Hello, new member with a lot of questions about the 1911
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Jim Watson
Member
The only 21st century recognized purpose for the "quarter cock" notch is to "catch" the hammer in case the full cock engagement fails.
There are whole books on the subject, learning the gun one question at a time on the internet will be a slow process.
At least put up a list of your questions and we can deal with them in bulk.
There are whole books on the subject, learning the gun one question at a time on the internet will be a slow process.
At least put up a list of your questions and we can deal with them in bulk.
Welcome easy10. You will be surprised what the folks here know. Good luck stumping us. We have more knowledge on this forum than any other forum. And we won’t make you feel dumb for asking.
A bit of helpful advice....Use the search function for topics before the questions. If you don’t find your answer, ask away. But look anyways. You may find other interesting information about things you didn’t even know you wanted to learn about.
AZAndy
Member
If you're going down the winding path to enlightenment that is the sacred 1911, I recommend that you get yourself a copy of Kuhnhausen's shop manual for it. All will be revealed, and then even more questions will come to you.
Welcome to you, and I look forward to your 1911 questions. Amongst the membership here, we could arm a few small countries with the 1911s we collectively have. I have nine just by myself, and I'm actually more serious about revolvers than 1911s.
Welcome to you, and I look forward to your 1911 questions. Amongst the membership here, we could arm a few small countries with the 1911s we collectively have. I have nine just by myself, and I'm actually more serious about revolvers than 1911s.
edwardware
Member
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Supposing that no one knows what you don't is probably not the best place to start learning. As @AZAndy said, get yourself a copy of Kuhnhausen's 1911 shop manual, and then you will know much more.
To your particular question, it's referred to as the half-cock notch, and it's primary purpose is the catch the hammer on what's left of the sear if the sear nose shatters, peens, or bounces out during use.
Some Manuals of Arms might have you deliberately using it, but this generally inadvisable for at least the reason that the notch isn't generally finished smooth, and will scar the sear nose during use.
JFrank
Member
Iirc
70 series firing systems are the ones that have a full hook whereas 80 series have a shelf.
Someone help me here Regards Swartz’s safety (Kimber comes to mind) they might have the full hook also.
I use it as a 1/4 cock safety
CapnMac
Member
It's typically referred to as a "half cock" in case you are looking for written references.
As above, it's a legacy of being a one-handed firearm meant for troops mounted upon a horse. That, if the hammer slipped from under a thumb, it should (ought) stop before striking the firing pin.
It's also meant to keep the hammer from following forward if the slide is retracted far enough to strip a round into the chamber--say, while holstering at the gallop or the like.
It's very much a late 19th century notion/idea, and largely obsolescent in the 21st century. But, held over in modern construction because it works as it was intended.
One of the better ways to learn about the 1911 is to look at its imitators and see what they kept and what they deleted. The Star and the Balister-Molina; to a lesser extent, the Polish Viz (better known as the Radom).
As above, it's a legacy of being a one-handed firearm meant for troops mounted upon a horse. That, if the hammer slipped from under a thumb, it should (ought) stop before striking the firing pin.
It's also meant to keep the hammer from following forward if the slide is retracted far enough to strip a round into the chamber--say, while holstering at the gallop or the like.
It's very much a late 19th century notion/idea, and largely obsolescent in the 21st century. But, held over in modern construction because it works as it was intended.
One of the better ways to learn about the 1911 is to look at its imitators and see what they kept and what they deleted. The Star and the Balister-Molina; to a lesser extent, the Polish Viz (better known as the Radom).
jar
Contributing Member
Jim Watson
Member
70 series firing systems are the ones that have a full hook whereas 80 series have a shelf.
Not all. Present so-called S70 Colts use 80 hammers with "shelf."
There are Springfield hammers with BOTH.
Someone help me here Regards Swartz’s safety (Kimber comes to mind) they might have the full hook also.
Real 1930s Colt - Swartz actions have regular hammers with captive notch. I haven't examined a Kimber II.
I use it as a 1/4 cock safety
Probably the LEAST safe condition.
Not all. Present so-called S70 Colts use 80 hammers with "shelf."
There are Springfield hammers with BOTH.
Someone help me here Regards Swartz’s safety (Kimber comes to mind) they might have the full hook also.
Real 1930s Colt - Swartz actions have regular hammers with captive notch. I haven't examined a Kimber II.
I use it as a 1/4 cock safety
Probably the LEAST safe condition.
JFrank
Member
Good to know.
Jim Watson
Member
Your OP picture of two notch SA hammer did not come up until just now.
I have seen the type but never saw even a theory on why.
I have seen the type but never saw even a theory on why.
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