CZ75 SC Massada Broken Firing Pin?

[Bret]

I have a used CZ75 SC Massada.  The SC means that it has a full-size frame with a compact slide.  Yesterday, I fired four cartridges, but it didn't fire the fifth cartridge.  Subsequent pulls of the trigger didn't fire the cartridge.  I ejected the cartridge thinking it was bad.  However, all I saw was a tiny mark on the primer.  I loaded up another magazine and tried again.  Unfortunately, I had the same result, just a tiny mark on the primer.  The cartridges fired successfully in another pistol.  Am I correct to think that the firing pin broke or is there some other possibility?  If it is the firing pin, should I go with a CZ factory firing pin or are there better aftermarket options?

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

You need to remove the firing pin and inspect it as well as the retaining pin and related springs. Any damage will be obvious. Also be sure the fp tunnel is clean and free of any debris. The Factory fp is just fine especially if the gun is stock but the offerings from CGW and CZ Custom are also good options.

[tdogg]

It's hard to troubleshoot via the internet without pictures. 

How many rounds are on the gun?  Do you dry fire it a bunch?  When is the last time you cleaned the firing pin channel?  How does the firing pin retaining pin look and have you ever replaced it?

I highly doubt you broke a firing pin.  My money is on something in the firing pin channel impeding the firing pin movement, either crud or a chunk of the firing pin retaining pin.

I'd start by pulling the firing pin out and inspecting it.  You just need a 3mm punch to push out the firing pin retaining pin.  I'd plan on replacing it with a CGW heat treated spring steel variant.

https://cajungunworks.com/product/61100-tempered-spring-steel-firing-pin-retaining-pin/

If the firing pin channel is clear, then I'd look at the firing pin block lifter in the sear cage and make sure it freely moves and is intact.  Then I'd look at the main spring and make sure it isn't broken and the hammer freely moves.

If you want to upgrade the trigger pull then I'd look at the SRS-2 kit, it comes with an extended firing pin and lighter main springs that will reduce the DA trigger pull by 2-4 lbs.

https://cajungunworks.com/product/srs-2-short-reset-system-2/

Cheers,
Toby

[Bret]

It's hard to troubleshoot via the internet without pictures.

I absolutely agree.  I just want to make sure that I'm not missing something more obvious before I start taking things apart.

How many rounds are on the gun?

That's unknown because it's Israeli surplus.  It appears to have been fired quite a bit.  I did replace the recoil spring when I purchased the pistol as it seemed pretty weak.

Do you dry fire it a bunch?

Literally never.  Of course, the previous owner may have dry fired it a lot.

When is the last time you cleaned the firing pin channel?  How does the firing pin retaining pin look and have you ever replaced it?

I don't remember if I swapped out the firing pin spring when I replaced the recoil spring.  If I did, then I cleaned the channel.  If I didn't, then the channel is as I received it.

I'll get it taken apart and will let y'all know what I discover.

[Bret]

Here's what I found.







So, somehow the firing pin retaining pin crumbled into bits.  The tip of the firing pin looks fine.

[Mods modified images]

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Yep that's a common failure. Clean the fp tunnel out, replace the pin and drive on. If you do any dry fire practice be sure to use a snap cap and rubber o-ring between the hammer and firing pin too minimize wear on the fp retaining pin.

[Bret]

What's your take on the solid firing pin retaining pins that CZ Custom sells?

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

What's your take on the solid firing pin retaining pins that CZ Custom sells?

I installed CGW Pro Packages in all my CZ's and they come with the split pin they use. I have 10's of 1000's of rounds fired with the CGW pins with no failures. I'm sure the CZ Custom pin is fine I just have no experience with them.

[Wobbly]

What's your take on the solid firing pin retaining pins that CZ Custom sells?

Those type of "rolled pins" would/could be much more susceptible to breaking due to their hardness. That is, the primary objective of a roll pin is to first be able to "roll". And in the industrial applications they were designed for, there is no secondary shock.

A solid pin could be made with a hardness and temper to meet the demands of the position much easier.

No doubt that the pistol has either been fired or 'dry fired' numerous times. And you don't want a repeat performance, ever.

[tdogg]

What's your take on the solid firing pin retaining pins that CZ Custom sells?

The solid firing pin retaining pins will eventually damage the firing pin (I've replaced three firing pins and all had some amount of damage induced by the solid retaining pin). The rolled spring steel firing pin retaining pin that CGW sells will last longer and will not damage the firing pin.  If order multiple replacements and treat it as a wear item with annual inspections.

Glad you are digging in and fixing your own Cz.  It isn't that hard and is very rewarding when you get it back up and running well again!

Cheers,
Toby

[Bret]

The solid firing pin retaining pins will eventually damage the firing pin (I've replaced three firing pins and all had some amount of damage induced by the solid retaining pin).

Thanks for the insight.  I definitely don't want to trade one problem for a bigger one.