Firing Pins 1911 / 2011

The firing pin is a vital, yet often overlooked, component in your 1911 or 2011 pistol, directly responsible for igniting the primer. For competitive shooters in USPSA, IDPA, and IPSC, a high-quality firing pin is essential for unwavering reliability, preventing light primer strikes and ensuring consistent performance.

The Critical Role of a Quality Firing Pin

Selecting the correct firing pin is key to your pistol's dependable operation:

  • Consistent Ignition: A properly functioning firing pin delivers a reliable strike to the primer, ensuring the cartridge fires every time the hammer drops.

  • Optimized Lock Time: For some competitive setups, a lightweight firing pin (e.g., titanium) can reduce lock time—the interval between sear release and primer strike—potentially enhancing accuracy.

  • Safety System Compatibility: Correct firing pin selection ensures proper interaction with the pistol's internal safety mechanisms, particularly crucial for Series 80 designs.

  • Reliability Foundation: As a wear item, a new or correctly chosen firing pin eliminates a potential source of malfunctions, safeguarding your match performance.

Shooters Connection offers firing pins from trusted manufacturers, designed for the rigorous demands of competition.

Choosing Your 1911 / 2011 Firing Pin

When selecting a firing pin, consider these crucial factors:

  • Material:

    • Steel: The standard choice, offering excellent durability and reliability.

    • Titanium: A lightweight option that reduces firing pin mass, potentially shortening lock time.

  • Series 70 vs. Series 80: This is a critical distinction. Series 70 pistols lack a firing pin block, while Series 80 (and most 2011s) have an internal block system. Ensure your firing pin matches your slide's design.

  • Diameter: Verify the firing pin diameter (commonly .068" or .075") matches your slide's firing pin hole to prevent binding.