1911 hammer spur length

[CrazyIrishman]

Not too long ago I replaced the hammer and grip safety on my 1911a1 with a commander type hammer,sear and a drop-in beavertail (all from Wilson).

The hammer that came on this pistol is a wide spur with a chip broken off the end of the spur . I plan on having the pistol refinished with an OEM type hammer and grip safety along with the commander parts. That way if I ever sell it the new owner can use either style.

I just received another hammer thats in very nice condition, however, the spur length is shorter. Would this critter be from a 1911 instead of a 1911a1? The checkering and width of the spur is identical too. After looking closer I noticed that right where the spur begins to widen it has a "radius" cut on either side while the damaged (original) hammer has a "square" cut.

Any ideas??



Thanks!!

 

[Old Fuff]

Colt hammers were made with a radius ...

I have seen Argentine hammers with a square cut at the hammer flanks. Maybe others did the same.

Colt's prototype pistols did not have wide spurs, but at the Army's insistence this feature was added to the 1911. Thereafter all Colt and USGI 1911 and 1911A1 pistols had wide spur hammers, although the spurs varied in length and shape during different time periods.

Wide spur hammers were discontinued in 1942 to speed war production, although Colt continued to use them for some time thereafter until supplies ran out – I believe in 1943. Following the war Colt did not reintroduce the wide spur hammer – apparently there was little or no demand for it, and it was more expensive to make. Speaking for myself, I prefer it.

 

[CrazyIrishman]

Old Fuff,

The pistol is a Sistema Colt made in '57 according to serial numbers I found on the web. I suppose the hammer I just bought is for a Colt mfg'd 1911 and NOT the A1 model.

If ya know anyone in the market for a 1911 hammer please LMK. The only real wear is right where the firing pin & hammer make contact. Best as I can tell no butchers have "worked" on it.

 

[Old Fuff]

I think you might be mobbed.

Any number of our regulars might be interested. But for starters send a P.M. to our beloved moderator, 1911Tuner. In the unlikely event that he passes, post a “for sale†thread. It won’t be long before you hear from someone.

P.S. The only reason I didn’t jump is because I have a small supply that should see me through, and it’s high time to give someone else a chance.