The fluted firing pin was introduced by Mauser. It's purpose was to allow high pressure gasses to bypass the firing pin in the case of primers backing out or puncturing.
On the older design, the pin effectively sealed the area behind the breech block's firing pin hole, and damage would occur to the breech block.
Marc
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 Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum -
- Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.
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