[Bob Wright]

All the autoloaders shown lately have hammers that have a loop or hole through them. Why?

All the Government Models I was familiar with had a more convential hammer, or a beavertail hammer spur.

Why the big looping spur?

Bob Wright

 

[DennyCrane]

Looks. And, supposedly, the hammers are lighter. On 1911s, it started from competition shooters - same as the holes in the trigger. I think it supposedly speeds up the hammers fall, or has something to do with lighter firing pins. On Berettas, those hammers are sold as being able to speed up lock time.

 

[P97]

Looks. And, supposedly, the hammers are lighter. On 1911s, it started from competition shooters - same as the holes in the trigger. I think it supposedly speeds up the hammers fall, or has something to do with lighter firing pins. On Berettas, those hammers are sold as being able to speed up lock time.

You're right on target. The mass of the hammer is trimmed in specific areas in order to maintain the impact energy required to drive the firing pin efficiently. The holes make the Hammer lighter without looking smaller.

 

[Bob Wright]

In other words, pretty well useless?

Bob Wright

 

[P97]

Right.

 

[Charlie]

Not necessarily. It's astheticly pleasing to some!

 

[gene]

ok

I don't think its useless I like the looks and happy with the gun that's all that matters to me.

 

[Charlie]

In other words, pretty well useless?

Bob Wright

For a wheel gun person, I guess it is useless if you don't like to shoot autos

 

[Bob Wright]

My whole point was, if it had been an extra-expense modification or option, would you have paid, say $75 dollars extra, to get a hammer with a hole in it?

I'm recalling the test published years ago (In Shooting Times?) concerning the efforts to speed up lock-times in various handguns. The bottom line was they did not affect accuracy in any way.

I sort of hold to the theory if something has a hole in it, sooner or later something is going to get poked into it, often at the wrong time. Sort of like the ventilated rib on a Python, or ported gun barrels.

For the first fifty or sixty years of its life, the Government Model made it just fine with the beavertail hammer.

Bob Wright

 

[Charlie]

:smt083

 

[jwkimber45]

I think the biggest reason folks like the rounded hammer, with or without the hole. Is its less prone to poke you in the side when carrying it concealed. Especially in an IWB holster.

 

[Bob Wright]

jwkimber45,

Thank you, Sir. A valid point.

Bob Wright

Come to think of it, didn't the pre-1911 Colts have rounded hammer spurs?

 

[gene]

ok

I like the hammer and would paid your 75 for it also how about holes in your car wheels did you pay extra for that?
you might get something poked in those.

 

[Bob Wright]

I like the hammer and would paid your 75 for it also how about holes in your car wheels did you pay extra for that?
you might get something poked in those.

And often have. Drove off into a hole (in the ground) and bent a wheel.

See what I mean about getting somethin poked into a hole?

Bob Wright

 

[gene]

ok

hope you did not pay extra for the holeing wheel, did you ask the wheel co. why the holes was made in the wheels?

 

[Hal8000]

I like the looks of both, but prefer the comfort of the rounded hammer, with or with out the hole.
I like em dehorned.

 

[Bob Wright]

Actually, they didn't make the holes. They made aluminum struts from the center to the outer rim. The holes just materialized. The struts have four surfaces, offering greater area to the air for cooling.

And the wheels were standard on my Jeep. And they do a good job of keeping the tires in place.

Bob Wright

 

[Baldy]

That was the same reason for the slotted rail on a Phyton. To help stay cooler during competion. Oh me I know I am going to hear about this one.

 

[bambam]

Hey Bob,

It could also be a religious thing. You know...holy hammer.:smt082 :smt082 :smt082 :smt082 :smt082 Ahem...I'll shut up now.

 

[Buckeye]

I'd rather a have smooth rounded looped hammer ensure a smooth draw than a spur catching on my shirt while I'm getting it.