problem with my Witness

[blaster]

I have been having a problem with the firing pin not protruding enough out of the firing pin stop. occasionally after firing, it seems like the f.p. stop moves a fraction of a hair but enough to keep the firing pin spring from pushing the f.p. back out. it doesn't happen all the time but often enough to be a reliability question. it does happen more often during dry firing. anybody else have this problem? if so whats the fix? thanks, Mike

[tommac919]

Sounds a bit like the firing pin channel is dirty...
Pull the f pin and clean, pipe cleaners work well. Many are suppose to be dry, not lubed.

[blaster]

thanks for the reply but no the f.p. channel is not dirty. its a new pistol but that was the first thing I checked any way. I even removed the firing pin safety  thinking that might be binding. new f.p. spring too.

[fernpatch]

have you checked for any dings or burrs on the pin and stop? also what model witness and what springs are you using?

[sqlbullet]

I might try peening he firing pin stop a bit to create more interence fit.  All mine require some force to get in.

Edit....

More during dry firing?  Does it happen at all with ammo in the gun?  Have you replace the firing pin spring with an aftermarket one?

I tried an aftermarket spring and it allowed far too much travel of my firing pin.  LIke 3/4".  It got stuck in the "out" position and had to be "helped" with a cleaning rod and jag to get it to retract.

Try dry firing with a spent case in the chamber, or a snap cap.

[blaster]

the problem seems to be cured. I ordered an extra length firing pin and rear sight from Hennings. although the back part of the firing pin seems to be the same length as the stock one,  only the front part looks longer. I think the part that the hammer hits is a little fatter and maybe a RCH longer. so far it has been working fine. I only dry fired it a couple of times (don't want to press my luck ) but I put a couple of hundred rounds through it with no malfunctions. if the problem re-surfaces, I'm going to peen/stake or change the firing pin stop. as far as the firing pin spring, that was changed from the beginning. when I put the 20# recoil spring in. next upgrade will be the cone fit guide rod.
the taller rear sight didn't raise my P.O.I.much.  I still hit about 4" low at 25 yds.

[Intercooler]

I have never ever changed my firing pin springs at all. All originals years later and no issues.