Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired: Key Differences Explained
Walk into any gun store or browse a firearms forum, and you’ll quickly encounter one of the most debated topics in the shooting world: striker fired vs hammer fired . Both systems dominate the handgun market, and each has loyal supporters who swear by its reliability, trigger feel, and overall performance. At the heart of the debate lies a simple question: what’s the difference between a striker fired pistol and one that uses the traditional hammer of a gun ? While both systems are designed to ignite a cartridge and send a round downrange, the way they accomplish this task is fundamentally different. In this guide, we’ll break down how each system works, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which might be best for your needs. What is a Striker-Fired Pistol? A striker fired pistol uses an internal firing pin mechanism known as a striker instead of an external hammer. In this system, there is no visible hammer at the rear o...