Small Firing Pin vs Large Firing Pin

[pineoak]

In terms of longevity, how important is it to have a small firing pin over a large one?

Noticing the diff with AI rifles.

 

[Supersubes]

Longevity of what?

 

[pineoak]

As the newer ammo is moving toward smaller primers for better consistency, are larger primers going the way of the dodo for competitive shooting?

If your rifle is locked into a Large firing pin design, will you then have a less desireable/less competitive/lower resale rifle?

 

[brianf]

I don't see a longevity/resale/desirability issue. 99% of factory small primer ammo work just fine in "big" pin bolts.
You will see more of a issue when you reload and hot rod it.
I can never see a time where factory ammo cannot be used in all firearms, it doesn't make sense $ wise which is why they are in business.
I've been shooting prime small primer ammo for a little while in my ax and have not had one issue. If I push my loads past those numbers issues show up.
Guys might chime in, but it doesn't make sense to limit ones target market for sales.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

If you have a large pin, there are several gunsmiths that will turn it into a small pin.

 

[Basher]

This seems like a somewhat relevant article:

http://alphamunitions.com/kaubers-corner-large-vs-small-rifle-primers/

 

[Darkside-Six]

I’ve been shooting small primer loads with a large firing pin for a while now and never had an issue. Unless you’re loading really hot I don’t think it’s an issue

 

[Hondo64d]

Small firing pin works fine with LRPs and prevents cratering with SRPs. There is no downside to having a small firing pin.

John

 

[Rthur]

It's more about primer cratering/blown than primer size usage.
This is an example of such:

As you can see the raised ring around the primer strike.
Pushed further it'll look like this:

Fitment of the firing pin plays a part in this as well.

R