Please explain the S&W firing pin safety

[keitharsis]

Is it a Swartz like in Kimbers or similar? How much, if at all, does it complicate field or detail stripping? Does it have, or potentially have, the same problems as the Kimber safety that so many seem to have had problems with?

I know for traditionalists it is blasphemy to put a firing pin safaty in a 1911 at all (I agree) but it seems like if it is at least a good system
(ala BHP,series 80 1911) it shouldn't be too much a problem.

 

[Onmilo]

It is very similar to the Swartz type safety in that it does not interfere with the hammer sear interface in any way.
It is a simple lever/plunger assembly.
There were some problems with the first Smith 1911 pistols featuring this safety.
Those problems have been resolved and you should not expect to have any problems with the fire pin safety whatsoever.

This safety does not complicate field stripping in any way.

Anyone familiar with 1911 detail stripping will find no issues with this safety system.

Trigger pull weights vary wildly in S&W 1911 pistols but this has nothing to do with the safety system, some of the standard guns were assembled but not correctly fitted and left the factory with heavier than neccessary pull weights.

This won't be an issue with a Performance Center pistol, the ones I have handled all average 3-4 pound pull weights, crisp and clean.HTH

 

[Kruzr]

As with the Kimbers Swartz safety, you have to make sure you don't depress the grip safety when you remove the slide. Other than that, when you detail strip the slide, you have to push in on the plunger to push the firing pin in far enough to slide the FP stop plate down. You also have to push in the plunger to re-insert the FP.