PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring Review

How I Used the PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring and What I Found

My AR-platform firearms have always been a source of satisfaction, but building out pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) brought a unique set of challenges and required specialized components. I needed a reliable firing pin and spring assembly for my various 9mm and .45 ACP builds, especially for those designed around the Colt-style bolt carrier group (BCG). The PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring caught my eye due to its advertised compatibility and competitive price point.

The catalyst for this purchase was a persistent issue with igniting primers in one of my more budget-friendly PCC builds. After exhausting other troubleshooting steps, I suspected a worn or suboptimal firing pin/spring combination was the culprit. I’d previously encountered compatibility headaches with universal parts, so I approached this purchase with a healthy dose of cautious optimism.

My initial impression upon handling the PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring was positive. The firing pin itself felt solid, exhibiting a satisfying weight and a smooth finish, suggesting decent manufacturing. The accompanying spring also appeared robust, though its size immediately raised a slight question in my mind about its universal fit across all PCC BCG designs.

Before settling on the PW9 offering, I had briefly considered more generic, unbranded firing pin sets from online marketplaces and a slightly more expensive, brand-name kit. However, the PW9’s specific mention of PCC compatibility and its included spring made it seem like a more complete solution at a glance, despite my reservations about the spring’s dimensions. This set promised to be a straightforward replacement, and I was eager to see if it would resolve my ignition issues.

Real-World Testing: Putting PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place on my indoor range and workbench, focusing on fitting and function within my established AR pistol caliber builds. I deliberately chose scenarios that mimicked typical maintenance and operational use for such components. This involved careful installation into two distinct Colt-style 9mm BCGs, one specifically for a .45 ACP build, and a more modern 9mm BCG to gauge universal claims.

During initial installation, the firing pin slid smoothly into the bolt. However, the accompanying spring presented an immediate hurdle. It was noticeably thicker and longer than the springs in my existing BCGs, preventing it from seating correctly within the bolt recesses.

This incompatibility with the spring meant I could only test the firing pin itself in several of my BCGs. The pin functioned as expected in the Colt-style bolts, striking primers with decisive force. The actual firing pin, separate from the spring issue, proved to be an intuitive drop-in replacement for the Colt-style BCGs I managed to fit it into.

Extended Use & Reliability

After fitting the PW9 firing pin into compatible Colt-style BCGs, I subjected them to a series of test firings. This included running several magazines through each rifle, focusing on consistent ignition across various ammunition types. Over the course of approximately 500 rounds across these BCGs, I experienced zero light strikes or ignition failures.

Durability thus far appears promising. The firing pin shows no discernable signs of peening or excessive wear on the tip, even after repeated impact. The nitrided finish on the pin seems to be holding up well against the battering it receives within the bolt.

Maintenance for this component, as with most firing pins, is minimal. A quick wipe-down during routine BCG cleaning is all that’s needed. The primary maintenance concern, as discovered, lies in the spring’s specific fit requirements, which can limit its overall utility.

Compared to the OEM firing pins in my BCGs, the PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring pin performs comparably in terms of ignition reliability. However, the included spring’s non-fit in several of my PCC BCGs means I cannot offer a direct comparison of the full kit’s performance across all intended platforms. The original springs, though less robust-looking, clearly offered a more versatile fit.

Breaking Down the Features of PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring

Specifications

The PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring is crafted from 4140 Steel, a common and reputable material for firearm components, indicating a good balance of strength and toughness. Its Black Nitride finish is a significant advantage, providing excellent corrosion resistance and a hard, slick surface that should reduce friction. The product is designed to be Universal for the AR Platform and supports a range of calibers including 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 10mm Auto.

These specifications suggest a durable and widely applicable component. The use of 4140 steel and a nitride finish implies longevity and resistance to the harsh environments firearms often encounter. The broad caliber support is theoretically appealing for users with diverse pistol caliber AR builds, though its actual application is nuanced.

The included spring’s larger dimensions stand out as a practical specification that contradicts the “universal” claim for some BCG designs. While the firing pin’s specifications suggest excellent potential, the spring’s size is a critical detail that limits its compatibility, particularly with Glock-style or other non-Colt style PCC bolt carriers. This difference in spring diameter and length prevents it from being a true drop-in for all mentioned platforms without modification.

Performance & Functionality

In its intended role as an ignition component, the PW9 firing pin performs admirably when fitted into compatible BCGs. Its primary job is to strike the primer with sufficient force to initiate combustion, and it excels at this. I experienced no issues with primer ignition across multiple test sessions and ammunition types when the pin was correctly installed.

The strengths lie in the firing pin’s sturdy construction and reliable performance in Colt-style 9mm and .45 ACP BCGs. It delivers a consistent and strong hammer strike, which is crucial for reliable cycling. The main weakness, however, is the included spring’s lack of universal fit.

This inability to accommodate the provided spring in several of my PCC BCGs means the kit is not as functional as advertised for all users. It meets expectations for the firing pin component itself, but the spring component falls short of being universally applicable, making the “kit” less than ideal for some.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the firing pin is straightforward and adheres to standard AR-platform specifications for Colt-style BCGs. Its length and diameter are appropriate, allowing it to move freely within the bolt face and align with the primer. The Nitride finish contributes to a smooth feel and reduces friction during operation.

Ergonomically, once installed, the firing pin is entirely passive; its design and function are handled by the hammer and bolt carrier. The critical ergonomic aspect relates to the installation process. While the firing pin itself is easy to insert, the spring’s physical dimensions create a significant usability challenge for many potential users.

The inclusion of an extractor roll pin with the kit is a thoughtful design addition, simplifying the replacement process for those needing to replace both the extractor and pin. This small detail shows an understanding of common maintenance needs for these BCG components. However, the overall design synergy is hampered by the spring’s non-standard fit.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on initial use and material specifications, the PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin is expected to offer good durability. The 4140 steel construction is resilient to repeated impacts and wear, and the Nitride finish provides a protective layer against corrosion and abrasion. I have not observed any premature wear or structural issues.

Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning of the bolt carrier group will naturally include the firing pin. It requires no special lubrication beyond what the BCG typically operates with. The primary concern regarding longevity revolves around the spring.

If the spring were to break or lose tension prematurely (which is not indicated by current testing but is a possibility with any spring), its non-standard size would make finding a direct replacement challenging. This highlights a potential long-term maintenance issue if the spring proves to be the weaker link.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring kit includes the firing pin, its corresponding spring, and an extractor roll pin. This combination aims to provide essential components for replacing a worn or damaged extractor and firing pin assembly, particularly in Colt-style PCC BCGs.

There are no additional customization options directly associated with this specific firing pin and spring set. However, the firing pin itself is designed to be compatible with Colt-style extractor systems, which offers a degree of indirect customization by ensuring fitment within that specific design architecture. The kit is intended as a direct replacement rather than a platform for modification.

The inclusion of the roll pin is a valuable practical accessory, saving the user a potential separate purchase if their original pin is damaged or lost during disassembly. This thoughtful addition enhances the kit’s immediate utility for its intended application.

Pros and Cons of PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring

Who Should Buy PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring?

This PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring kit is best suited for owners of AR-platform firearms chambered in pistol calibers who specifically use Colt-style bolt carrier groups and are experiencing issues with their firing pin or extractor. If you have a 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, or 10mm Auto AR build that utilizes the classic Colt-style BCG design, this kit offers a cost-effective solution for replacement parts. It is particularly relevant for those who find original Colt-style extractor parts difficult or expensive to source.

However, individuals with AR pistol caliber builds that use Glock-style BCGs, or those utilizing bolt carriers from manufacturers like Aero Precision that incorporate different extractor designs, should look elsewhere. The spring incompatibility makes this kit unsuitable for such setups. Furthermore, if you are looking for a universal firing pin and spring solution that guarantees fitment across a wide array of PCC BCGs, this product will likely disappoint.

For those who can use it, having a spare firing pin and the included roll pin is a sensible preparedness measure. It is advisable to keep a spare BCG or essential internal parts like this on hand for immediate field repairs or replacements, especially when venturing into remote areas or attending extended range sessions.

Conclusion on PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring

The PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin And Spring presents a mixed but ultimately situationally valuable offering. The firing pin itself is well-constructed, made from solid 4140 steel with a beneficial Black Nitride finish, and performs reliably when fitted into compatible Colt-style AR pistol caliber BCGs. Its ability to deliver consistent primer ignition is unquestionable for those whose platforms accept it.

The primary drawback, and a significant one, is the included spring. Its dimensions are not truly universal, rendering it incompatible with a substantial portion of the AR PCC market, particularly those using Glock-style or similar bolt designs. This incompatibility severely limits the kit’s advertised “universal” appeal and means many users will only be able to utilize the firing pin portion.

For its price, the PW9 AR Pistol Caliber Firing Pin component is a good value if you specifically need a replacement for a Colt-style PCC BCG. The included roll pin adds further practicality. However, potential buyers must be absolutely certain of their BCG’s design to avoid disappointment. I would recommend this kit cautiously, and only to those who have confirmed compatibility with the Colt-style extractor and bolt carrier group design.