Citation

Jussila J. Measurement 2010; 43(3): 415-420.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.measurement.2009.12.011

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Functional reliability of a service firearm is essential. A failure to fire at a critical moment could lead to disastrous consequences. The firing pin of a weapon must hit the primer with sufficient force to reliably detonate the primer which then ignites the powder. Depths of firing pin created indent on an inert primer and on a copper cylinder are the two methods conventionally Used to estimate this percussion energy In this study the copper cylinder method was compared with piezoelectric measurement It was found Out that both systems give reliable readings. Eight pistols of 9 mm calibre were measured. Although the majority of the measured weapons seemed to provide sufficient percussion energy. there were some surprisingly low readings with seemingly perfect weapons. This discrepancy shows the necessity of an industrial standard and of using a reliable percussion energy measurement system for monitoring the condition of service weapons Further research on firearm and ammunition primer compatibility is required. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.