Another Bent Firing Pin???

[zeplin]

Take a look at these primer strikes and let me know what you think? I noticed after about 200 rds and several FTF's that the strikes weren't centered as I think they should be.

[JTShooter]

Problem number 1) Wolf Ammo.

As far as the primer strikes, you're going to get movement from a "free float" firing pin.

However, the strikes do look odd...

[LongRange]

What kind of pistol? Assuming the channel/hole was square/centered to begin with, a bent pin that dramatic would not allow the pin to float freely enough to strike the primer.
The pin doesn't have to strike the primer dead center, I don't many firearms that do get a dead center strike. As long as it goes bang every time, why are you worried?

[M4fulltime]

My Kahr P45 fired casings look the exact same. I haven't had any probs.

[zeplin]

It's a friends Kahr. Not sure which one. It has about 500 rds through it now.

I agree about the Wolf ammo. Steel cases. Laquered cases. Cheap stuff. Haven't used in any of mine.

I was concerned that the firing pin could eventually break from hitting towards the edge and being forced towards the center. Wasn't aware they were free floating. That would allow for it and the necessary forgiveness so it shouldn't break.

Thanks for the help!!!

[Sleuth]

I also don't like Wolf Ammo, but:
1. primer strikes do not need to be centered,
2. The primers show a drag mark (note that the FP marks are not round). This would indicated that the gun is starting to unlock before the FP is withdrawn.
I suggest you clean the FP channel, and insure it is dry. DO NOT lube the FP or it's channel. That may stop the FTF.
Since I do not own a Kahr, it may just be a characteristic of the gun.
BTW, the primer is made of brass and priming compound. It cannot force the firing pin to move laterally. As long as it hits the primer, it will work.
Were all the FTF with the same lot of ammo? Try some different ammo before blaming the gun.

[zeplin]

I also don't like Wolf Ammo, but:

Were all the FTF with the same lot of ammo? Try some different ammo before blaming the gun.

Can't say for certain if from same lot, most likely were since my friend buys that crap by the case. The 2 FTF that I witnessed the cartridges both had a light indentation where the firing pin hit. Both fired second time around. It was after that I noticed the strikes were off-center and wondered if the hard primer could have bent the firing pin.

[Sleuth]

No, if the primer is hard enough to bend a steel firing pin, that pin would not be able to crush the priming pellet to ignite the charge.

You do not have a bent firing pin.

If it really concerns you, a good gunsmith can change the engagement depth of the locking lugs to center the fp. I say forget it! Lots of my guns, including my competition guns, strike the primer off center. Just use quality, brass cased ammo next time. Cheap ammo is cheap for a reason.