Firing Pin Question

[captainstormy]

I just bought my 1911 (Taurus) and made my first range trip with it Sunday afternoon. I noticed when I was cleaning it afterwards that when I pushed on the end of the firing pin that the hammer falls on that it I could see it obviously moved the pin towards the breech but it did not extend from the breech like it would need to in order to strike the primer.

Is this correct for a 1911 or did I somehow break something when I disassembled it? If it is suppose to be that way, how on earth does the firing pin strike the primer?

[wichaka]

Most likely has a firing pin safety.

Which means, you won't see the firing pin come out the breech face, until it (the firing pin safety) is actuated.

[John]

If I am not mistaken Taurus is using the Series 80 firing pin safety system, so what you noticed is normal. The firing pin safety is keeping the firing pin from moving forward. Go to our Home Page and read the section on M-1911 history.

[rekladan]

Yep, I couldn't find it written in the Taurus site but they do have a 1911B diagram showing the parts clearly.

[Jolly Rogers]

Also the firing pin is an inertial style pin. The length is shorter than the firing pin bore from the firing pin stop to the breach. Thanks to JMB. ;) Aids in safety if the firearm is dropped.
Joe

[captainstormy]

Thanks for the help all. I've still got alot of studying to do on the 1911. I knew it had a firing pin safety in it thou I guess I just wasn't putting 2 and 2 together. I especially should have figured it was an inertia style firing pin since my 870 is the same way.