What causes a hammer strut to break?

[SIRVEYR666]

Well? The tip of my factory hammer strut in my SA Mil-Spec 1911 just broke clean off in the middle of a stage last week. I installed a high ride grip safety and speed hammer about 6,000 rounds ago, but nothing else has been touched on it. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

I suspect it was another MIM (metal injected molded) part and it had a seam in it. Inspect the slot on the inside of the grip safety and see if there is any evidence the strut was rubbing, but I doubt you'll find any. Off the top of my head I can't remember ever seeing a broken USGI strut although I have seen worn pin holes at the top. S.A. will send you a similar replacement that probably won't break, or I believe the current ones made by Colt are still genuine steel. One would be obtainable from www.brownells.com

 

[berkbw]

+1 on MIM suspect. Plus there is a possibility that the tip of the strut bounced out of the cup., or the pin jammed or galled in the MSH, and the strut left the pocket. I have seen strut setups that had no pressure when the hammer was down.

b-

 

[Robert Hairless]

Strutting is a manifestation of arrogance and inevitably causes fractures.

 

[Old Fuff]

No, Robert, no...!!! Not this early in the morning before I've had some coffee.... You just can't do this...