What is a "Fish-hook Hammer"?

whelenshooter · Nov 16, 2009

In some recent threads I've heard the term "Fish-hook Hammer" in reference to some soft of hammer shape. Can someone explain what this means and show me some photos of it compared to a standard hammer? Can someone show me photos of the "Humpback Hammer" too? What dates were these hammers used, and in what models?

Thanks a bunch! I love this forum! I've learned more from this forum than any other I've ever read!

Art Doc · Nov 16, 2009

Generally seen on K frames from 1948-1956.

whelenshooter · Nov 16, 2009

I guess I'm not too observant sometimes. I have several revolvers that have these hammers. I knew they seemed a bit different, but it never sunk in how they were different. I'd never heard the "fish-hook" term before recently either. It makes me feel kinda dumb.

Do you have any humpback hammer photos? I have a hammer on a pre-model 10 that is different (and blocks the sights from view until the hammer has been cocked or comes back a little way when being shot double action) but I don't think it is a true humpback hammer.

Thank you very much!

SmithNut · Nov 16, 2009

Humpback Hammers...

Here are a couple, the first a K frame, the second an N frame - Registered Mag.

whelenshooter · Nov 17, 2009

Thanks! Neat looking handguns! The humpback hammer adds character.

gjamison · Nov 17, 2009

is it not sometimes called a speed hammer?

twaits · Nov 17, 2009

Isn't this also referred to as a "humpback"?

SmithNut · Nov 17, 2009

twaits said:
Isn't this also referred to as a "humpback"?

twaits,
No, that is a standard pre-war hammer (also used on some early post-war transition guns). If you put them side by side you'd see a dramatic difference.

gjamison,
Yes, it's a Speed Hammer, the Fish Hook designation is a collector/enthusiast term. Funny that Fish-hook is just a nick name, like pencil barrels, and even more funny is that some folks get all amped up on some nick names but not others .... humorous.

Art Doc · Nov 17, 2009

Sort of like jumping a guy for calling the M14 a Target Masterpiece, no?

Note I put fish hook as "fish hook" with the quotation marks meaning it is not a technically correct term. I would use the correct term if I knew of one. Is there?

SmithNut · Nov 17, 2009

gjamison

My apologies, as to the designation for that hammer, I'm not sure it is actually the Speed hammer (or Hi Speed hammer). I cannot find the book reference that I was thinking about, all I've found so far just indicate it as the standard hammer for the new short action. Here is a flyer that sort of ties it to the new Masterpiece short action, but again I believe it's actually the standard hammer. I'll keep looking, maybe I can find the speed hammer info and post it.

handejector · Nov 17, 2009

Sorry for the large pic, but I wanted you to be able to read it.

This pic is from an AMC printed in Dec, 1945, or very early 1946-

bmcgilvray · Nov 17, 2009

The fish hook hammer is my least favorite style. It is unattractive to me. The first time I noticed it on a used revolver I thought the spur had been damaged. It is positive in operation and worlds better than the pre-war style for actual use. The pre-war style however is handsome and elegant.

mikepriwer · Nov 17, 2009

The thing about a hump-back hammer is that it does not have a
hump. Rather, the depression immediately forward of the checkered
tang has been filled in, so that the contour is continuously flat
from the rear of the firing pin.

Its this lack of a depression that feels like a hump , to the thumb.

Later, Mike Priwer

bmcgilvray · Nov 17, 2009

I want a couple of box car loads of K-22s at $52.25 each.

SmithNut · Nov 17, 2009

Ahhhh, there it is....

Thanks Lee,
I was hoping it wasn't a senior moment on my part....

I thought it was in the Centennial Catalog, but by 1952 it just calls it the Standard Hammer.

Here's another one I referenced earlier.

twaits · Nov 17, 2009

SmithNut said:
twaits,
No, that is a standard pre-war hammer (also used on some early post-war transition guns). If you put them side by side you'd see a dramatic difference.

gjamison,
Yes, it's a Speed Hammer, the Fish Hook designation is a collector/enthusiast term. Funny that Fish-hook is just a nick name, like pencil barrels, and even more funny is that some folks get all amped up on some nick names but not others .... humorous.

Thanks for the info.

twaits · Nov 17, 2009

bmcgilvray said:
The fish hook hammer is my least favorite style. It is unattractive to me. The first time I noticed it on a used revolver I thought the spur had been damaged. It is positive in operation and worlds better than the pre-war style for actual use. The pre-war style however is handsome and elegant.

I really think the "fish hook" is the most elegant looking one. It just seems to flow so nicely. The Pre wars and the one on the Registered Magnums look akward to me and they hide the rear sight notch (at least on the pre war style I've never held a Registered Magnum)

Oh well, you say TomAto I say TomAHto....

handejector · Nov 17, 2009

While the AMC above says "High Speed Hammer", we can obviously assume the term refers more to the then new(er) short action than to the shape or styling of the hammer itself.
To the factory, this would merely be the standard hammer for K Targets. Less than two years later, the same profile would be applied to the K frame M&P's, but without the wide spur.
Within 4 years, they would be offering the K Targets with the true "Target Hammer".

The term I've known the longest for this hammer is "Sculpted". I first heard that in the 60's- as in "the old sculpted hammer", since it was superseded by then with the modern "Semi-Target" hammer that was standard on adjustable sighted guns.

This has always been my favorite hammer in EVERY way- looks and function. With the size and configuration of my hand, I don't need the extra impact weight and slower lock time of the Target Hammer. The spur and notch of this hammer has always cocked very positively for me. Unlike the SHARP edged checkering of the modern hammers, the smooth edges of this hammer is easier on shirts and jacket liners. When I was young and dumb(er), I went through a lot of guns that I could not buy holsters for, and also noticed this hammer was easier on belly skin when carrying "mexican" style. I still tend to stick a lot of guns in my belt when out shooting several, rather than wear a holster for each. You have to put the gun somewhere when handling targets and ammo, and I like knowing where it is. I seldom shoot at formal ranges with a bench.

SmithNut · Nov 17, 2009

handejector said:
Unlike the SHARP edged checkering of the modern hammers, the smooth edges of this hammer is easier on shirts and jacket liners. When I was young and dumb(er), I went through a lot of guns that I could not buy holsters for, and also noticed this hammer was easier on belly skin when carrying "mexican" style. I still tend to stick a lot of guns in my belt when out shooting several, rather than wear a holster for each. You have to put the gun somewhere when handling targets and ammo, and I like knowing where it is. I seldom shoot at formal ranges with a bench.

Lee,
Here's something I saw on the web. You might want to try a variation of the Mexican carry, I call it the Mexican shoulder carry method. It's fast and convenient in many ways. Not very handy if you need to reach for something above your head, however.

handejector · Nov 17, 2009

Now you're funnin' me.....
You know I would not be seen in public wearing plastic.

This has possibilities with an S&W........ maybe loop a long rubber band over the sholder, hooking a twisted loop over the muzzle, and the other end twisted and hooked on the hammer- a kind of 'breakaway rig'. Might work most positively with Patridge sights and Target Hammers.....

What is a "Fish-hook Hammer"?

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