Somebody explain: Striker vs. Firing Pin

[Justin]

Ok, I've heard that a lot of pistols that are supposedly DAO are what is in actuality referred to as 'striker fired.' It's my understanding that Glocks use this sort of system, along with the new Para Ord DAO 1911's.
So, can someone explain to me how a gun that uses a striker differs from one that uses a firing pin?

Please feel free to use pictures and lots of big hand gestures.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. "Striker fired" refers to a firing pin being powered by a spring only, kind of like a bolt-action rifle. The firing pin's called a striker in that case; don't know why. The other common action is one in which a hammer smacks a firing pin and it gets its foreward motion from that rather than the power of a spring to propel it.

Best.

 

[Eric Larsen]

On Kahrs, Glocks etc.. the striker is pulled back and is released when the trigger is pulled. The striker acts like a firing pin.
Check out the attached file....Shoot well

 

[Snowdog]

Pretty nifty gif there, Eric.