Author Topic: hammer extension myth or fact? (Read 1077 times)

adirondacker · « **on:** October 24, 2004, 11:55:31 AM »

will a steel hammer extension break the hammer on my encore.i had a guy tell me that today.i suppose it's possible but it also could be possible that the manufacturers of the lightweight ones just want you to think that to sell product.if anyone has had this happen please let me know.if any one has a link to the lighter weight ones i'd appreciate it.i tried to order a hammer extension from t/c one time when i called for some other parts,the gal told me that they didn't make them and t/c didn't recommend them,she never said why, i just assumed it was a safety or weight affecting hammer speed problem.thanks

Sean · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2004, 02:33:25 PM »

Supposedly on Contenders they had reliability problems with hammer extensions ie. the extra weight slowed the hammer fall to the point where the hammer didn't carry enough energy to ignite the primers. It's funny though that other guns don't seem to have that problem like NEF/H&R Handis, lever guns from Marlin or Winchester, and even Revolvers like the Ruger single actions.

I bought one made by a local guy and it is pretty well junk. On the other hand MidSouth Shooter Supply carries an Ambi hammer extension for about $9. I haven't bought another one and don't use the one mentioned earlier anymore but I don't think you should avoid them. Sean

grumps · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2004, 03:16:27 PM »

I heard that the use of a hammer extension of any kind on a contender or encore would void your warranty. Is that true??

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2004, 03:33:05 PM »

i have the mid south one on my encore an im about 100 rounds in an not a prob yet only thing is that thers a small set screw that puts scraches on the hammer side when u take it off, called tc an they said nothing like that would void it
dave

2eagles · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2004, 01:18:26 PM »

get an extension from Mike Bellm, you will happy Jim

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2004, 02:16:54 PM »

I have used steel extensions on Contenders for years with no ill effects. BUT, I had one on a 444 marlin Encore and it was bending the hammer spur during recoil. The hammer on the Encore is some what skelitinized under the spur and not very strong. KN

adirondacker · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2004, 10:19:23 AM »

the extension i am using now is one from cabelas.it's an ambidextrous having a extension on either side.it is heavy.doesn't seem to have any noticable effect on anything.it was only $10 i think i'm going to trim off one side.it seems to stay tight,doesn;t loosen up like others i've used.i know they make titanium and aluminum,just happened to be placing an order from cabelas and remembered i needed one,so that's why the steel.the guy that warned me about it said he read that the hammer would literaly break off just at the thinnest point of the spur.

Coal River Rat · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2004, 12:14:44 PM »

I used one on my SS Contender in 223 w/10" barrel for years with no problems whatsoever. With all the talk on hammers breaking ect. on the Encore, I decided not to use one, I don't think I really need one anyway, my Leupold 3x9 in med. mounts gives me just enough room to get a solid hold on the hammer and I never wear a glove on my trigger finger hand while stalking or on a stand. Good Shooting!

mtnman1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 30, 2004, 05:43:21 AM »

I recently discovered a crack in my Encore hammer spur as a result of a hammer extension. I called T/C and they immediately asked if I was using an extension. Unfortunately, the scratches mentioned earlier were pretty evident in the side of the hammer. T/C said no warranty as a result of the extension, and I would have to buy the hammer replacement. Instead I had the hammer welded by an excellent smith recommended by the manufacturer of the extension for less than the price of a new hammer from T/C. My hammer has now be thoroughly reinforced and I can use the extension without worry. The extension was a "light" extension so I can testify to the fact that the spur can crack even with a light weight extension and T/C won't warranty the hammer.

I'm sure lots of guys never have the problem, but it can happen. I wouldn't worry too much about it, even if it had broken off while hunting I could still have used the gun. If you do have the problem it's about $30.00 to replace hammer from T/C with shipping so it's not the end of the world. If it does happen I'd recommend getting the hammer welded rather than just replacing it with another weak one from T/C. That way you never have to worry again.

Hellrazor · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2004, 11:44:23 AM »

Well its T/C's fault for the design issues. They know damn well that a scope will hinder cocking the hammer. I put medium height rings on mine and it didn't help. I refuse to put high rings on since there is no need for them and it just raises the scope vs barrel line of sight issue.

adirondacker · « **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2004, 02:03:23 PM »

those hammers a e quite frail looking.i am not going to take any chances i will replace the one i have now with a lighter one.as for scope height,regardless of heght its just a whole lot safer to use with the extension.i could get ahold of mine without the extension ,but i don't know how well wet ,half frozen fingers would work ,it gets damn could here in ny during deer season.lol,thanks guys,shawn