Removing the hammer spur on a Ruger SR22

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x341/wadcutter38/P4190007.jpg

Ahh, so there she sits. My new most favorite toy decked out in her Simply Rugged Cuda holster. This is my least expensive firearm and, ironically, probably my favorite.

But it's not all stars and sugar with the SR22. I've got small fat hands, or fat small hands, whichever, and when I shoot the hammer spur slowly digs a small sore into the webbing of my hand. It's not super bad yet not unnoticeable and extremely annoying. This is, buy the way, with the small sleeve installed. The larger sleeve exacerbates the problem even more so.

So I was wondering, given that this is a double action with a decocker where a spur is not entirely necessary, what options do I have for removal? I know messing with the hammer can sometimes cause light primer strikes, something you really have to watch for with rimfires. I suppose I should direct this toward Ruger, but wanted to see what you guys thought first.

Can't speak to light primer strikes. But a dremel will be what I would use to cut it off. Make sure you polish it nice and smooth. Im sure ruger will suggest you don't remove it.

I love my sr22p too. Great little gun. Wish they made the same exact thing in 9mm.

I removed the hammer spur from a Taurus M85, and it's worked just fine so far.

My opinion would be to buy a spare hammer and cut that. That way, you have an extra if you ever sell it or hand it down to a kid or something.

I used a Dremel. Cut-off wheel, sanding drum, rubberized polishing drum, then some sandpaper. Cold blue, looks stock. If I did it again? I have a lathe and mill, I might put in a brass insert or something.

Alright, I have the tools, I have the will, yet I've never done anything like this before. Oh, and I'm quite the idiot. We'll see how this goes.:uhoh:

Send your prayers...

Messing with the hammer (lightening) DOES NOT effect reliability. Messing with the spring that DRIVES the hammer forward can.

A lightened hammer will reduce the impact of the hammer on the firing pin; its simple physics.

Especially in RF...

I think that you're making a mistake modifying an SR22.

How about just putting a band-aid on the rub spot during marathon shooting sessions?

That'll protect during practice sessions.

If you're carrying for SD, 20 shots (2 magazines?) is the most you're gonna fire right?

First, check and see if Ruger will sell you another hammer if you mess that one up.

My 22/45 would fire when the thumb safety was moved from ON to OFF. It was a simple fix of just replacing the hammer but Ruger would not sell me a hammer.

Notice the hole through the hammer spur? It's already substantually reduced the weight of that part of the hammer. Taking off the rest won't affect ignition so long as you don't change the spring. The decocker will take care of lowering the hammer, but still be sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction when you do it.

I'd sure hate to own a SA/DA pistol that I couldn't hand cock for an accurate SA first shot if I wanted too. And that is what you have after you cut the hammer spur off.

rc

I'd sure hate to own a SA/DA pistol that I couldn't hand cock for an accurate SA first shot if I wanted too. And that is what you have after you cut the hammer spur off.


I would just learn to shoot accurately with the DA trigger. It would probably be similar to the S&W subcompacts with the shaven hammer. Just pull the trigger slightly to put it at half cock and then thumb it the rest of the way.

check and see if Ruger will sell you another hammer if you mess that one up.

Considering my ineptitude, that's probably a good idea. Ruger does like to control their parts like a cartel, don't they.

Notice the hole through the hammer spur? It's already substantually reduced the weight of that part of the hammer. Taking off the rest won't affect ignition so long as you don't change the spring.

See, that's what I was thinking. There's really not much there and shouldn't really change anything at all.

I'd sure hate to own a SA/DA pistol that I couldn't hand cock for an accurate SA first shot if I wanted too. And that is what you have after you cut the hammer spur off.

I considered this and realized up to this point I've yet to do so. This is a toy gun, a woods plinker. If I were to use this for small game then yes, I would overlook this and keep the spur intact.

It's really all a moot point for right now cause I chickened out yesterday when I was going to make the cut. First I'll find out if I can get another hammer. Until then I'm gonna sit on this project. If/when I do it I'll post pictures and report on functionality.

Thanks for all the input!

Maybe a band-aid over the sore spot when you plan to shoot a brick of ammo all in one setting would be a wiser idea!

rc

Hmm. A couple of people whose advice I definitely trust and know is credible say it won't affect it, and I personally don't think it will affect it, but I am curious now. Let us know if you do this good, bad or ugly.

(It's easier to be supportive when it's not MY gun, :neener:)

Maybe a band-aid over the sore spot when you plan to shoot a brick of ammo all in one setting would be a wiser idea!

Knowing just how many band-aids I'd need through the process of removing it, I'd say you're probably right! LOL.:D

I'd sure hate to own a SA/DA pistol that I couldn't hand cock for an accurate SA first shot if I wanted too. And that is what you have after you cut the hammer spur off.
I imagine you could half-rack it and thumb the hammer back in a pinch. Or course, you could rack it all the way and eject a live rounds if you wanted to.

For this kind of pistol, I don't think you're missing much if you're ok with the DA pull. It's not going to be the first choice for a squirrel hunt. I say go for it. I've done lots of crazier things to a handgun.

How about a shooting glove?

A Band aid will become chewed up quickly (just like your hand) and shooting with a glove is like using a condom. If you can't solve the problem by modifying the hammer then this gun is not for you. There is a reason so many companies sell so many thousands of beavertail grip safeties. Hammer bite takes all of the fun out of shooting handguns. I really like your holster.

Put me down as being against the idea.
Let us know if it does work. :)
I'm doubting Ruger will sell you a hammer, but I suppose it's possible.
Denis

Actually, I've tried the Band-Aid suggestion with great success. It's a round spur, and I suppose hammer "bite" is a bit a misnomer as it's more hammer slap. It's never been bad enough to draw blood, just a welt, and usually only after 100 rounds or so.

So not the worst, yet still annoying enough to make me want to remove it. Still waiting on Ruger's response.

Hammer bite takes all of the fun out of shooting handguns. I really like your holster.

One of my most lusted after firearms was a traditional Hi Power. Now THAT gun really chewed up your hand, digs a hole to China right through the webbing! It took only one mag to realize that the pretty hi power was not in the cards for this guy. The Ruger isn't even close to that torture device!

And thanks on the holster! I love the products Simply Rugged puts out.

ERRR! No go with Ruger. Got the typical response "we do not condone altering the firearm in ANY WAY!" The hammer is a "restricted" part, for whatever reason I don't know.

Still might proceed...

Well?

I keep the hammer spur on mine since I use the gun as a pocketable "kit gun" and might wanna head shoot a rabbit at 20 yards or something. SA is important in the field. No matter how good I am with DA, and I can shoot DA, I still shoot more accurately SA, though the little SR22 has a pretty good DA trigger.

Yes, I would call Ruger and find out if they'd send you a new hammer. Lightening it ANY amount reduces its momentum/inertia.

Oh, edit, you can't get the hammer from Ruger. I'd stop right there and fagedaboudit, personally.

LOL, I thought this thread was long since dead!

Yeah, I decided it's a no go. Do I think that removing that small amount of metal will affect reliability? No, however not having access to a spare hammer leaves me apprehensive just enough to not want to change it. Besides, as already mentioned a bandage or a piece of tape in the affected area buffers any pain I might receive otherwise.

Now if someone else wants to play guinea pig, please, be my guest!