Anyone shim their GP-100 hammer?

[Matt 357]

The hammer on my Ruger GP-100 has developed scratches on the sides of the hammer from contacting the frame. I've read online that some folks use shim washers to center the hammer and prevent excessive side to side play. In addition to the cosmetic damage to the hammer, I would imagine there is a negative effect on accuracy.

Anyone try this? Any words of wisdom in buying or making the shim washers?

After shimming, what is a good way to remove scratches on hammer? I am thinking super fine grit sandpaper rubbed in the same direction as the current finish.

 

[918v]

It does not affect accuracy. You could shim the hammer, but how would you line up the shim while reassembling the gun? It would be a pain. A better alternative would be to take .003" off both sides of the hammer (using a surface grinder) where it portrudes out of the frame, kinda like on a 1911.

 

[Spartacus451]

Power custom makes shims but they come in packs of 10 and are pricey. Taking the slop out is part of a good trigger job.

 

[rcmodel]

It can and does affect accuracy.

1911 match shooters will not put up with a hammer rubbing on the frame or slide because it jars the gun off target and slows the lock time.

If you have enough side to side movement to allow shimming, I would do that, as trigger pull will vary depending on where the hammer ends up each shot.

Otherwise, thin the hammer enough it isn't rubbing.

Or do both.

rc

 

[Fremmer]

Would thinning the hammer work better? I'm wondering whether the shims would wear against the hammer (or whether the hammer would wear against the shims).

 

[GP100man]

Go to your local auto parts house & buy a feeler gage .

measure the play while havin the hammer spring out , go .003 less than measured .

1/2 that number & cut shims from the appropriate feeler blade .

Drill slowly & drill a pilot hole first , make sure it`s flat & no burrs.

Take the next small blade & push em in place .

Ya can also do the trigger also by just pushin the pin side to side & never disassemblin the trigger group comepletely!

It will make a very consistent trigger pull SA&DA.

I shimmed this 1 for $6.00 !

 

[Spartacus451]

Shimming is the way to go. You won't get the trigger feel improvement if all you do is stop the rubbing.

 

[rmfnla]

It does not affect accuracy. You could shim the hammer, but how would you line up the shim while reassembling the gun? It would be a pain.

A dab of grease will hold the shim in place during reassembly.

 

[fjlee]

I shimmed my GP-100 hammer......also the trigger.

Getting the hammer centered involved using a .011" shim on the left, and .010" shim on the right. This gives me clearance of about .0015" per side.

Someone elses shim thickness requirements will almost surely be different.

I don't like the idea of "thinning" the hammer, and never considered doing it that way.

FjLee Denver CO

 

[GP100man]

I`ve shimmed a bunch of em & they`re all different !!!

Wonder how thick the hammers are ?? I ask because some people swear they`d trust there lives with a 10# hammer spring with cci primers, not me !!!

 

[Matt 357]

Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel Shims

I picked up feeler gauges from the auto parts store. They were coated in oil. The package did not indicate stainless steel which makes me think that they are plain carbon steel. Anyone find problems using carbon or low alloy steel shim materials as washers? Guess the only problem would be if it gets wet. Mine never does so should be a non issue.

 

[GP100man]

Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel Shims


Never had an issue , I put a small dab of grease on the pin then a small amount of oil on the shims & install .