Bobbed hammers -- questions

[Thirties]

I understand why a hammer would get bobbed. Any other reasons berside these two?

a) to make the gun slide in and out more easily (pocket, holster, etc.)
b) to prevent possible web-of-hand interference/injury

My questions . . .

· Does a bobbed hammer strike the primer with any less force due to it's lighter weight; and could this ever cause an ignition problem?

· Can a bobbed hammer be cocked just about as easily as a stock hammer?

· Why would you not want a bobbed hammer in, say, a snub nosed .38spl?

 

[rhedley]

Bob Job

A lighter hammer will strike with more speed , Inertia.
And Yes, hammer can be cocked easily by raising hammer slighty with the trigger. I have done this for years..

 

[Thirties]

OK, thanks. So there really are no negatives with bobbed hammers, eh?

 

[rhedley]

bob job

...........only positives. IMO

 

[Thirties]

Good to hear — thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

Another reason many law enforcement agencies and police/sheriff departments had they’re revolvers bobbed and the single action feature removed was because they were being sued into the ground by bottom-feeding lawyers representing the kin of recently departed bad guys. They claimed that the lawman had unintentionally shot the late and lamented scum when they had the hammer cocked and a “hair trigger†went off. This was usually pure bull, but enough judgments resulted to cause the double-action-only modification.

It is true that you can leave the single action and bob the hammer – but I don’t. If you make a mistake in lowering the hammer the next thing you’ll hear is a loud BANG!! I personally know of three such incidents, all involving cops – but fortunately no one was hurt or worse. I can’t say the same about a squad car I know of …

In most instances the main spring is strong enough to achieve positive ignition even if the hammer spur is removed. When there is a problem it’s usually because someone did an action job and substituted a lighter mainspring. If or when this is done all bets are off.

Another issue is endplay in the cylinder that can increase the headspace (distance between the cartridge and breech face. And in effect result in a lighter firing pin blow. As you can see there is more to this then simply grinding off the hammer spur.

If you are considering a snubbie and want to be able to cock the hammer consider a S&W or Taurus that has a shrouded hammer that won’t snag if drawn from deep cover, but can still be safely cocked and/or have the hammer lowered.

 

[Archie]

· Does a bobbed hammer strike the primer with any less force due to it's lighter weight; and could this ever cause an ignition problem?

No. And not just no, but Heck no! I've had bobbed hammer revolvers in a couple J frames, two or three N frames and a bunch of K frames. No ignition problems ever.

· Can a bobbed hammer be cocked just about as easily as a stock hammer?

I suppose so. I shoot them double action only, so why bother?

· Why would you not want a bobbed hammer in, say, a snub nosed .38spl?

Only to retain the original condition of a collectable. Like Broderick Crawford's personal carry gun from "Highway Patrol" or one of Patton's snubbies.

 

[B36]

Bobbed

Weight of the part of the hammer I removed from my S&W 37 was 6 grains. Cleanup of nub probably took a couple or three more grains from hammer. Hammer vleocity should go up slightly to make up any difference.

Done several dozen over the years, never a problem.

 

[Mannlicher]

I like bobbed hammers on carry revolvers. The Smith&Wessons that I have had the hammers bobbed, also were converted to DAO lockwork. I don't see much use for cocking and firing with a defense revolver. All my practice with CCW revolvers is done DAO.

 

[Tacoma]

I'm also a fan of bobbed hammers but like to keep the SA option as well. When cocking to SA, I get it started with the trigger then hook the hammer with my thumb to complete. IT's very smooth and reliable with practice. ( I believe Skeeter Skeleton made this move famous) To,uncock is a bit more complex. It requires two hands but can be done safey.

 

[happy old sailor]

agree with Tacoma. have done this before i ever heard of Skeeter. gunsmith in Maryland did my first. it was his suggestion, so, it was no secret. additionaly, i prefer the top of the hammer be checkered, stippled, or such, to aid in grasping said hammer. now, with a pocket gun, i just put my thumb over the top of the hammer and against the adjustable sight, if so equiped, and it comes out slick as anything. the thumb acts as a shroud. works for me. JMHO YMMV

 

[scbair]

I only have experience with S&Ws and one Charter Arms (1970s vintage). No reliability issues lightening the hammers. This was an old Undercover, a M36, a M30 and a couple of K-frames.

I have heard (but have no firsthand knowledge) that lightening the hammer on an "old-style" Colt (e.g., V-spring style) could result in lighter strikes. Let me repeat, just some reports I've seen; I've never bobbed the hammer of a Colt . . .

 

[Al Thompson]

Despite the "no problems" answers, I bobbed the hammer on a security six and had an inoperative revolver. Test your newly bobbed gun with your carry ammo extensively.

 

[scbair]

Wow, Al! That surprises me.With the heavy-duty coil springs in the old Ruger "Six" line, I'd never have thought bobbing the hammer would have caused any problem. I continue to live and learn! Guess I'll stick to the S&W line for my "projects."