If a shooter experiences a "light strike" when firing a break-open shotgun, what is a possible cause?

Experiencing a "light strike" refers to a situation where the firing pin does not strike the primer of the shotgun shell with sufficient force to ignite it, potentially leading to a failure to fire. This issue can occur due to several mechanical failures within the firearm.

One likely cause is a broken firing pin. The firing pin is designed to transfer the force from the hammer impact directly to the primer of the shell. If the firing pin is damaged or broken, it cannot effectively strike the primer with enough force, resulting in a light strike.

Another potential cause is a broken hammer. The hammer is responsible for providing the necessary force to strike the firing pin. If the hammer is broken or not functioning correctly, it may not strike the firing pin with adequate force, which can also result in a light strike condition.

Additionally, a broken transfer bar can contribute to this problem. The transfer bar is a safety feature that enables the hammer to engage with the firing pin only when the trigger is pulled. If the transfer bar is broken or improperly functioning, it may prevent the hammer from properly engaging with the firing mechanism, leading to insufficient energy transfer to strike the firing pin effectively.

Given that all these components—the firing pin, hammer, and transfer bar—are critical