I definitely have to replace the hammer as it has no spur. As that I'm trying to learn to smith, sending it to someone else is not an option. My Dad gave it to me, so it is somewhat of an heirloom. Although he gave it to me shortly after he bought it because he hated the dao also. Being that it has a four inch barrel, pocket carry to the store seems silly. I have other guns better suited for that. Thanks again for the insight. I'll probably just get a new hammer based on the model number, tear into it & see where that takes me.