Why the difference in new AR-15 hammer???

M

MakeMyDay

New member
Could someone knowledgeable on this matter answer these questions for me please?
Just received a new Mil Spec hammer to replace the one I unintentionally screwed up while attempting to lighten the pull even more after I had already gotten it down to 6 lbs. :rolleyes: (Greedy me!)
The new hammer from Fulton Armory has an even flat surface (front end where the hammer strikes the pin all the way up to the top of the hammer). My old messed up hammer has a part of this surface "ground down" or "notched out" (a "relief" if you will, located at the upper corner of the front end where the hammer strikes the pin) This notch extends approx. .200" down and is covers the whole width of the hammer (approx. .300")and it's aprrox. .050" deep. I haven't fired the rifle but the new hammer seems to function okay. THE QUESTIONS HERE ARE: What is the purpose of this notch?,,,and if my new hammer dind't come with it, will not having the notch affect or damage my bolt in any way?
Thanks to all those who pitch in!

MakeMyDay
 
As a guess, I'd say your old hammer was a surplus M16 hammer that had the sear tang ground off. Sometimes people gring on them some more because the bolt carrier drags on the hammer. Again, just a guess.

Just spend the $ and get a decent aftermarket trigger, JP, Jewell, ect. The JP will set up @ 3 lbs.
 
The notch is cut into the semiauto hammer to prevent slam fires. Basically, that notch grabs the ring around the firing pin should the disconnector fail to hold the hammer down during the firing cycle. Since M16s have a collar around the firing pin, the notch wouldnt do squat as the ring of the firing pin isnt exposed with the M16 bolt carrier.

Kharn
 
I put the Rock River Arms 2-stage triggers in two of my guns, and they're a very nice drop-in trigger for the AR. They cost $85, and 10 minutes time for a super shooting trigger job. :)
 
Thanks to all of you who read the thread and to those who replied.
Nukem...your "guess" I feel is pretty accurate.
I believe the notch is intended to prevent the bolt carrier from riding on the hammer. I studied my old hammer after I re-installed it and felt how the carrier "felt" as I cocked the hammer and released the charging handle slowly. My new hammer had noticeably more drag. So I proceeded to put the Dremel to work. No more drag!. Feels nice.
This has been a learning experience. I knew AR's original triggers are not designed to be made into something like the JPs or Jewels. Just being a BoneHead I guess!!!
You guys are right. I am leaving this one alone and I'll wait until I can get me a JP or Jewel or even a Rock River Arms trigger. Gotta wait a while though...I just bought an ATN 5x33L scope!.
:D
 
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