Hammer (firearms): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Part of a firearm}} |
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[[File:Erweiterte Zündsysteme CC BY-SA 4.0 by Grasyl.svg|thumb|250px|From the top: striker-fired, linear hammer with free-floating firing pin, hammer-fired with free-floating firing pin, and hammer-fired with integral firing pin]] |
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The '''hammer''' is a part of a firearm that is used to strike the [[percussion cap]]/[[primer (firearm)|primer]], or a separate [[firing pin]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rkba.org/guns/principles/functions/firing.html|title=Principles of Firearms -- Functions -- Firing|website=rkba.org|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref> to ignite the [[propellant]] and fire the projectile. It is so called |
The '''hammer''' is a part of a firearm that is used to strike the [[percussion cap]]/[[primer (firearm)|primer]], or a separate [[firing pin]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rkba.org/guns/principles/functions/firing.html|title=Principles of Firearms -- Functions -- Firing|website=rkba.org|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref> to ignite the [[propellant]] and fire the projectile. It is so called because it resembles a [[hammer]] in both form and function. The hammer itself is a metal piece that forcefully rotates about a pivot point.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2015/05/hammer-fired-vs-striker-fired.html|title=Firearms History, Technology & Development: Hammer Fired vs. Striker Fired|date=2015-05-25|website=Firearms History, Technology & Development|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref> |
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The term '''tumbler''' can refer to a part of the hammer or a part mechanically attached to the pivot-point of the hammer, depending on the particular firearm under discussion (see [[Half-cock#Common examples and breakage|half-cock]]). According to one source the term tumbler is synonymous with hammer.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns |title=Tumbler |url=http://www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm#T |accessdate=January 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>See also: {{cite web |publisher=Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns |title=Sear |url=http://www.hallowellco.com/abbrevia.htm#S |accessdate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Codex Vindobonensis 3069 38v.jpg|thumb|204x204px|Artistic rendition of firing a [[hand cannon]] from the Late Medieval era. [[Illuminated manuscript]] page from ''Codex Vindobona''.]] |
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Firearms, initially known as "[[hand cannon]]s",<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/12/the-history-and-evolution-of-guns-as-told-through-pictures/|title=The History and Evolution of Guns as Told Through Pictures|website=The Blaze|access-date=2016-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417121206/http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/12/the-history-and-evolution-of-guns-as-told-through-pictures/|archive-date=2016-04-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> first became a viable weapon in 1364<ref name=":2" /> through the advancement of chemical technologies to create a gunpowder efficient enough to launch a projectile at high speeds in a hand-held weapon. The issue quickly arose of how to effectively ignite the gunpowder while maintaining the weapon’s aim at the target. Initially, the problem was solved by using a "[[slow match]]":<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/a-brief-history-of-firearms.aspx|title=NRA Museums:|website=www.nramuseum.org|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref> a chemically treated piece of rope that would stay lit for an extended period of time. The smoldering end of the rope would then be manually brought into contact with the gunpowder through a [[touch hole]] in the barrel of the weapon<ref name=":2" /> when the user was ready to shoot. It proved difficult for the shooter to both keep the weapon aimed and level as well as ignite the gunpowder with the slow match. |
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The first step to a true hammer system arose shortly after the introduction of the slow match: the [[matchlock]] system, introduced in the early 1400s.<ref name=":3" /> It acted as an arm, known as a [[Matchlock|serpentine]],<ref name=":2" /> that held the lit slow match. When the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] was pulled, the arm would swing forward from its cocked state (similar to a hammer) via potential energy stored in a spring and bring the lit slow match into contact with the gunpowder. The weapon could be utilized with increased accuracy, since the shooter could maintain both hands on the weapon. |
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[[File:Flintlock ignition animation.gif|thumb|right|Flintlock firing]] |
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In the development of firearms, the [[flintlock]] used [[flint]] striking steel to produce sparks and initiate firing by igniting the [[gunpowder]] used as a propellant. The flint was fixed to a swinging arm called the ''cock''. Prior to firing, the cock was held rearward under spring tension. Pulling the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] allowed the cock to rotate forward at a speed sufficient to produce sparks when it struck the steel [[frizzen]]. This ignited a small priming charge in the external [[flash pan]], which in turn ignited the propellent charge in the [[Breech (firearms)|breech]] through a connecting vent hole. The identification of percussion sensitive [[fulminate]]s provided an alternative to spark ignition of the propellant. The [[percussion lock]] (also caplock) was adapted from the flintlock firing mechanism, with the ''cock'' being modified to strike a small cup-like cap containing percussive material. The cap was placed over an external ''nipple'', which acts as an anvil and conduit to ignite the main propellant charge within the breech. In this use, the ''cock'' has come to be termed a ''hammer''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/a-brief-history-of-firearms.aspx|title=NRA Museums|website=www.nramuseum.org|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref> |
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By 1509, the [[wheellock]] system arose to solve some difficulties of the matchlock system, though it was a very expensive system.<ref name=":2" /> The wheellock system used a piece of [[pyrite]] attached to an arm called a dogshead<ref name=":3" /> that would be brought into contact with a metal wheel that rotated when the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] was pulled. This would, in turn, shower sparks upon the gunpowder and cause the weapon to discharge. The wheellock represented a major advancement, for it removed the need for maintaining a continually lit slow match which could go out or give off the shooter’s location in a time of need.<ref name=":3" /> |
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[[File:Caplock.gif|thumb|All caplock mechanisms rely upon a [[hammer (firearms)|hammer]] impact.]] |
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Following the introduction of the matchlock, the [[flintlock]] was introduced in the mid-1600s.<ref name=":3" /> The flintlock is similar to the wheellock system, but instead of the hammer mechanism holding pyrite and coming into contact with a moving wheel, the arm (called a cock) held a piece of flint and would be brought forcefully into contact with a steel plate when the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] was pulled.<ref name=":3" /> This would also cause pieces of steel to flake off and ignite due to the [[friction]] thereby igniting the gunpowder.<ref name=":2" /> This method was also far less expensive that the wheellock system.<ref name=":3" /> |
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[[Samuel Colt]]'s [[Colt Paterson]] revolver of 1836 used percussion caps. The hammer and other components of the firing mechanism are mounted between the sides that form the frame. While not unique, percussion and flint-locks more typically use a [[Side-lock (firearms)|side-lock]] firing mechanism, with the components mounted either side of the mounting plate. |
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In 1822, the flintlock system was replaced with what can be called the first hammer system.<ref name=":3" /> This arose after Scottish clergyman [[Alexander John Forsyth|Reverend Alexander Forsyth]] discovered the property of [[Mercury(II) fulminate|mercury fulminate]] (Hg(ONC)<sub>2</sub>) to combust when struck.<ref name=":2" /> Using this discovery, the [[percussion cap]] was created. The cap was a small metal cup filled with volatile chemicals placed at the rear of the barrel over a nipple in what was known as the [[caplock mechanism]]. A true hammer was cocked via a spring system and held in place until the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] was pulled to release the hammer. The hammer would then swing forward and strike the percussion cap which would in turn ignite and cause the gunpowder to ignite and fire the weapon. |
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[[File:Cartridge, sectional view.JPG|thumb|self-contained cartridge]] |
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| ⚫ | The caplock was in wide use for almost five decades until the widespread introduction of the [[Cartridge (firearms)|self-contained cartridge]] which contained the projectile, gunpowder, and percussion cap all in a single shell that could be easily loaded from the [[Breechloader|breech]] of a firearm.<ref name=":3" /> The introduction of such a technology led to the implementation of the [[firing pin]] and hammer system that is even now still used in certain designs. Whereas the percussion cap in the caplock mechanism was external, the percussion cap in a self-contained cartridge is inside the breech. It is therefore necessary to use a ''firing pin'' (a thin rod) to strike the primer through a small penetration in the breech and cause firing.<ref>{{cite book |last=Brown |first=Edmund G. |author-link =Jerry Brown |title =Handgun Safety Certificate |publisher =[[California Department of Justice]] |date =2009 |location =[[West Sacramento, California]] |page =52 }}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | There are some notable drawbacks to the external hammer system compared to other modern, internal designs. In [[single-action revolvers]], specifically, there is an ever-present danger of accidentally discharging the weapon if the hammer is struck with a |
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[[File:Half cock.jpg|thumb|A [[Colt Single Action Army]] at [[half-cock]], showing the external hammer and integral firing pin typical of many [[revolver]]s.]] |
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[[File:Marlin 1899 SS Stainless .44 Magnum.jpg|thumb| A [[Marlin Model 1894]] rifle. The hammer and firing pin are separate components.]] |
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[[File:M16 rifle Firing FM 23-9 Fig 2-7.png|thumb|The [[M16 rifle]] uses an internal hammer.]] |
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An external hammer is one that can be accessed by the operator during use. This allows the hammer to be manually [[half-cock|cocked]] or eased (uncocked) without firing. The hammer is designed with a ''spur'' (extension) to facilitate manual operation. An internal hammer cannot be accessed manually during operation. Pistols and shotguns in particular, which have an internal hammer may be referred to as being ''hammerless''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIUfmg1JulE J-Frame Disassembly.mpg], accessed 10 April 2023. Upon disassembly of a [[Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless|Smith & Wesson hammerless revolver]], the internal hammer can be seen.</ref> |
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A ''striker'' is a type of firing pin operated by the direct action of a spring rather than by a hammer striking the firing pin. Striker-operated firearms lack a hammer. |
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| ⚫ | There are some notable drawbacks to the external hammer system compared to other modern, internal designs. In [[single-action revolvers]], specifically, there is an ever-present danger of accidentally discharging the weapon if the hammer is struck with a cartridge loaded in the chamber.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgia4h.org/safe/Curiculum/Pistol.pdf|title=Introduction to the Pistol|last=William F. Stevens. John Kvasnicka. Ronald A. Howard Jr. and Marilvn Bergurn*|publisher=4-H Shooting Sports Guide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417201907/http://www.georgia4h.org/safe/Curiculum/Pistol.pdf|archive-date=2018-04-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is nothing to prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin and by default the cartridge, in some models, and so the gun will be discharged unintentionally. |
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[[File:Lemathammer.jpg|thumb|An external hammer that could easily catch on clothing]] |
[[File:Lemathammer.jpg|thumb|An external hammer that could easily catch on clothing]] |
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Other models do have an internal safety mechanism that prevents contact between the hammer and the firing pin unless the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] is actually pulled.<ref name=":1" /> Even so, many single-action revolver owners choose to carry their revolver with the hammer resting on an empty chamber to minimize the risk of accidental discharge. Additionally, for those who carry their firearm as a personal defense weapon, there is the ever-present worry that an external hammer may catch on a loose article of clothing in an emergency situation, because the hammer protrudes at an angle from the rear of the weapon, and as the owner moves to quickly draw their weapon, the hammer may snag on clothing and cause the loss of seconds in a dangerous situation. Paul B. Weston, an authority on police weapons, called the external a "fish hook" that tended to snag clothing during a fast draw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gunsmagazine.com/hammer-or-less/|title=Hammer Or… "-Less?"Guns Magazine.com {{!}} Guns Magazine.com|date=2012|website=gunsmagazine.com|access-date=2016-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419044725/https://gunsmagazine.com/hammer-or-less/|archive-date=2016-04-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
Other models do have an internal safety mechanism that prevents contact between the hammer and the firing pin unless the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]] is actually pulled.<ref name=":1" /> Even so, many single-action revolver owners choose to carry their revolver with the hammer resting on an empty chamber to minimize the risk of accidental discharge. Additionally, for those who carry their firearm as a personal defense weapon, there is the ever-present worry that an external hammer may catch on a loose article of clothing in an emergency situation, because the hammer protrudes at an angle from the rear of the weapon, and as the owner moves to quickly draw their weapon, the hammer may snag on clothing and cause the loss of seconds in a dangerous situation. Paul B. Weston, an authority on police weapons, called the external a "fish hook" that tended to snag clothing during a fast draw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gunsmagazine.com/hammer-or-less/|title=Hammer Or… "-Less?"Guns Magazine.com {{!}} Guns Magazine.com|date=2012|website=gunsmagazine.com|access-date=2016-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419044725/https://gunsmagazine.com/hammer-or-less/|archive-date=2016-04-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Linear hammer== |
==Linear hammer== |
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A linear hammer is similar to but differs from a [[Striker-fired|striker]] in that the hammer is a separate component from the firing pin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Issue |last2=V10N4 |last3=Volume 10 |title=A Matter of Purpose: Striker Fire vs. Hammer Fire – Small Arms Defense Journal |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/a-matter-of-purpose-striker-fire-vs-hammer-fire/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en-US}}</ref> When released, a linear hammer, under spring pressure, slides along the bore axis rather than pivoting around a pin placed perpendicular to the bore, as with the more common rotating hammer. The hammer then impacts the rear of the firing pin. Designs such as the Czech [[vz. 58]] and the Chinese [[QBZ-95]] utilize a linear hammer.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRvV4v1FjAo Mechanics and Disassembly of the Norinco QBZ-97 / Type 97 NSR] Accessed 3 October 2022.</ref> |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2022}} |
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Another form is a linear hammer, this works similar to a [[Striker-fired|striker]] but differs as it is separate from the firing pin and internal bolt components. A Linear hammer differs from a striker as it is found in the receiver whereas a striker is basically a firing pin actuated by the trigger and found within the bolt. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Latest revision as of 10:26, 8 July 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2016) |
Hammer uncocked (top). Hammer cocked (bottom).
The hammer is a part of a firearm that is used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a separate firing pin,[1] to ignite the propellant and fire the projectile. It is so called because it resembles a hammer in both form and function. The hammer itself is a metal piece that forcefully rotates about a pivot point.[2]
The term tumbler can refer to a part of the hammer or a part mechanically attached to the pivot-point of the hammer, depending on the particular firearm under discussion (see half-cock). According to one source the term tumbler is synonymous with hammer.[3][4]
Evolution
[edit]
In the development of firearms, the flintlock used flint striking steel to produce sparks and initiate firing by igniting the gunpowder used as a propellant. The flint was fixed to a swinging arm called the cock. Prior to firing, the cock was held rearward under spring tension. Pulling the trigger allowed the cock to rotate forward at a speed sufficient to produce sparks when it struck the steel frizzen. This ignited a small priming charge in the external flash pan, which in turn ignited the propellent charge in the breech through a connecting vent hole. The identification of percussion sensitive fulminates provided an alternative to spark ignition of the propellant. The percussion lock (also caplock) was adapted from the flintlock firing mechanism, with the cock being modified to strike a small cup-like cap containing percussive material. The cap was placed over an external nipple, which acts as an anvil and conduit to ignite the main propellant charge within the breech. In this use, the cock has come to be termed a hammer.[5]
Samuel Colt's Colt Paterson revolver of 1836 used percussion caps. The hammer and other components of the firing mechanism are mounted between the sides that form the frame. While not unique, percussion and flint-locks more typically use a side-lock firing mechanism, with the components mounted either side of the mounting plate.
The caplock was in wide use for almost five decades until the widespread introduction of the self-contained cartridge which contained the projectile, gunpowder, and percussion cap all in a single shell that could be easily loaded from the breech of a firearm.[5] The introduction of such a technology led to the implementation of the firing pin and hammer system that is even now still used in certain designs. Whereas the percussion cap in the caplock mechanism was external, the percussion cap in a self-contained cartridge is inside the breech. It is therefore necessary to use a firing pin (a thin rod) to strike the primer through a small penetration in the breech and cause firing.[6]
An external hammer is one that can be accessed by the operator during use. This allows the hammer to be manually cocked or eased (uncocked) without firing. The hammer is designed with a spur (extension) to facilitate manual operation. An internal hammer cannot be accessed manually during operation. Pistols and shotguns in particular, which have an internal hammer may be referred to as being hammerless.[7]
A striker is a type of firing pin operated by the direct action of a spring rather than by a hammer striking the firing pin. Striker-operated firearms lack a hammer.
Drawbacks
[edit]There are some notable drawbacks to the external hammer system compared to other modern, internal designs. In single-action revolvers, specifically, there is an ever-present danger of accidentally discharging the weapon if the hammer is struck with a cartridge loaded in the chamber.[8] There is nothing to prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin and by default the cartridge, in some models, and so the gun will be discharged unintentionally.
Other models do have an internal safety mechanism that prevents contact between the hammer and the firing pin unless the trigger is actually pulled.[8] Even so, many single-action revolver owners choose to carry their revolver with the hammer resting on an empty chamber to minimize the risk of accidental discharge. Additionally, for those who carry their firearm as a personal defense weapon, there is the ever-present worry that an external hammer may catch on a loose article of clothing in an emergency situation, because the hammer protrudes at an angle from the rear of the weapon, and as the owner moves to quickly draw their weapon, the hammer may snag on clothing and cause the loss of seconds in a dangerous situation. Paul B. Weston, an authority on police weapons, called the external a "fish hook" that tended to snag clothing during a fast draw.[9]
Linear hammer
[edit]A linear hammer is similar to but differs from a striker in that the hammer is a separate component from the firing pin.[10] When released, a linear hammer, under spring pressure, slides along the bore axis rather than pivoting around a pin placed perpendicular to the bore, as with the more common rotating hammer. The hammer then impacts the rear of the firing pin. Designs such as the Czech vz. 58 and the Chinese QBZ-95 utilize a linear hammer.[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Principles of Firearms -- Functions -- Firing". rkba.org. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ "Firearms History, Technology & Development: Hammer Fired vs. Striker Fired". Firearms History, Technology & Development. 2015-05-25. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ "Tumbler". Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ^ See also: "Sear". Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ^ a b "NRA Museums". www.nramuseum.org. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ Brown, Edmund G. (2009). Handgun Safety Certificate. West Sacramento, California: California Department of Justice. p. 52.
- ^ J-Frame Disassembly.mpg, accessed 10 April 2023. Upon disassembly of a Smith & Wesson hammerless revolver, the internal hammer can be seen.
- ^ a b William F. Stevens. John Kvasnicka. Ronald A. Howard Jr. and Marilvn Bergurn*. "Introduction to the Pistol" (PDF). 4-H Shooting Sports Guide. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-04-17.
- ^ "Hammer Or… "-Less?"Guns Magazine.com | Guns Magazine.com". gunsmagazine.com. 2012. Archived from the original on 2016-04-19. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ Issue; V10N4; Volume 10. "A Matter of Purpose: Striker Fire vs. Hammer Fire – Small Arms Defense Journal". Retrieved 2023-09-19.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Mechanics and Disassembly of the Norinco QBZ-97 / Type 97 NSR Accessed 3 October 2022.