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1911 hammer types

knightriderknightrider Member Posts: 450 ✭✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
I've often thought about changing the hammer and duck tail on my 1911 so that it does not look so plan jane. For some reason I can't get enough leverage to cock the hammer on a 1911 if it is this type.
20114-1.jpg
However if it is like the new Taurus 1911 hammer I can get it to cock most of the time. Is is because of the size of my hands that is the problem or something else?
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Comments

  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The hammer is cocked by retracting the slide to load the chamber.
    When would you need to do otherwise?
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
    The hammer is cocked by retracting the slide to load the chamber.
    When would you need to do otherwise?
    +1

    It is dangerous to realese the hammer on a loaded chamber trying to do it softly without discharging the round on any 1911.

    A 1911 is safe to carry locked and loaded with the safety on. As an added safety featur I carry mine in a holster with a strap that goes between the hammer and the slide, but that is just how I do it. See picture.
    100_0044.jpg
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  • moonshinemoonshine Member Posts: 8,471
    edited November -1
    * r done
    what brand is that holster?
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by moonshine
    * r done
    what brand is that holster?
    Uncle Mikes
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  • knightriderknightrider Member Posts: 450 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK, I guess I need to restate the problem. I carry mine cocked, locked, and ready to rock. But when you are done for the day and the chamber is empty do you lower the hammer or do you dry fire it? I have a problem controlling the mentioned hammer when lowering along with cocking. Hawk Carse I see your point however there may come a time that you need to cock it. I perfer to cover all my bases and leave nothing to chance.
    Thank you for the posts.
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  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886 ✭
    edited November -1
    Thumb it back with your non firing hand to cock it. When you are off the firing line or otherwise off duty, clear the chamber, then lower the hammer, using the same procedure in reverse. I regard one handed hammer manipulation on the 1911's as an accident waiting to happen. No need to change hammers. Best, Joe
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  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886 ✭
    edited November -1
    Side note: * r done your safety sure looks off to me. Check the thumb release strap for interference with the safety. Joe
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by givette
    Side note: * r done your safety sure looks off to me. Check the thumb release strap for interference with the safety. Joe
    Safety was off in that picture. Gun was also unloaded haveing an empty mag in it. I staged the picture and forgot the safety. I was just trying to show the strap between the hammer and slide which is another safety device not allowing the hammer to fully drop if for some reason it did happen to release.

    When I am carrying it there is no interference with the safety at all.

    I noticed that yesterday as well as I posted the picture.[:D]
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When I unload a gun, I remove the magazine, eject the chambered round, look in the chamber to be sure, and dryfire. Habit built of years of IPSC and IDPA competition where that is the required procedure, it works elsewhere.

    I have not seen an emergency that calls for thumb cocking a 1911. I would (have) rack the slide to get rid of a dud round and bring up a fresh one.

    Strange though it may seem, I own a gun built for the purpose of thumb cocking, a Commander with a G.M. spur hammer. Condition 2 carry was popular for a while in this area, years ago... until we figured out that the guy teaching it was lefthanded and learned to shoot before ambidextrous safeties were available.

    If you just must, the main difference between the illustrated Kimber and the Taurus is not the hammer, it is the rear sight. The Kimber's faux Bomar projects up and back in the way of the burr hammer as the Taurus' fixed sight does not.
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  • glabrayglabray Member Posts: 679 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm afraid that a lot of those who advocate carrying a 1911 cocked and locked as "perfectly safe" have spent a lot more time on their computer keyboard than actually carrying a 1911. That's okay on the range in a competion where the gun is the only thing you are thinking of. There is a HUGE difference between a fast competition holster and one that will provide a safe carry all day long, day in, day out when your mind is on other matters. Moving around, getting in and out of chairs, riding in a car, etc. will often cause the safety on a 1911 to come off safe as it rubs aginst your clothing, or any other object. This is especially true with an ambiodextrous setup. Make sure you use a holster with the strap in front of the hammer as suggested above.
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