I?ve read of reasons why flat bottom firing pin stops are used on 10mm?.slide resistance, hammer wear, other? For this caliber is there another reason you should have a flat bottomed firing pin stop? Will a curved one effect anything? Why can?t I find flat ones on Wilson?s, Harrison, Brownell?s, or other sites for sale?
EKG is the company that makes & sells the flat bottom firing pin stops. the main function of them is to slightly retard the rearward slide movement when shooting heavy recoiling caliber cartridges. this helps to prevent damage to the pistol. I installed them in all my 1911s and Witness pistols because I like loads on the hot end of the chart. for some people, they make racking the slide harder but if you first cock the hammer, you don't feel it.
Reasons:
- Changes the recoil profile so it feels softer to most people
- Reduces slide velocity without increasing recoil or main spring tension
- Reduced stress on the frame/slide when the slide reaches full recoil (though this concern is overblown)
- Gives the magazine more time to push the next round fully into feed position, increasing reliability
- Less damage to brass and slightly reduced ejection distances
The biggest reason is a flat bottom firing pin stop gives you all the advantages of a +4 lb recoil spring, with the only downside being a slide that is a bit harder to rack if the hammer is down. What many folks overlook is a that a stronger recoil spring puts all that extra momentum back into the slide as it returns to battery. That energy then impacts more delicate parts like the slide stop pin, barrel link, barrel legs and slide stop pin hole in the frame.
Why can't you find them? Not sure.
Brownells link:
https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/action-parts/firing-pin-parts/firing-pin-stops/1911-oversized-firing-pin-stop-prod19627.aspx
Midway links:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018791369?pid=582811
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018791428?pid=350546
Wilson link:
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/FIRING-PIN-STOP-70-SERIES-1911-45-ACP-SQUARE-BOTTOM-BULLET-PROOF-BLUE/productinfo/399B,70SQ/
I always use the EGW ones:
https://www.egwguns.com/1911-parts/slide-parts/firing-pin-stops/
Years ago Hennings carried them for the Witness as well. I picked up a few, but I think they are all installed now. Hennings dropped the product since it was a slow mover. No reason you could make your own from some tool steel with a file, drill, vice, torch and a little elbow grease
I ordered some directly from EGW and received them quickly. Have not installed yet due to the holidays, etc.
I've got one inbound from EGW as well, should be here any day!