Advanced Marksmanship Firing pin/primer strike question

[TheGerman]

On my Remington 700 5R, whenever I look at a case that I had just shot, the primer strike from the firing pin is dead center every time.

When I look at the rounds from an older Mauser rifle that I have the firing pin strikes are not consistent; some are dead center, some are sort of center and some are a bit off.

What does this mean in relation to the firearm and accuracy? Head-spacing is off? Or is this just something that happens? The firing pin does not <span style="font-style: italic">appear</span> to be bent and the gun goes bang 100% of the time when I pull the trigger.

I don't shoot the Mauser out very far but have been playing around with the idea and wanted to work out anything that will hinder this.

Thanks

 

[Rarebreed93]

Re: Firing pin/primer strike question

Maybe the hole for the firing pin that is in the bolt is oversize and allowing the pin to move off center.

edit; the firing pin may also be worn.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Firing pin/primer strike question

Next time you go to the range, pick up a bunch of differant brass. Look at the strike marks. You'll find out they are all over the place.

No biggy, if you Mauser shoots, don't worry about it.

 

[customshooter]

Re: Firing pin/primer strike question

1. You are comparing a modern day precision firearm to an old military mass produced in a rush rifle.

2. For war time armory operations, you want all of the parts to be interchangable, thus broader specs.

3. The cause for firing pin impact variances are usually limited to pin/bolt fit

4. Headspacing may cause slight variance, but very slight - usually not enough to result in the variance you mention

5. I guarantee headspacing is oversized in you rem 700 by a few thousands (up to about .007 - threshold for a no-go guage) but even more in the military rifle like the mauser. Having stated that, the DIAMETER of the chamber is of even more importance in a military gun as it must take any and all ammo manufactured.

6. Advice - depending on the distance you mean by long range, the mauser will be more than sufficient unless you are looking for benchrest accuracy. the mauser actions are designed such that they are weak and are twisted axially about 100% of the time compared to modern rifles, but the barrel is threaded and mated to the action so that it stops up against the receiver towards the lugs - this is a strong design - albeit a pain in the ass to unscrew. Shoot the long distance without any worries and have fun. If you do your part, you will have no problem consistently hitting IDPA sized steels out mast 500 meters...