Terminology: Hammer Spur

by
posted on December 20, 2010
2010122015710-hammerspur_ms.jpg

Times are a' changing. Not so long ago, almost every handgun hammer had a spur. This is the rearmost visible extension of the hammer on a pistol or revolver. It's the part on which the shooter places his thumb in order to cock the gun's action.

Hammer spur shape was very important on revolvers with single action trigger systems. Manual cocking was the only way in which to make these revolvers fire. The large contact pad on the spur of so-called “Target” revolvers (which usually have DA/SA trigger systems) was there to make cocking easier in the Timed and Rapid fire stages of the National Match course.

Without exception that I can think of, hammer spurs are not operationally required on hammer-fired semi-automatic pistols. Frequently, manufacturers simply leave them off and thereby achieve a smooth, clean contour to the rear face of the slide. However, if you are tempted to cut off your own hammer spur, proceed with caution. The mass of the hammer spur has another function and it's a lot more subtle. The weight of the spur contributes to a positive strike on the firing pin. You may have to make an adjustment somewhere else in the gun's action.

Latest

Gotw 1854 Web
Gotw 1854 Web

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time we have a modernized American lever-action to take to the range. Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

New For 2025: Kimber 2K11

With its new 2K11, Kimber now has a dedicated design based on the 2011 concept that comes loaded with a number of added features.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.