I've noticed on my .40 Hi-Power that the slide hits the top of the hammer as it slides backwards. It does pass the hammer but there is a pause of resistance. I notice this when I pull back the slide but can't say whether I notice it during firing. I suppose that the hammer is touching the slide the entire time it goes back (assuming it's been fired) but there is definitely some resistance when passing the hammer completely.
Could this explain excessive stovepipes and such? Should the flat part of the hammer (not where it contacts the firing pin) be honed and smoothed for easy passage of the slide?
Could this explain excessive stovepipes and such? Should the flat part of the hammer (not where it contacts the firing pin) be honed and smoothed for easy passage of the slide?