What is a Hammer-Fired Pistol? (Explained)
If you are new to guns you will hear the terms hammer-fired pistol and striker-fired pistol.
The difference is how the fining mechanism works and the exterior appearance of the pistol.
Historically, pistols use a hammer-fired firing mechanism.
On a hammer-fired pistol, the external hammer at the rear of the slide is cocked back. Then the trigger is pulled which releases the hammer. The hammer then makes contact with the firing pin which ignites the priming firing the round.
There are two types of hammer-fired pistols, single-action or double-action.
Single action is when you have to manually cock the hammer back with your thumb. This is a lighter pull for more accurate shots.
Double action is when you can cock the hammer back manually, or you can pull the trigger and it will cock the hammer then release it. This is a longer and heavier pull.
A striker-fired pistol is a more modern design that has no hammer but instead uses a spring-loaded firing pin.
To find out more about Striker-Fired Pistols, we have info on that.
Hammer-fired pistols have been around for a long time and can be tuned and polished by a gunsmith.
Some modern hammer-fired pistols will have a safety “decock” button or lever. This will safely lower the hammer without the risk of an accidental discharge.
“Cocked and Locked” refers to when the hammer is cocked back with the safety on.
Striker-fired pistols are more popular among the concealed carry crowd because, without the exposed external hammer, the pistol is more concealable by design.
Hammer-fired pistols are becoming slightly less common with advancements in firearms technology.
Advantages of Hammer-Fired Pistols
The benefit of a hammer-fired pistol is the accuracy. They are a lot smoother and lighter than striker-fired pistols.
If you want the best accuracy and speed for competition or just a great home defense gun the hammer-fired pistol wins.
They can also be tuned and worked on to make it even better.
Competition shooters normally lean towards a clean and light trigger with a crisp break like you see on a 1911-style gun.
Just like most things, there is always a trade-off. If you want the most crisp and smooth trigger for accuracy, then the hammer-fired triggers can’t be beat.
Metal frame pistols are also the common base for a hammer-fired pistol. This means the gun is heavier and will absorb more recoil when shooting.
Disadvantages of Hammer-Fired Pistols
Hammer-fired pistols can be less reliable because the firing mechanism is exposed. Dirt or debris can get lodged in between the hammer face and the transfer bar.
They also require more parts and that means higher chances for a part to break and fail.
Hammer-fired pistols don’t make great guns for concealed carry because they are often heavier and the exposed hammer can be snagged on clothing or other stuff.
These firing mechanisms are also slightly more complicated compared to polymer-framed striker-fired pistols.
They will usually have an external thumb safety which can be another thing to think about.
With proper training, this isn’t an issue but normally do not recommend semi-auto pistols that are hammer-fired to people who are new to shooting and guns.
Are Hammer-Fired Pistols Good?
Hammer-fired pistols are great guns and it is a time-tested design that has been around for hundreds of years.
It is a good design but for concealed carry specifically, I recommend a striker-fired pistol.
For a home defense or a range gun, they are fun to shoot and very accurate. They can be used for concealed carry with no issues but I think there are better guns nowadays for carry.
I also think everyone should have a good revolver. One of my favorite revolvers is the Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series.
Here is some more info on the best striker-fired pistols I suggest for concealed carry. They are Sig P365X, Glock 43X, Springfield Hellcat, Ruger Max-9.
I have full reviews and buyer guides of them at the links.
Furthermore, if you are new to firearms and want to learn more about what pistol might be right for you, check out the guide on the Best 9mm Pistols.
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