Winchester round firing pin

[RCS]

This came out of a Winchester in the 102xxx serial number range, still with original WRA barrel and early bolt

Information

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[latigo 1]

I notice there is no punch mark on this pin. I have seen several WRA round pins and none had the punch mark. I wonder if Winchester punched any of thier round pins.

[RCS]

I have them with the punch mark too

[slamfire1]

Thank you for posting the pictures. I have been looking for an image of the round firing pin for months now. I hope you do not mind if I use one or two in discussions about slamfires in Garands.

The changing of the Garand firing pin was so long ago that memory of the why's and wherefores was lost. Without the book "The Black Rifle", no one would know of the M16 firing pin changes that occurred in the early 60's. That rifle was experiencing slamfires, so the powers that be made the M16 firing pin lighter.

Obviously this is the reason why the Garand firing pin was changed from this heavier design, to the version we now know so well.

The military was experiencing slamfires with issue ammunition.

[Rick B]

Also if fine dirt built up in there with the solid pin it would bind the pin forward and slam fire. Once the slot was cut down the side it left room for partical's to float around better. Rick B

[roland beaver]

Actually, the stated reason for lightening the Garand firing pin was to reduce the tendency for the internal receiver bridge to crack from the repeated impact of the firing pin tang just before full forward motion occurred. This cracking was not eliminated, but was apparently reduced to an acceptable level with the lightened firing pin. Inspection of this bridge for excessive wear and/or cracking is important, but often overlooked.