Dual firing pin systems are out there, but they aren't common. I believe first (or some of the first) were in early Springfield 1922 rifles (and I stand corrected!), then Art Cook brought them back when he designed his Time Precision rimfire action. Now there's a few more in the rimfire benchrest scene but aside from the Time action they are a recent development. 6 o'clock oriented pins are being made in some rimfire benchrest-oriented actions too.

Here's a thread on another site with photos of some dual-pin setups.

http://www.rimfireaccuracy.com/Forums/showthread.php/3160-The-greatest-form-of-flattery

I have never shot a dual-pin rifle so I can't speak for them, but it sounds like the jury is still out on 'em.

 

I have seen a rifle with a firing pin at 6 O'clock instead of 12, think it was a french made.
I don't assume it would be of a significant benefit. Consistency is more important.

 

Savage model 19's and 22's have the dual firing pins. Been around for a loooong time,i guess it was to expenesive to make or just never caught on.

I have a 4 digit serial number model 19.

 

I think there are quite a few custom rimfire actions with dual firing pins.

 

Benjamin Tyler Henry was the first to use dual firing pins in a rimfire firearm, with the 1860 Henry rifle, which was chambered for the .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. This was done to ensure reliability with the early rimfire ammunition.

 

I believe at least a couple of BR gunsmiths have played with 12 o'clock, 6 o'clock and dual firing pins, the relentless search for consistent ignition.

 

The 6 oclock position is the optiminal for accuracy. Read Bill Calfee's book for the full story.

So, why don't all rifles have it? The issue is it's way simpler (and cheaper) to put the striker on the top of a 22 bolt (where it's round, with more steel) then in the bottom of a bolt.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vetterli_rifle

If I recall it is actually a wide plate with 2 protrusions through the bolt, but same concept. Pupular rifle, but as you can't really reload it, many convert it to a centerfire setup and modify the cases.

As for today's rifles, sure it is possible to engineer such a setup, and I am sure it would function. But would it offer any advantages? I suppose if the 2 pins ignited the primer at the same time, you would get a slightly faster ignition (instead of the charge starting on one side of the rim then encircling it while igniting the powder, you would ignite the primer simultaneously on both sides, thus 1/2 the time until it completely encircled the rim.) Would this add any efficiency or accuracy?
Most FTF issues are traced to damaged firing pins, weak striker springs, or faulty ammo, so ruling out ammo I think .22 ignition is at a level of reliability that the improvement due to dual firing pins may be offset by the additional points of failure in the dual firing pin system
Like twin engine planes, twice the probability for an engine failure.....

Shouldn't be hard to test accuracy and reliability improvements, if any in a controlled setting. Interesting idea.

JH

 

Wow, an interesting thread. Great links -- again, RFC takes me to "school." I :hearrtpump this place.

 

Dual pins are out there....they are used a lot in international and olympic shooting...I haven't seen any for our common firearms though....