Slot in middle of hammer

[Thunder14]

Just wondering what is that slot for in the middle of the hammer.

 

[FishDFly]

Just wondering what is that slot for in the middle of the hammer.

Rifle or pistol?

 

[Phil Coffins]

On a revolver it’s to place on the pin between the chambers as a safety. Not as safe as the hammer down on empty chamber.

 

[Eutycus]

Are we talking about the rear sight?

 

[87TT]

That's what I was thinking. Rear sight when cocked.

 

[FishDFly]

That's what I was thinking. Rear sight when cocked.

Ditto!

Ah, but the hammer on percussions guns has a slot at the front of it, what is that for?

 

[wb78963]

On Colt open top models from 1847 through 1862 they were a sort of "safety" that locked into a pin between chambers to allow carry of a fully loaded revolver.
Today their main function is to help suck spent caps off of the cone and deposit them in the hammer channel locking up the gun and requiring the shooter to refer to the firearm in terms of the Deity and water retention structures if you know what I mean so as to keep things family friendly.
Respectfully submitted
Bunk

 

[EC121]

?

 

[FishDFly]

On my open top revolvers, the slot at the top of the hammer sure looks like a rear sight to me.

 

[wb78963]

what's the matter EC121 did I stump you with that one?
and the only safe way is hammer down on an empty chamber PERIOD
Bunk

 

[EC121]

Not stumped. I just realized you were referring to revolvers.

 

[wb78963]

OK sorry I should have made a more precise post. The slot in the FACE of the hammer is what I am referring to. The slot in the TOP of the hammer is actually the rear sight.
My guns have that sight slot squared up to give a better sight picture. The slit in the hammer face is cleaned of burrs and is backed with a cap rake.
IMHO Colt open top revolvers are not really precision target guns the sighting system is too crude. Most of the percussion guns in my armory have replacement real dovetailed square front sights. Not NMLRA kosher, but more accurate.
WB

 

[Columbus]

OK sorry I should have made a more precise post. The slot in the FACE of the hammer is what I am referring to. The slot in the TOP of the hammer is actually the rear sight.
My guns have that sight slot squared up to give a better sight picture. The slit in the hammer face is cleaned of burrs and is backed with a cap rake.
IMHO Colt open top revolvers are not really precision target guns the sighting system is too crude. Most of the percussion guns in my armory have replacement real dovetailed square front sights. Not NMLRA kosher, but more accurate.
WB

There were never meant to be target guns. Just point it at the guy's belt buckle and pull the trigger, should work every time.

 

[wb78963]

FishDFly for heavens sake DO NOT pull the trigger!!!

 

[wb78963]

sorry fish I misread I thought you said FRONT sight...sorry about that
W

 

[FishDFly]

No problem.

 

[sourdough]

I get a kick out of posters like Thunder14. Start a thread, ask questions, questions answered, and no peep from the OP.

Evidently not very interested.

Sigh.

Regards,

Jim

 

[FishDFly]

Happens all the time, nothing new.

 

[Rudyard]

Some Pepper boxes & Transisianal revolvers had a slot in the base of the Bar hammer to serve as a sight of sorts .( If Mark Twains view of such arms I found fairly correct ). as any ' Target Pepperboxes' would be greatly over billed at least my own practice didn't produced many tens or should I say a' figure of a man 'target would have to be a VERY rotund fellow.
Rudyard

 

[Loren Rytter]

Suspect he may be referring to the slot on the front of some percussion hammers, most commonly found on double barrel shotguns. Some rifles. I believe it is intended for clearing spent (exploded) caps.