Firing pin mark in hand cycled cartridges..

[justin1990]

I didn't notice the firing pin mark until after 10+ years in the army and many many thousands of rounds fired. It wasn't until I started hunting with my AR that I actually unloaded a round out of the chamber instead of firing it. It looked really strange to me...

It's funny the things you notice even after doing the same thing literally thousands of times.

Anyways, I concur it is normal and nothing to worry about. But just to be safe, always keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction when you chamber a round.

[thatguy]

Could you add a ball point pen type spring to keep the firing pin from moving freely??

Brian

[justin1990]

I have heard that the original AR design had such a spring because of the relatively common slam fire occurance in the garand.

I've never had or seen a slam fire in the AR in many many rounds. But I'm sure it is possible.

I would worry about the spring jamming inside the back of the bolt and causing more harm than good, but if you could find a photo or drawing of the original AR design, you might be able to replicate it.