Cap Fire, Plug Fire... What's the difference?

Post by Joe S

I am interested in an MP-40 modelgun, and after reviewing the various posts here, find references to cap fire and plug fire, but I do not understand the difference between the two. Can someone explain it to me please? Thanks! Joe S

Post by Mark

Hi Joe,

The problem with the terms PFC, CP, HWCP, Center Fire, Side Fire etc. is that they usually serve to confuse people instead of undestanding what they truly mean.

PFC is Marushin's term for Plug Firing Cap this was their attempt to distinguish between the "paper cap" older cartridges and the newer and now common place, 7mm plastic cap cartridges. Many people on the forums are refering to all of the late 7mm caps and cartridges as PFC's this is slightly incorrect.

CP stands for Cap Piston and is an MGC term for their mid 1980's cartridge design.


HWCP is a later MGC revision of the CP cartridges "piston" design and this newer cartridge was intended to operate the then new, slightly heavier HW modelguns slides.

Center Fire is simply the firing pin in the slides design: It hits the cartridges center to fire the internal cap.

Side Fire is again, the firing pins design: It hits the cartridges rim area to fire the internal cap.

Plug Fire and Cap Fire are basically the same...The Marushin MP40 was rarely made in the display version only versions so, i like to believe that 98% of the Marushin MP40's are cap firing versions..
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MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40

Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms