Firing pin removal and function check?

[shamus]

I decided after shooting today to give it a go at removing the firing pin from my cz-75B. Some observations:

1.the CZ factory roll pin is a bit large. Once it's out, it's a pain to get it back in.

2. I used a roll pin from Miossi and it worked much smoother.

3. it wasn't really that dirty. I figured it probably needs to be cleaned maybe every few thousand rounds or so.

So I got the pin back in, and was careful to make sure it went in the right way. I tried to push the firing pin to simulate a "fire" and the pin would not move. I then depressed the firing pin plunger, pushed the firing pin, and then it the pin moved into a "fire" position. I re-assembled the gun. I then engaged the safety and the gun would not fire. I disengaged the safety, and the gun dry-fired with a snap cap. It seemed to work, but snap caps do not go BANG. So my question is: Did I do a proper function check for the firing pin? If not, what is the proper function check?

 

[Azrael256]

A proper full-on function test for the firing pin usually involves a primed case with no powder or bullet. Obviously this is impractical in most situations. Don't try it if you have neighbors nearby, it's really quite loud. You could do it quietly if you pulled bullet and powder and then snuffed the priming compound with some penetrating oil. I don't much care for this method since I only get the primer good and dead about half the time.

With some guns, another good test involves sticking a pencil down the barrel, eraser first, and "firing" it across the room. A few centerfire firing pins won't take that, and some bores are just too small to try it. Another test, which I like to use, involves those el-cheapo snap caps made from a case and an orange plastic "bullet". They have a cavity where the primer should be that can be filled with a small amount of clay. The firing pin will make a pretty good dimple in the clay.

For regular testing after cleaning, however, I don't usually go that far. If I'm installing new parts, of course I test them. Other than that, I inspect the gun for any signs of serious wear, and make sure all the parts move the way they should. If something binds up, it's time for corrective action. If everything lines up like it should, I'm in good shape. That is not to say that there's anything wrong with a FP function check after every cleaning. If you feel it should be done, and your gun isn't a CZ-52 or a .22 rimfire, then by all means test it out.