Off-Centre Firing Pin’s Effect On Accuracy


Off-centre striker hole in SIG P226
Off-centre striker hole in SIG P226

Q: I noticed that the firing pin indentation on the primers of cases fired in my Savage .22-250 are not perfectly centred. Why is this? Does it have any effect upon accuracy?
Douglas Waters

A: The firing pins of most rifles strike the primer of a cartridge slightly off-centre. This is due to the fact that when making rifles on a mass-production basis, it is virtually impossible to end up with the receiver, barrel, chamber, bolt and firing pin tunnel all in perfect alignment. The misalignment has no effect on accuracy so long as it is not extreme.

Off-centre primer strike
Off-centre primer strike

 

 

 


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Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.

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