[STEINBVG]

Originally Posted by Doubs

If the firing pin is released by the sear (clearly a serious problem) before the action goes into battery, the cam should intercept the firing pin before it can strike the cartridge primer. In battery, there should be only a few thousands of an inch between the cam and the firing pin. Contact between the two should occur the instant the action begins to open and the firing pin is at rest. The picture below shows the relationship between the cam and firing pin when the action is in battery.

Originally Posted by Doubs

While the cam/ firing pin relationship during normal operation is as I said, pay attention to what Dwight also says if the firing pin is cocked and the action doesn't fully close. Squeezing the trigger to release the firing pin with the action not fully closed will allow the action to slam closed with the firing pin following and possibly contacting the primer with enough force to ignite it. Look at the picture below. At that point, the firing pin has engaged the sear and is cocked. On most Lugers, the toggles will remain that way until the trigger is squeezed. (A weak firing pin spring can allow the action to close as the recoil spring applies pressure) Squeezing the trigger will release the firing pin and the action will slam shut. NEVER do that with a cartridge in the gun. To store a Luger - unloaded, of course - with the firing pin at rest, break the action as shown and grip the toggles while squeezing the trigger. EASE the action closed.

Got it. Thanks. Appreciate the points.