Understanding the Fundamentals: Striker Fired Firearms
At its core, a striker fired mechanism uses a spring-loaded “striker” to ignite the primer of a cartridge. This striker is a self-contained firing pin, often pre-cocked or partially cocked, and when the trigger is pulled, it is released, striking the primer and initiating the firing sequence. The system is known for its relative simplicity, typically consisting of fewer moving parts compared to its hammer-fired counterpart. This streamlined design often translates to greater reliability and ease of maintenance. Popular examples of striker fired handguns include the Glock series, the SIG Sauer P320, and the Smith & Wesson M&P line.
Advantages of the Striker Fired System
One of the most significant benefits of a striker fired firearm is its inherent simplicity. Fewer components mean fewer things to potentially malfunction. This directly contributes to enhanced reliability. When a striker fired pistol is subjected to harsh environments, constant use, or less-than-ideal cleaning routines, the simplified mechanism often proves to be exceptionally robust.
Another key advantage is the generally consistent trigger pull found in many striker fired pistols. While the weight of the trigger pull may vary depending on the manufacturer and model, the pull itself is typically the same throughout the entire firing cycle. This consistency allows for predictable and accurate shooting, as the shooter doesn’t have to adjust their technique mid-string of fire. This contrasts with double-action/single-action hammer-fired pistols which can have a substantial change in trigger pull from the first shot to subsequent shots.
Furthermore, the design of striker fired guns often contributes to a reduced profile. Without an external hammer protruding from the rear of the slide, the overall width of the firearm can be significantly thinner. This slim profile makes these guns particularly well-suited for concealed carry, as they are less likely to print or create a noticeable bulge under clothing. Concealability is a crucial factor for many gun owners, and striker fired firearms often excel in this area.
Ease of maintenance is another benefit frequently associated with striker fired firearms. Disassembly and cleaning procedures are often simplified, allowing gun owners to easily maintain their firearms without specialized tools or extensive mechanical knowledge. This contributes to long-term reliability and ensures that the firearm is always ready for use.
Finally, striker fired systems often boast a quicker lock time, which is the time it takes from trigger pull to the firing pin igniting the primer. This reduced lock time can contribute to improved accuracy, especially when engaging targets at speed. Also, the pre-cocked nature of the striker system combined with this quick lock time allows for rapid follow-up shots.
Understanding the Fundamentals: Hammer Fired Firearms
Hammer fired firearms, on the other hand, rely on an external or internal hammer to strike the firing pin, which then ignites the primer. The hammer is typically cocked manually, either before each shot (single-action) or by pulling the trigger (double-action). The hammer-fired system has a long and storied history in firearm design and is still widely used in a variety of guns, from classic 1911 pistols to modern designs from manufacturers such as SIG Sauer and Beretta.
Advantages of the Hammer Fired System
One of the most appreciated characteristics of a hammer fired firearm is the trigger feel potential. The ability to manually cock the hammer (in a single-action configuration) often allows for a crisp, lighter, and more refined trigger pull. This precise trigger control is prized by many shooters for its ability to improve accuracy. The trigger break is clean, the reset is easy to find, and the shooter can anticipate and execute shots with greater precision.
Another key advantage of hammer fired firearms is the prevalence of manual safety mechanisms. The external hammer itself provides a visual confirmation that the gun is either cocked and ready to fire or at rest. Manual safeties, which block the trigger or prevent the hammer from falling, offer an extra layer of protection against accidental discharge. This is particularly attractive for those who prioritize a higher degree of safety in their firearm.
The external hammer also serves as a visual and tactile indicator of the gun’s status. It’s easy to tell at a glance whether the firearm is cocked and ready to fire, or if it needs to be cocked before a shot can be taken. This can be invaluable in high-stress situations and contributes to a better understanding of the firearm’s condition.
Also, hammer fired firearms offer a high degree of versatility. Many designs offer both double-action and single-action capabilities. The shooter can manually cock the hammer for a lighter single-action pull for enhanced accuracy or can use the double-action mode which is safer but often requires a longer, heavier trigger pull. This allows for a balance of safety and performance based on the user’s preference.
Comparing the Systems: Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired
When directly comparing the two systems, several crucial differences come into play. Reliability is a factor often viewed differently by different users. While both systems are generally reliable, the greater number of moving parts in a hammer fired design *could* potentially result in a greater likelihood of malfunction compared to the simpler striker fired mechanism. However, this generalization ignores the quality of the components and the level of engineering. A high-quality hammer fired gun, meticulously maintained, can be just as reliable as a well-built striker fired firearm.
Trigger feel is another key area of contrast. The striker fired system typically offers a consistent, though not always refined, trigger pull. The hammer fired design offers the potential for a lighter and more refined trigger, particularly in single-action mode, which can significantly improve the shooter’s accuracy. The ability to select a single-action pull often results in a more direct, crisp, and precise shot.
The presence of a manual safety is another significant differentiator. While some striker fired firearms incorporate manual safeties, they are less common than in the hammer fired category. For those who prioritize an extra layer of security, the manual safety offered by many hammer fired guns can be a critical consideration.
Concealability can also be affected. The external hammer of hammer fired firearms can increase the overall width of the gun, potentially impacting its ability to be concealed effectively. Striker fired pistols, due to their slimmer profiles, are often preferred for concealed carry.
Maintenance considerations can also differ. While both systems require regular cleaning, the complexity of the hammer fired mechanism could result in longer or more involved maintenance procedures. However, this again depends on the design. Some striker fired guns can also be complex, so this is not a rule.
The choice between striker fired vs hammer fired is also influenced by the overall design of the firearm. A 1911-style pistol, with its single-action hammer and manual safety, represents the zenith of this design. While a Glock, with its simple, polymer construction and consistent trigger pull, is one of the leaders in the striker fired category.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Several factors should guide your decision in selecting a striker fired or hammer fired firearm.
The intended use of the firearm is paramount. If the firearm will primarily be used for concealed carry, a striker fired design may be more suitable due to its smaller profile and ease of concealment. For competition shooting, the refined trigger pull of a well-designed hammer fired firearm may offer a competitive edge. For home defense, both systems can be effective, but the level of familiarity and training will determine the best choice.
Experience level and personal preferences also play a crucial role. Some shooters prefer the simplicity and consistent trigger pull of a striker fired gun, while others appreciate the crisp trigger and manual safety of a hammer fired design. It’s important to handle and shoot both types of firearms to determine which feels most comfortable and intuitive.
Concealability needs to be considered. If discreet concealment is a priority, the slimmer profile of many striker fired pistols may be advantageous. The external hammer of a hammer fired gun can sometimes create a printing issue, potentially making the firearm more difficult to conceal.
Maintenance preferences also matter. If you prefer simplicity and ease of maintenance, a striker fired firearm might be a good choice. While both systems require regular maintenance, the simpler design of a striker fired gun can make the process easier.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and intended use. Consider the pros and cons of each system, handle and shoot different models, and select the firearm that best suits your circumstances.
Conclusion
The debate between striker fired vs hammer fired represents an important consideration for anyone seeking to purchase a firearm. Both systems offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal choice is ultimately a matter of individual preference and intended application. Striker fired firearms often provide simplicity, reliability, and a consistent trigger pull, making them popular for concealed carry and self-defense. Hammer fired firearms, with their refined trigger pull and manual safety options, are often favored by those who value precision and a greater degree of safety. There is no single “best” system; the optimal choice will depend on your specific needs, experience, and priorities.
Before making a decision, it is imperative to handle and shoot both types of firearms. This hands-on experience will allow you to determine which system feels most comfortable, intuitive, and conducive to accurate shooting.
Remember to prioritize safe gun handling practices at all times, seek professional training, and adhere to all local laws and regulations. Choosing the right firearm is a serious decision, and by carefully considering the pros and cons of striker fired vs hammer fired, you can make an informed choice and exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly. This article is just a guide. Take the time to find the best fit for *you*.
