Hammer Extension problems

[K.K]

Hello Everyone,

I bought a T/C Encore last year for a muzzleloader trip. When I mounted a scope, my gunsmith recomened a hammer extension to clear the scope.  It worked fine.  However, When I shoot it as a .308 pistol, I get frequent light hammer strikes and dented primers.  Sometimes, a second trigger pull pops the primer.  The preliminary load I've been shooting is the Remington 150 grain Core-Lokt, just because they are inexpensive.

Has anyone else had this problem?  Should I remove the extension?

PS, my gunsmith checked the firing pin protrusion, and it was fine.  Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

K.K

[southern utah]

put a new bullet in barrel and see if flush with back of barrel. measure any difference in protrusion or counter sink. Measure gap between barrel and frame. add to first measurement if counter sunk or subtract if protruding. If over 8-10 thousands you have to much headspace. I like 2-3 thousands as headspace.

[KN]

I have used them on Encores before with no problems relating to light strikes. But the Encore hammer is skelitonized and I have read of hammers breaking. I bent one from recoil using an extension. The Encore generally has plenty of room between scope and hammer. I took them off mine.   KN

[MS Hitman]

YOu may want to have your gunsmith install a slightly stronger hammer spring.  THis should clear up the light strikes as well as improve locktime.

[PaulS]

I remember seeing a warning from TC about light strikes when using a hammer spur extension. That is why they don't make the extensions any more. I made one for my TC Contender from aluminum and it has given me great service with no problems with any primers. If you have a milling machine or want to try your hand at making one with hand and power tools I think I could find a measured drawing and convert it to a word document. I won't guarantee it for your gun but it works on mine.

[Redhawk1]

I mount my scopes low  and I use hammer extensions on 3 out of 4 of my standard  Encores. I also have the new pro-hunter Encore. But as for the hammer extensions, I have never had a problem with light hammer strikes.  As MS Hitman said, try a slightly stronger hammer spring.

[K.K]

Thanks for the advice.  Will the stronger hammer spring adversely effect trigger pull (increase trigger pull?)

[K.K]

Thanks to a sharp-eyed poster, I have found that I made a mistake in my original post.  I did buy the Encore as a .308 pistol, put it on my permit, then purchased the muzzleloader hardware, not the other way around.  That would have been illeagal.  I made the correct purchases and documentation, just the incorrect post.  Thanks for bringing this up, I wouldn't want anyone to unknowingly follow my erroneous post and get into trouble.

Regards,

K.K

[dakotashooter2]

This is an occurance that is not exclusive to encores. I have heard stories of light primer strikes on nearly every type gun that an extention could be used on and experienced a few on my own.  Remember that you are working with a designed system. Hammer weight and spring tension are both considered during the design process to achieve the optimum hammer strike and trigger pull. Alter either aspect and it may effect the performance of the design. Added weight to the hammer = less velocity=light strike. Because of tollerances and fit of various guns it may effect one while not another. You could also try to lighten the extention by shortening it or skeletonizing it.