Hammer work question

[Walleye Magnet]

During muzzle loading season my old H&R Huntsman failed.  The hammer would not stay in the cocked position.  I disassembled the gun, cleaned it and no change.  I ended up filing the latch step on the hammer to sharpen the corners and it works great.  Do I need to harden the hammer now that I filed it?  If so how?       

[quickdtoo]

If it was soft enough to cut with a file, it probably wasn't hardened to begin with, it will probably be ok unless you shoot it a lot. I'd replace the hammer if it showed signs of going away again when checked with a good trigger pull scale. The problem with hardening it is it may be too hard and break the sear notch which isn't good either, if I were to try hardening it, I'd heat it cherry red and quench in used motor oil. But Numrich sells old style hammers, depending on how old it is, Brownell's sells the current style hammers also.

Tim

http://e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=101

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/schematics/schemmfg.aspx?step=2&mfgid=6&mfgname=H&R%C2%AE

[Walleye Magnet]

Hey Tim,
Thanks for the reply.  I did order one from gunparts and my gun must be an older style.  When I did an overlay I would need to remove a lot of metal to make it work.   I don't shoot it that often so I'll keep an eye on it.  Thanks again.

Matt