Bobbing the hammer, question

[SandSpider]

I have a Model 60 that I carry a lot. I would like to bob the hammer to keep it from snagging.

Since doing so will remove mass from the hammer, could this potentially result in light(er) strikes? Do I need to a heavier main spring? Or am I overthinking the whole issue?

Any advice from the experienced folks on here will be much appreciated!

 

[Alk8944]

You will not have any issues with light strikes if the only change is bobbing the hammer spur. Lightening the hammer by removing the weight of the spur actually results in higher hammer velocity as a result. They balance out pretty well.

 

[chief38]

The answer above is correct. As long as bobbing the hammer is the only change you make, you should be A-OK. That said, I'd like to suggest two alternatives to bobbing the original hammer. Once you do that there is no going back to stock which many people do want to do down the line.

I've carried a semi auto for the last 5 years but prior to that I carried a M60 for over 40 years. I pocket carried at least half the time and trained myself to place my thumb over the hammer when drawing the revolver. Once muscle memory kicks in from practice, a no snag draw is achieved every time. Simple, effective and no gun smithing!

That said, if you still want a bobbed hammer, I would suggest that you get another hammer for your revolver (same type of course) and bob that one. Sometimes a little minor fitting is required but you will then be able to instantly return the revolver back to Factory if and when you want to. I know a bunch of people who had bobbed their hammers and after a while wanted to return it to have the standard hammer again. Good parts for older models are getting more expensive and harder to find, so that is why I suggest this while they are still available. yes, it's less expensive to bb the actual factory hammer, but there is no adding metal back!

 

[stansdds]

I agree with the above. A bobbed hammer with stock springs will function just fine. I also recommend leaving the original hammer alone and buy a hammer to bob or buy one that has already been bobbed.

 

[austintexas]

I would post on the want to buy portion of the forum. I'm sure someone out there has a bobbed hammer they would like to get rid of. I have a few in my junk drawer that I took out of revolvers that I replace with spurred hammers. I also have an assortment of nickeled hammers and triggers I have replaced over the years
SWCA 892

 

[SandSpider]

All good advice, and much appreciated! Buying a spare hammer to bob was my initial thought, but then, I'm not going to ever get rid of that gun. I might still do it, though.

I carry this revolver in a small leather holster in my front pocket 95% of the time. When I sit down, the hammer pokes me. That's as much a reason for me wanting to get rid of it as is the snag factor.
This is just a regular run-of-the-mill early 1990s (I think) .357 version. Nothing special or collectible.

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[chief38]

All good advice, and much appreciated! Buying a spare hammer to bob was my initial thought, but then, I'm not going to ever get rid of that gun. I might still do it, though.

I carry this revolver in a small leather holster in my front pocket 95% of the time. When I sit down, the hammer pokes me. That's as much a reason for me wanting to get rid of it as is the snag factor.
This is just a regular run-of-the-mill early 1990s (I think) .357 version. Nothing special or collectible.

Thanks again for the advice!

Even if you keep the gun forever.... people change their minds, opinions and carry methods. I have been carrying for just shy of 49 years and I believed I'd never wind up carrying a "plastic" 9mm Micro pistol after 45 years of carrying a Revolver. The first few years I thought my M10 2" RB was the cat's meow, then a M60 and finally wound up with a M60-7. If you told me 10 years ago I'd "retire" my M60-7 in favor of a "plastic gun" I would have never believed it.

I also used to carry with rubber Uncle Mike's grips, ankle holsters, etc. - somethings I'd NEVER do today. Here is my point..... one day down the road you could wind up wanting a factory hammer back on the revolver. Sometimes you just want or need a perfectly aimed shot and want a light SA trigger let off. Who knows what will be available and what it would cost to get one 5 or 10 years down the road, so being able to sell it "factory" isn't the point. The important part is you would have the original hammer and the option to do what you want.

I might also suggest buying a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster which will keep a hammer from digging into your leg as it is covered. They are inexpensive and IMHO the best method of pocket carry there is.

Your money, your gun and obviously your choice. Just figured I'd point out some of the thing's I've experienced over the years.

 

[Grimjaws]

MIM option

Not sure if this is the case but if you have a model 60 with MIM parts you may be able to swap in a 640 hammer.

I have a 637-2 and bought a 642 hammer for it on the bay site for $25. Since they are similar it just popped right in. No misfires or light strikes and no damage to the original hammer. It comes out of the pocket no snag and have had no issues.

You may want to investigate that as an alternative but my revolver is modern day manufactured as I got it last year so not sure about 90s handguns being able to do that.