliability, and consistent trigger pull. They are widely used by law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters for self-defense, target shooting, and competition due to their ease of use and reduced risk of snagging on clothing or other objects compared to external hammer designs. Popular examples of striker-fired pistols include the Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, and Springfield XD series.