I recently acquired a Colt Model 1911A1, US Army marked, 1943 manufacture, for $200, including a conversion so it can be used as a pellet gun. However, the firing pin does not protrude from the hole where it is supposed to, even with the hammer fully depressed. It is well recessed. It was also missing the recoil-spring guide. Anyways, my question is to those who are knowledgeabl about this subject, how long should the firing pin be? and how far should it protrude. I have a Browning Hi-Power with a good firing pin; should it protrude like it does on that pistol?

Send a PM to 5.56, he can sort this question out for you as he is something of an expert.

Originally Posted by bulldogg

Send a PM to 5.56, he can sort this question out for you as he is something of an expert.

Thank you, now if I can find him...

http://www.military-quotes.com/forum...45mm-3683.html

Originally Posted by bulldogg

http://www.military-quotes.com/forum...45mm-3683.html

Thanks my friend...I will send him one right away... I suppose i should go to the new bee page and say a bit aboput myself... I will try to do that later this evening... once again thank you.

Sorry but I was away in Washington DC for the last five days.

5.56x45mm

the 45 auto as designed by browning uses an inertia firing pin. normally it does not reach the back of a chambered cartridge. The idea being that only the inetrtia given the pin by the full length drop of the hammer will give the pin enough force to fly forward and detonate the cartridge. If the hammer does not fall far enough, the pin will not go far enough to hit the primer.