Hammer (firearms)

Hammer uncocked (top). Hammer cocked (bottom).
From the top: striker-fired, linear hammer with free-floating firing pin, hammer-fired with free-floating firing pin, and hammer-fired with integral firing pin

The hammer is a part of a firearm that is used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a separate firing pin,[1] to ignite the propellant and fire the projectile. It is so called because it resembles a hammer in both form and function. The hammer itself is a metal piece that forcefully rotates about a pivot point.[2]

The term tumbler can refer to a part of the hammer or a part mechanically attached to the pivot-point of the hammer, depending on the particular firearm under discussion (see half-cock). According to one source the term tumbler is synonymous with hammer.[3][4]

  1. ^ "Principles of Firearms -- Functions -- Firing". rkba.org. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
  2. ^ "Firearms History, Technology & Development: Hammer Fired vs. Striker Fired". Firearms History, Technology & Development. 2015-05-25. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
  3. ^ "Tumbler". Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  4. ^ See also: "Sear". Hallowell & Co., Fine Sporting Guns. Retrieved January 5, 2016.

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