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

See Examples For:

firing pin

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

The process involves engraving a serial number inside the firearm, on the tip of the firing pin or breech face.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 9, 2022

Long ago, he removed the firing pin, rendering it useless for shooting.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 6, 2016

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