The Benefits of Striker Fired Handguns
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over the benefits of striker fired handguns. These types of handguns have been utilized by shooters for a variety of purposes which range from practical to recreational. We are going to cover some of the benefits offered by these types of handguns in addition to other considerations. Without further ado, let’s explore the benefits of striker fired handguns.
What Does Striker Fired Mean?
The term “striker fired” refers to an internal striker assembly present in semi-automatic handguns. While traditional handgun designs feature an external hammer, striker fired handguns lack external firing components as the striker assembly is located within the slide of a pistol. This mechanism ultimately works to ignite primers and carry out the firing process. The assembly features a firing pin which is cocked and released as the firearm is loaded and fired. These mechanisms are typically accompanied by safety mechanisms such as firing pin blocks and drop safeties.
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Simplistic Design
As outlined above, striker fired mechanisms feature a simplistic design. Apart from the trigger and other parts of the fire control group, all components necessary to firing are located within the slide of a striker fired handgun. This is all possible without the need for an external hammer, meaning that shooters ultimately have less parts to worry about. This often makes for a simplified teardown process with striker fired handguns. For example, a Glock pistol can easily be taken apart whereas something like a 1911 handgun requires a more detailed disassembly process. Traditional single action and double action handguns rely on additional components such as struts and hammer springs which simply are not part of the equation with striker fired handguns.
Less to Go Wrong
Due to the simplistic design, there is simply less to go wrong with a striker fired handgun than other types of firearms. Put plainly, fewer parts and components means that there are less chances for failure to occur. Of course, failures can still occur, especially if routine maintenance is ignored. There are just fewer means for things to go wrong with striker fired mechanisms than other contemporary designs. For example, double action pistols require specific springs and mechanics to function. If something like a trigger return spring were to break, a double action firearm will lose its ability to reliably reset its trigger. This possibility is simply not present on a striker fire mechanism.
Sealed System
Due to the lack of an external hammer and the internal striker assembly found in these types of handguns, striker fired pistols feature unique sealed systems. This is to say that one cannot simply cock back a hammer on a pistol of this type to expose inner workings such as a firing pin or other channels. The cocking and firing process is conducted behind the scenes within the slide, protecting the mechanism from the elements and external disruption.
Consistent Trigger Pull
Unlike double action firearms, striker fired handguns have a consistent trigger pull. Double action handguns can feature two distinct trigger pulls: a stout double action pull and a lighter single action pull. Double action trigger pulls both cock the hammer and release it while single action pulls simply release the cocked hammer. If one were to fire their first shot in double action, subsequent shots would be in single action as the hammer will have cocked back during the firing process. This difference is not present on striker fired handguns. With striker fired handguns, one will encounter the same, consistent trigger pull with every shot fired. This consistency makes it easy for an end user to build familiarity and proficiency with their firearm.
Who Makes Striker Fired Handguns?
At this point in time striker fired handguns are produced by a wide number of manufacturers. While handguns of this style aren’t new by any means, these types of handguns are becoming increasingly more prolific among shooters in recent years. At this point in time, striker fired handguns tend to be some of the most common handguns in circulation as many companies produce them. Even companies who produce double action and single action pistols produce striker fired handguns, serving as a testament to their popularity.
Glock, CZ, Heckler & Koch, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer produce handguns of this type. Of course, these manufacturers only represent some of the many companies who produce striker fired pistols. These types of handguns are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles, and configurations. One can even find a striker fired handgun optimized for specific use cases. For example, one can find long barrel Glock and Heckler & Koch striker fired handguns optimized for competition and target use. Striker fired handguns are available in a variety of popular calibers such as
.22 LR,
.380 ACP,
9mm,
.40 S&W,
.45 ACP, and
10mm Auto to name a few.
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Are Striker Fired Handguns Expensive?
With the wide variety of striker fired handguns available on the market, shooters can find pistols available at many price points. This is to say that shooters on any budget will be able to acquire a striker fired handgun if they want one. Certain features such as threaded barrels, upgraded sights, optics ready slides, and other desirable traits can lead to price increases. Some of these features are offered individually or all at once, allowing shooters to choose models which cater to their preferences. All in all, one can find both affordable and expensive striker fired handguns in today’s market.
What are Striker Fired Handguns Used For?
Currently, shooters employ striker fired handguns in a variety of use cases. Like all types of firearms, striker fired handguns are well-suited for training and recreational shooting. Many armed professionals in military, law enforcement, and governmental capacities utilize striker fired handguns. These end users employ them in duty and martial use cases as service handguns. Commercial users employ striker fired handguns in use cases ranging from self-defense, concealed carry, competition shooting, and even hunting.
Conclusion
All in all, striker fired handguns are incredibly popular handguns which are employed by shooters of all types. Everyone from professional end users to new shooters and casual hobbyists employ striker fired handguns for their purposes. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry any handguns, we do carry magazines, optics, and a wide range of ammo for sale appropriate for pistol use. Our inventory of
ammo for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as
9mm,
5.56,
12 gauge, and
.22 LR to name a few. Whether you want to
buy bulk ammo or magazines for your handgun, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
