minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 Any gunsmiths or members more knowledgeable than me help me with a question? Is it possible that a loaded, ready to fire with the safety OFF Sako Finnfire .22LR would accidentally discharge if it was dropped? If so any idea what type of impact? I understand from some internet research that modern pistols have a form of fail safe against this which means the firing pin will only engage if the trigger is pulled. This goes on to say, however, that this safety 'mechanism' is less frequently fitted to rifles. I have an exceptionally good reason for asking and I can't go into detail now, but if anyone knows for sure it would help me greatly. Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuartyboy Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 (edited) A round chambered, safety set to fire. Any firearm will potentially go off with a big enough knock or thump. Realistically, it shouldnt and is reasonably unlikely but definitely possible. A lot depends on condition of the gun and sears etc but as I say definitely possible Edited to say, if you have the rifle in question you could try for yourself by bumping it while cocked but needless to say, unloaded. You should hear the click of the firing pin going forward. Edited December 5, 2019 by stuartyboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 I hate these threads, you only want to give half of the information about the situation or what has happened and expect people to give a factual answer. Give all the information and people will be able to give better answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 6 minutes ago, Lloyd90 said: I hate these threads, you only want to give half of the information about the situation or what has happened and expect people to give a factual answer. Give all the information and people will be able to give better answers. Lloyd, very simple, short question = short answer! Yes it can happen but is extremely unlikely!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
humperdingle Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 You’re probably better contacting Sako directly, to ask what safety measures are in place, to avoid such circumstances Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 1 minute ago, humperdingle said: You’re probably better contacting Sako directly, to ask what safety measures are in place, to avoid such circumstances Or just make sure you don't drop lethal weapons! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 10 minutes ago, Lloyd90 said: I hate these threads, you only want to give half of the information about the situation or what has happened and expect people to give a factual answer. Give all the information and people will be able to give better answers. Sometimes not saying something avoids the need to apologise later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zipdog Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 In my opinion any knock big enough to set the rifle off will have damaged, or at least marked the gun or scope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 (edited) 23 minutes ago, Lloyd90 said: I hate these threads, you only want to give half of the information about the situation or what has happened and expect people to give a factual answer. Give all the information and people will be able to give better answers. I already said I can't give full details at this stage, I would have thought it would be understood why.... the rifle fired after it was dropped, my question is to anyone who would know the answer - is this possible or not from the mechanics of the mechanism. I have a genuine reason to enquire, it's not just a random question to annoy you. There are plenty of other threads please don't feel you have to waste time with mine. 7 minutes ago, zipdog said: In my opinion any knock big enough to set the rifle off will have damaged, or at least marked the gun or scope. This is what I thought, appreciate your input. Edited December 5, 2019 by minghis spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 Any firearm has the potential to go off if dropped, struck etc. All ignition is percussive. I would think that .22 rimfire is more likely as the entire rear end of the case is the ignition point. As far as the firing pin is concerned, most if mot all are restrained to the rear by spring tension. The sear may be the weak area in an impact situation, especially if tuning work has lightened the trigger pull. I am not familiar with Sako rifles and would agree with the earlier advice to contact the manufacturer. Having said all this , it is still an unlikely occurrence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 Is it a standard sako or has it been worked on ie different trigger or springs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 The lighter the trigger setting the less of a knock required to set it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 2 minutes ago, impala59 said: Any firearm has the potential to go off if dropped, struck etc. All ignition is percussive. I would think that .22 rimfire is more likely as the entire rear end of the case is the ignition point. As far as the firing pin is concerned, most if mot all are restrained to the rear by spring tension. The sear may be the weak area in an impact situation, especially if tuning work has lightened the trigger pull. I am not familiar with Sako rifles and would agree with the earlier advice to contact the manufacturer. Having said all this , it is still an unlikely occurrence Thank you, appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Old farrier said: Is it a standard sako or has it been worked on ie different trigger or springs Without analysis I believe the trigger may have been adjusted but not changed, if that makes sense. It was a well used gun so light trigger added to wear may have been a factor. My knowledge of the trigger is limited but it seems to stand to reason the lighter the trigger pull the more chance of it firing. Thank you. Edited December 5, 2019 by minghis spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTaylor91 Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 I’m curious as to what was hit when it went off. There isn’t any hysteria in the news so I’m assuming not something living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 The other issue of course is that of blame. Many shooters I know say there is no such thing as an accidental discharge only a negligent discharge. How did the dropping of the rifle occur is maybe the question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 Quote I already said I can't give full details at this stage, I would have thought it would be understood why How would anyone understand why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 2 minutes ago, JTaylor91 said: I’m curious as to what was hit when it went off. There isn’t any hysteria in the news so I’m assuming not something living. It is a recent local event that is in the early stages so can't comment further but it is not my gun, it is a friends. I wish I could give full details but I really cannot. My intention is to try to figure out how it could happen and IF it could happen, I just need answers to try to be ahead of any enquiry or investigation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 6 minutes ago, Gordon R said: How would anyone understand why? It's very sensitive, only just recently happened, very personal and police are involved. I can't say any more. I don't need you to understand, just answer my question if you know, if you don't please accept I will not be able to elaborate. Can it go off if dropped, yes or no was what i was really looking for. It seems it can, so question answered. Sorry to be blunt but it is not the right time to have to explain everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minghis Posted December 5, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 15 minutes ago, impala59 said: The other issue of course is that of blame. Many shooters I know say there is no such thing as an accidental discharge only a negligent discharge. How did the dropping of the rifle occur is maybe the question That has yet to be determined but is very much a factor. In normal cases it would be easy to find out but this is more complicated. By the way, I agree with you, any accidental discharge always has a reason, I appreciate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, impala59 said: The other issue of course is that of blame. Many shooters I know say there is no such thing as an accidental discharge only a negligent discharge. How did the dropping of the rifle occur is maybe the question Having worked either in or with HM's Forces for over 30 years, I'm in the ND camp. The only time a safety catch should be in the OFF position is when there is an expectation of an imminent shot. Should the catch be in that position at any other time and the rifle was dropped even unintentionally then unfortunately ND it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 3 minutes ago, minghis said: police are involved. With the Police involved, they will get the weapon examined in great detail by a forensics lab or a a specialist rifle-smith to determine if it could discharge if dropped. Personell opinions from members of a forum, however well meaning, cannot be used to support your case that the weapon fired when dropped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 If there has been an incident and the Police are involved, I would steer well clear of playing amateur detective Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 I’m in the definitely yes camp, which is why I never trust safeties under any circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJsDad Posted December 5, 2019 Report Share Posted December 5, 2019 1 minute ago, Scully said: which is why I never trust safeties The OP is saying the safety was off, i.e: in the ready to fire condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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