Bobbed Hammer Checkering

[Texas Colt]

Here's my latest attempt at amateur gunsmithing. I have a Colt Detective Special that I bought as a project gun. After bobbing the hammer, I decided to try checkering the top radius similar to the old Fitz Specials. MidwayUSA supplied the 30 lpi checkering file. It's not a perfect job, but the checkering certainly does help get a good hold on the top of the hammer.

 

[wuchak]

Looks nice! I like that setup in a CCW.

 

[Old Fuff]

After you start the first rows, overlap the file to keep the rows straight on the following ones. See if a machine shop will let you have pieces of scrap round bar stock to practice on. Practice makes perfect.

Having encountered some cases where someone had an unintentional discharge while trying to lower the hammer, I discontinued checkering the hammer, and removed the full-cock notch to make the revolver double-action-only. Some don’t agree with this procedure, but I could see getting sued into the ground. I have had a number of (aftermarket) Fitz Specials, but never shot one in single-action, even when it was available.

 

[magsnubby]

Please tell me you made that D/A only. Trying to decock a bobbed hammer is a really good way to put a hole in something that's best left unmolested.

 

[19-3Ben]

Trying to decock a bobbed hammer is a really good way to put a hole in something that's best left unmolested.

You mean some things are supposed to be unholy?
(runs and hides)

 

[magsnubby]

Oh man. You owe me a new key board. I just spit soda all over mine.

 

[Texas Colt]

Thanks for all the feedback.

At this time, it still has the SA sear intact. This is my personal weapon that no one else shoots. When I practice with this gun, I always shoot DA. The only time I use SA is when testing handloads for accuracy.

The hammer checkering was really just an experiment to see if I could do it. I practiced on a piece on round stock (like Old Fuff suggested) before doing the hammer. The only tricky part was the top part of the firing pin, which is a harder steel than the body of the hammer.

 

[Old Fuff]

The only tricky part was the top part of the firing pin, which is a harder steel than the body of the hammer.

"Back when" many if not most 'smiths removed the firing pin before checkering the hammer. As for Colt, they stamped or "coined" the checkering, which is one way you can tell a company FITZ Special from an aftermarket job.

I realize that many keep the single-action feature while bobbing the hammer. My remarks were directed toward others with less experience with revolvers that might not understand the risks involved. If, while the hammer is being lowered the trigger is allowed to follow down, Colt's positive hammer block will prevent a discharge. However if the trigger is held back, and the thumb slips off of the hammer, an unintentional discharge is not only possible - but likely. The original FITZ Specials were never cataloged by Colt - for a good reason, and the few that were made went to experienced users who understood the risks.

 

[Texas Colt]

You are absolutely correct Old Fuff. I learned many years ago how to correctly lower the hammer on a Colt revolver and recently passed that knowledge on to my son. I can certainly understand why Colt never cataloged the Fitz Special. They're not for everyone.

 

[45crittergitter]

I always place my left thumb under the hammer when uncocking anything that has an external hammer, until I have both released the trigger and run out of space for the thumb.

 

[gcrookston]

I really like your work. you've done a fine job.