Light Strike?

[SCinPNW]

Hiya All,

While doing some research on a gun forum about a particular gun I noticed people complaining about "light strikes", however, I was not able to determine what that actually meant. Can anyone explain to me what a "light strike" is when shooting a handgun?

Thanks in advance,
SC

[EX121]

That would make me think it was a to weak of a strike by the firing pin, meaning it wouldn't set off the primer.

[SCinPNW]

So it sounds like you are saying it is a physical problem with the gun verses a user error, interesting.

Thanks EX121!

SC

[thedreamers]

just sent a gun to get repaired for this. the gun doesnt have enough energy to strike the primer hard enough to set it off. i haven't had enough rds through it yet to have wore down the the firing pin or hammer yet so they said they might fix it free. i hope they do.

[SCinPNW]

Thanks TD, that helps a lot. Now I know what to look for should I ever experience that with a gun.

SC

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Thanks TD, that helps a lot. Now I know what to look for should I ever experience that with a gun.

SC

Its not always the gun. We are seeing this with many types and brands of ammo now more than ever. It seems quality control has gone by the wayside in mass production runs. Irregardless of the cause remember if you dont have second strike capabilities and even if ya do then on the second strike and no bang then (A) Slap the magazine to ensure it seated (B) Rack the slide with the ejection port tilled towards the ground slightly (C) re-engage the target if still needed also called Slap-Rack-Bang

[hidden_waldo]

What others have said are the most likely culprits: Some version of a gun issue that is not allowing the firing pin to hit the primer hard enough to set it off -or- bad primers in the ammo.

Another thing that people could be talking about are weapons with floating firing pins (like what you see in the AR-15). When a round is in the chamber and the bolt is sent home, the bolt stops moving and the firing pin moves forward and touches the primer. It leaves a slight dent in the primer. But I never heard anyone call that a "light strike", but that might be what is being referenced.

Here is an image I found at yahoo

[SCinPNW]

Thanks replying Matt and HW, I appreciate it.

For Christmas I got one of these to have as my new carry gun: http://xdspistol.com/ And prior to I had been reading on some of the forums that people had been experiencing this problem and I had no clue as what they meant, so now I know what to look for if it is not functioning as I would expect it to.

I have not had it to the range as yet, but as soon as I do I will let you know how it goes. As you can imagine, I am anxious to give it a try.

SC

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Thanks replying Matt and HW, I appreciate it.

For Christmas I got one of these to have as my new carry gun: http://xdspistol.com/ And prior to I had been reading on some of the forums that people had been experiencing this problem and I had no clue as what they meant, so now I know what to look for if it is not functioning as I would expect it to.

I have not had it to the range as yet, but as soon as I do I will let you know how it goes. As you can imagine, I am anxious to give it a try.

SC

The only thing with an XD is that loaded chamber indicator that sticks out of the back. I taught a class where we used the range pistols and ammo and there was a bad batch and by the second string of shooters my hand hurt from having to slam the slide shut on the improperly sized cases. Other than that i really like them