firing pin

American  

noun

Ordnance.

1. a plunger in the firing mechanism of a firearm or cannon that strikes the cartridge primer, igniting the propelling charge.

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firing pin British  

noun

1. the part of the firing mechanism of a firearm that ignites the charge by striking the primer

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Etymology

Origin of firing pin

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

It continued: "If these features were somehow bypassed, a conspicuously off-centre firing pin impression would result."

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2023

Greenberg said his administration has already directed police to remove the firing pin in confiscated guns before turning them over to the state.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2023

In a quick response, the U.S. team member told the Ukrainian to remove the gun’s breech at the rear of the howitzer, and manually prime the firing pin so the gun could fire.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2023

We carry some of the mightiest weapons ever known to humankind in our pockets, and they don’t even need a firing pin.

From Washington Times • Mar. 11, 2020

The charge can also be exploded in the ordinary manner, viz., by means of the firing pin, X, when the torpedo runs into any solid object.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 481, March 21, 1885 by Various