It does have a firing pin that has a little spring. I took that out, made sure it was clean. It seems to push in ok but I don't have anything to compare it with. I did notice after pulling the trigger the first time, I checked the primer and it had a small dimple in it. Then of course the 2nd time it fired off. The dimple seemed a little larger and deeper after the 2nd attempt. I have not tried any other type of primer, I figured CVA would tell me to try that too but I want to call them first.