Single Action Hammers, a Study.............

[Bob Wright]

Things have been sort of slow lately, so as a matter of interest, or not, a study of the various hammer styles used on Single Action revolvers.

First, the original, Divinely inspired hammer spur, given to Adam in the Garden:



And the current spur that adorns the New Vaquero:



The Colt style (on a Uberti) with the firing pin on the hammer, compared to the original Ruger Three Screw style:






And a New Model Ruger compared to the Christy style (on a Hy Hunter):



The Christy firing pin dates back to the late 'Thirties and was favorably reviewed by Elmer Keith. This was originated by the old Christy Gun Works of San Francisco. It was a factory installation on the Great Western revolvers, though optional Colt style hammers were offered (at $8.00 extra). And also factory installation on the Hy Hunter and Hawes revolvers .


Bob Wright

 

[wwb]

What ???? No Bisley hammer?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

My favorite is the 'Super' hammer with the wide spur.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/841361/ruger-hammer-assembly-ruger-super-blackhawk-hunter-stainless-steel

 

[Bob Wright]

My favorite is the 'Super' hammer with the wide spur.

I seem to be in the minority again here on hammer spurs. I prefer the narrow spur as per the original hammer. It sort of "digs" into the flesh of my thumb and provides a more positive grip that the wide flat spurs. And the upturned hook seems to give me better purchase. Maybe in two-handed shooting, cocking the hammer with the off hand the beavertail hammer might be better, but for fast work I prefer the narrow.

Bob Wright

 

[Jeepnik]

I have to say that when it comes to hammer spurs on single actions I've no strong preference. On double actions I prefer those on older N framed Smiths.

I'm sure part of my preference in N framed hammers is that I really, really like old N frame revolvers. But my older Colt DA's just don't seem to fit or feel as good.

 

[Colonel Daddy]

Second the notion on the Super hammer........but make mine the Old Model Super, and "thumbs" up on the Bisley hammer. Too bad Ruger didn't offer the Bisley on the Old Model.........but people will find a way, will they not? :wink:

 

[PriseDeFer]

Thanks, this was a good idea. Now I think I'm beginning to grok the SA hammer spectrum and in the spirit of dancing with the gal you came with I have pledged my small and shifting loyalty to the lush and extravagant curve of the New Vaquero hammer. I realize some think it high enough to be easily manipulated from low earth orbit but if you're in a hurry and get anywhere near it, it'll snag you enough to get it back. Good job on the photos.

 

[BPGuy]

What ???? No Bisley hammer?

My thoughts exactly! I really prefer the Bisley hammer (and trigger, for that matter).