Author Topic: Handi rifle hammer re-contouring (Read 700 times)

tomaldridge · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 05:17:28 AM »

Has anyone shortened the hammer on a Handi-rifle? I'm thinking of taking the little bit that sticks out on top of the hammer spur off my SB-2 frame.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2005, 05:20:44 AM »

Almost did it to mount a scope on my hornet, switched scopes around and didn't need too, it would be easy to do and not much has to come off. Just remember that if you do, I think you'll be voiding the warranty on the frame, but so does doing a home trigger job. :?

Joe58 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2005, 05:24:11 AM »

I admit I did go after one of mine with the dremel so I could get a scope to clear after fighting with different sets of scope rings looking for clearance.

I just took off the part above the hammer spur. Scope clears now and everything still works ok.

I do kinda wish they could redesign that hammer a bit so it didn't stick up so far.

Joe

mt3030 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2005, 07:12:32 AM »

I've done the same as Joe58. Was concerned that the lightened hammer fall might compromise ignition, but it seems the handi's are not that sensative. No problems seen on two handi's so modified.
Good shooting..mt

stiff neck · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2005, 01:29:40 PM »

Voiding the warrante probably isn't that big of deal for most folks. It's a pretty inexpensive rifle anyways, and simple too. Should something go wrong, I'm sure a gunsmith could fix it, or you can just buy a new one.

I plan on altering the hammer too, as soon as it gets back from the factory. I'm going to take off a little bit of hight from the hammer and then add a hammer spur.

redrider101 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 01:54:20 PM »

I have often thought the same thing about the hammer shape, being that it is the whole problem with the scope mounting too high.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=28971

I wonder why more people don't go this route? I would think that if indeed this is a cure then they would sell like hotcakes.

I am saving my pennies to get a 45-70 (and maybe 357) barrel to go with my Hornet and want to put a Leupold M8-4X on it but I want it mounted as low as possible so when that time comes I think I will try this out.

Hope this helps.

Redrider.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2005, 03:31:48 PM »

Yeah, I stubbed a hammer spur, crossdrilled it and soldered in an offset extension. Like it a lot.

I'm 95% sure that some of the H&R Toppers came with a low hammer spur, and have chatted it a couple of guys who have forged the spur lower. That's right smart of a job and you need to be able to reheat treat the hammer or be dead careful not to affect the temper of either the hammer face or the sear notch.

v8r · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2005, 04:20:48 PM »

My topper 158 has the older hammer on it.It is quite a bit lower than the current hammers,You wouldn't think that it would be hard for the factory to change this.H&R are you listening?

Markus · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2005, 05:09:31 PM »

I can tell you that the hammer is much lower on some of the older H&Rs I have. I don't presently have any rifles but I have right next to me an old deluxe model topper 198 20ga and a pardner 12ga and it's a big difference. The lower hammer is so much more comfortable and natural feeling for shotgunning at least for me.