What is a striker fired pistol?

A striker-fired pistol is a type of handgun that uses a spring-loaded firing pin or "striker" instead of a traditional hammer to ignite the primer on a cartridge. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger bar pulls the striker back against spring tension until it reaches a release point, causing it to move forward rapidly to strike the primer.

Striker-fired pistols are popular for their simplified design, consistent trigger pull, and reliability. They are widely used by law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters for self-defense, competition shooting, and recreational purposes.

Popular examples of striker-fired pistols include the Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield XD, and Sig Sauer P320. These pistols are known for their ease of use, durability, and safety features.