Why the skeleton hammer instead of a commander hammer

[kels]

When and why did the skeleton hammer become so popular on new 1911s?
I was looking at the pictures of the Delta Elite and can remember
when commander hammers were the norm on full size 1911 if you didnt want
a regular style spur hammer. Skeleton hammers were on race type 1911s in American Handgunner.

Thoughts or ideas?

[RickB]

Originally Posted by kels

Skeleton hammers were on race type 1911s in American Handgunner.

Thoughts or ideas?

I think you've found your answer.

[SAWBONES]

No reason but "fashion".Anybody who tells you it's to reduce "lock time" is screwy.
No human being can tell the difference in lock time between a gun with a skeletonized hammer or a titanium firing pin vs. a Commander ("burr") or regular hammer or steel firing pin.

[TY44934]

"No human being can tell the difference in lock time "

Maybe a human cannot tell, but the target sure can show a difference. Try shooting a precision 10 Meter air pistol & you'll see that lock time matters.

A simply skeletonized hammer might not have much effect, but a hammer like the Koenig speed hammer will. Koenig knows what works. Reduced lock time works when it comes to fine accuracy work.

Regards,

D.

[Virgil]

So if the preponderance of skeletonized commander hammers (& the beavertails that go w/them) is all fashion, does anyone know why Colt went with the rowel hammer on the original commander? Was it to improve lock time, or so it wouldn't be as prone to hanging up on gear?
I'm saving for a Colt 1991, and I'd be inclined to change the spur hammer to a rowel one, and get a beavertail, but I hate to spend money on modifications that are exclusively cosmetic.

[GRPfan]

I don't really know the answer to that question, but I have a suspicion it was because of the complaints of hammer bite. They didn't change the grip safety to a beavertail on the original commander, they just contoured the original to fit the rowel hammer. I seriously doubt anyone at Colt was thinking, "Hey, if we drill a hole in the hammer and lighten it a little, we'll reduce locktime!"

The original Commander was still a combat pistol, after all. And while D. may be absolutely right, if you don't shoot like Rob Leatham, I submit that what hammer you choose is purely cosmetic. For the elite competitor, it may be a functional difference, but for 99% of us, it just doesn't matter. Get the look you like. You pays your money and you makes your choice.

YMMV

[farscott]

I believe Colt used the rowel hammer on the Commander for three reasons:

1) It is one way to eliminate "hammer bite"

2) It is practical in that it reduces the tendency for a cover garment to get trapped and torn between the tang of the grip safety and the hammer. In my experience, this is a real issue with a stock 1911.

3) It looks cool.

I do not believe lock time had anything to do with the original choice by Colt since the National Match was offered with the spur hammer at the same time the Commander came with the rowel hammer. The skeletonized hammer was the result of the crucible of competition and made popular because it looks good. I really like the functionality of the rowel hammer and have it on three of my 1911's. My cover garments are also much happier.

As for beavertail grip safeties, there are a few good reasons to use them.

1) The biggest advantage is one's hand is closer to the bore axis, reducing muzzle flip and perceived recoil.

2) A beavertail will also insure there is no hammer bite although this can be accomplished in other ways.

3) It looks cool.

As I continue to shoot 1911's, I have come to appreciate certain grip safeties a bit more than others. There are subtle differences that extended shooting tends to expose. The one that seems to best fit me is the S&A, and the one that fits the worst is Wilson's.

[ranger]

Is what you're calling Rowel hammer, sometimes called Nastoff hammer?

Try thumb-cocking the hammer, between the original commander hammer, and the Nastoff hammer (like the current Kimbers) and the Nastoff is extended, much easier to cock with your thumb, while keeping the non-snag rounded contour of the original Commander hammer.

It's a functional improvement, to enlongate the hammer. And when it gets long, why not skeletonize it? It's only sensible.

[Dwolf00]

The original Colt commander hammer is also referred to as a rowel hammer.