Remington '58 - Hammer Binding

[bonza]

I have a Pietta-made Remington '58 .36 caliber revolver. I've noticed lately that when I lower the hammer I can feel it binding, or rubbing. If I let go of the hammer at that point it will actually 'hang' there until I push it with my thumb. I don't notice it when I'm shooting, & lock-time & ignition seems to be ok, but I think it must still be doing it. At first I thought it was rubbing on the frame, but I can see a gap on both sides of the hammer, so I don't think that's it. Any ideas as to where to look?

 

[ClemBert]

Sounds like you need to take it apart and clean it and lubricate it. Occasionally, you'll hear about someone finding percussion cap pieces in the lockworks. Is it possible that the mainspring has sprung so to speak?

 

[Chawbaccer]

Bent hammer screw? Try loosening it a quarter turn and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Voodoochile]

You could also have a slightly oversized hole in the hammer where it pivots on the Hammer Screw.

When you are lowering the hammer the bolt will cock the hammer slightly to the left "when looking at it from behind" & that in turn will cause the hammer nose to scrape against the frame near the sight grove.

If I'm right the best & most inexpensive fix is to have a small shim between the frame & the hammer to true it up in the frame.

I've done this from time to time.

 

[AdmiralB]

If I'm right the best & most inexpensive fix is to have a small shim between the frame & the hammer to true it up in the frame.

I agree. Watch the hammer as you let it down; if it contacts the frame side, you need shim washers, Brownell's part 713-000-063.

 

[rcflint]

The hammer gets pushed over by the spring tension of the bolt's wing against the hammer at the cam. As others have mentioned, the Pietta, in particular, has a loose fit between the pivot screw and the hammer hole. I have used shims, and also have made a new oversized screw. Both ways work. Try to use as little bolt wing tension as possible without putting the bolt drop timing too early, it will reduce the tipping action.