Hi James, it's a relatively new model that follows the tradition of the original pistol fearure/function wise. The newer Uberti's and Taylor's decided to delivers the benefits of a modern transfer bar revolver through the addition of a retractable firing pin. The new Uberti Cattleman II Brass and Steel models with retractable firing pins avoid pin on primer issues while enabling the revolver to look 100 percent historically authentic from the outside. The new Uberti retractable firing pin floats free in its guide inside the hammer, thereby exerting no pressure towards a chambered round. Only when the trigger is pressed from a fully cocked position will the sear that engages the firing pin lock it in the forward position so as to ignite the cartridge primer. When the trigger is then released, the firing pin floats free again, exerting no forward pressure.