I’m one of those people who has to understand the safety features of my carry guns. I don’t buy into “it’s a modern gun, it doesn’t go off until trigger is pulled” I have to understand the internal safety features.
I have my comfort level, but I’m curious. Guns like the LCP have safeties for the hammer, but they do not have a firing pin block. Then there are 1911s and 2011s without firing pin blocks. I like to know my guns are 100% drop safe even though I never plan to drop them. But guns like the LCP also seem very affordable and functional.
The 1911, and it’s double-stack descendant 2011, are single action (SA), hammer fired, semi-automatic guns with firing pins.
The LCP is a [NOPE - see below]striker-fired semi-automatic, with no firing pin. [NOPE] a double-action only (DAO)
The designs are different under the hood. To understand the difference I suggest going down the rabbit hole of the design differences.
If you want to further complicate your life, add to the list double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-autos like the Beretta 92.
[Added after correcting this post]: As you can see the intricacis aof design are even deeper than I imagined.
You’re That’s kind of what I’m saying. Glock 42 and M&P Bodygaurd 2.0 (not the first gen) do have firing pin blocks. They are essentially mini versions of their larger counter parts. I’d feel comfortable carrying those. BUT the LCP is smaller and cheaper… and lots of people carry it without any worry (no that they should be I’m just picky but wished I wasn’t).
“The LCP® II hammer and sear geometry were designed with significant engagement for a positive lockup. The sear is neutrally balanced and under strong spring tension, which helps prevent disengagement during a drop scenario. In the unlikely event that a significant shock to the pistol results in disengagement of the hammer from the sear, the design includes a hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. Our testing has revealed that this design passes all standard tests and is very safe from discharge due to a drop.”
Series 80 and newer 1911’s have a firing pin block. That being said, everyone purchasing, carrying firearms should be away about how the safety features of their firearms work. I recently purchased my first wheelgun, a Ruger GP100, and spent the weekend just practicing how to decock it.
Firing pin block seems to be a personal preference.
A lot of manufactures are not using them to keep better action performance.
I mostly stick to 1911 and 2011 platform and none of my handguns from that Families have firing pin block.
Instead of this mechanism each handgun has stronger firing pin spring to prevent pin’s inertia without hammer’s strike. For me it’s enough.
