LCP-Sized Guns With Firing Pin Block?

[HGM22]

If I remember correctly the Ruger LCP doesn't have a firing pin block. Are there any guns of similar size that do?

Whether or nor an inertia firing pin is safe is irrelevant if I'd be too uncomfortable to carry the thing, which I would, especially doing something like ankle carrying while running.

 

[C0untZer0]

Taurus 709FS SLIM is close

 

[unclenunzie]

Generally any of the modern striker-fired pistols will have a passive striker/firing-pin block. My Kahr PM9 although not as small as my LCP has one.

Personally I believe any firearm which could fire if the slide detaches from the frame should include one.

 

[C0untZer0]

Oh ya, the Kahr xx380 pistols all have firing pin blocks...

Taurus 709 SLIM is really not that close in size to an LCP, I don't know what I was thinking...

 

[jimbo555]

S&w bodyguard does.

 

[Fast Frank]

The LC9S has a firing pin lock.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I don't know if the LCP or LC9 has a firing pin block, but I suspect they're like the Kel-Tec P3AT or PF9 (upon which the Ruger designs were apparently based).

The Kel-Tec guns have a hammer block that keeps the hammer from striking the firing pin UNLESS the trigger is pulled. The K-T (and, I assume, the Ruger) designs mentioned use a VERY LIGHT firing pin that is retarded by a stout firing pin spring that can only be overcome by a very hard hammer blow. Dropping the gun or slamming the rear of the slide won't allow the firing pin to hit a primer. It's not a true firing pin block, but in terms of likely functional results (i.e., safety), it should be equally effective.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

The LCP was a direct copy of the Kel-Tec P3AT.

As such, it does not need a FP block, as it is completely drop safe as designed.

Just a different approach to the same end.
And just as safe.

rc

 

[Fast Frank]

Well, that's all cool...

But here's some pics from under the slide on my LC9S pro.

In this pic, I'm pointing at the rear of the striker. It's shaped sorta like a "T", and the part I'm pointing at engages the sear.



In this pic, I'm pointing at the firing pin block. It's made of steel, and the striker cannot touch the primer because it's in the way.



In this pic, I have pushed the firing pin block up into the slide and allowed the striker to move forward into the "Fire Position".



This pistol is drop safe. The trigger must be pulled to operate the lever that pushes the firing pin block up into the slide.

 

[MedWheeler]

Fast Frank, I don't think anyone was disputing your claim. Walt Sherill expressed some uncertainty regarding the LC9, but said nothing of the LC9s. Do you happen to know if the hammer-fired LC9 has a firing pin block?

 

[Kiln]

The original LC9 has a firing pin block too. The LCP doesn't but if it's anything like the P3AT, it has to be dropped muzzle down from several feet onto concrete for it to matter.

 

[MAKster]

The LCP does not have a firing pin block. A firing pin block prevents inertia from causing the firing pin to move and strike the primer if the pistol was dropped onto a hard surface muzzle down. Often pistols without a firing pin bock will use light firing pins so that it won't strike the primer with enough force to set it off but it is still possible. The hammer block is totally different and stops the hammer from coming loose from the sear and hitting the firing pin.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Well, that's all cool...

But here's some pics from under the slide on my LC9S pro.

All true and not disputed -- but the LC9s has a totally different fire control assembly than the LC9 or the LCP -- and the LCP was the gun about which the question was asked.

The LCP is not striker-fired like the LC9s, and the LCP seems to be a copy (almost a clone) of the Kel-Tec P3AT. The LCP does NOT have a firing in safety. As I and others have noted, it has a very light firing pin, a heavy firing pin spring, and inertial discharges are almost -- but not quite -- impossible with that design.