Make Your Own Firing Pin

Warning the following instructable deals with firearms and because of that can be dangerous. If you make your own firing pin be sure your measurements are correct if your pin is too long you could pierce the primer releasing hot gases towards your face.



This is the firing pin for a Steven M94 12g shotgun which is a newer version of my Riverside Arms 12g. And the model i was recommended for parts. This pin is too short for my gun. Hmmm What should I do? First thing i did was start calling all the mom and pops gun shops in town. The closest to a solution i received was they could make me one. Only problem with that was they would probably put quite a surcharge on a custom made part. I paid $40 for the gun so wasn't looking to spend 50% of the value of the gun for a firing pin. But i really wanted to get it firing, so i set it in my mind that I would make one. Time to study up..tick.....tock....After many hours of watching and reading i think i am ready to get started. 

Equipment i used in this Instructable:

Steel rod from a printer
Bench grinder
various files
Dremel w/ cutting wheel
vise w/ leather to prevent gouging steel rod
Oil
torch
Plier

Step 1: Measuring, Marking, and Turning

First step is to locate a tool grade steel rod that meets your size requirements an old drill bit will work  and some can be found in printers and copiers. If you have a broken pin or know the dimensions required  mark the area to be removed and make guide marks for length and set pin channel. Next take the rod to the bench grinder and as evenly as possible slowly turn the rod as you grind away material. Stop and check progress often you can take more off, you can't put it back. Once you start getting close switch to the fine wheel or finish by hand.

Step 2: Filing the Channel

The next step will be to create the channel that the set pin will go through to prevent the firing pin from falling out of the gun. I marked it on the rod when i started. First we need to lock the rod down in the vice using a leather strap to protect the rod from gouging. Next use the file at an angle to make a guide line then a second line, in my case about the thickness of a file between. Now that the guide lines are in file away the section in between down just over 1/8 "

Step 3: Cutting Off and Cleaning Up

Now that the neck is turned down and the channel is made it is time to cut the firing pin off of the rod and get it cleaned up. I'm using my dremel mainly because i could not find my hack saw.  Cut off the pin a little longer than you want it to give room filing and shaping. once cut is made can be cleaned up first on the bench grinder then using lessening grit files. Be sure to crown all edges to prevent gouging in the pin channel and round off the tip of the firing pin.

Step 4: Hardening

 Now that the firing pin is has been cleaned up and smoothed out it's time to ensure its longevity by hardening the tip and the base. In a well ventilated area using a torch heat the tip of the firing pin dull red and quench in oil repeat for the base. if all the measurements you should now have a firing pin that will give you years of service.

Step 5: And the Payoff

THANKS!

Comments

[jhaunceyfulton]

I you put your rod in a drill and spin it as you grind it, it will come out truer. Also can do this to polish it up, I read somewhere that if you have a drill you have a lathe for turning small parts

[Chikpeas Brother]

Lucky, what's up? I've been missing your Instructables!

[Phil B]

Thank you for a good practical Instructable. Doesn't it feel satisfying to solve a problem like this yourself without spending a lot of cash?

[Lucky7x7]

Thank you Sir. Yes, it does I love the feeling of creating a solution to a problem especially when it saves money.