New Question about Encore Hammer Extension/Spur

[smoky]

I have read on this forum about the negatives of using an add on hammer extension, with the primary criticism being the possibility of a misfire due to the added weight to the hammer.  However, in shooting my new Encore as a scoped pistol, I am finding that I have to make a concentrated effort to cock the gun and even more of an effort to let it down if not fired.  There just isn't much room for my thumb between the hammer and the scope.

My question is this.  In your experience, if I use my hammer extension only when deer hunting (for ease of cocking and uncocking), would that infrequent use still be enough that it might cause a misfire?  Or is the misfire condition something that is created from repeated use (i.e. weakening springs over time).

Also, the extension I bought was a stainless one off of Ebay.  If I bought one of the advertised light weight, aluminum ones (i.e. virgin valley), could that make the problem non existant.


Thanks for any responses.


Smoky

[BCB]

smoky,

I have a particular Contender that has had a hammer extension on it for 16 years and has fired thousands, and thousands, and thousands, and thousands of rounds using .223, 30-30, 7-30, 44, and 445 reloads and misfires have NEVER been a problem...Period.  There is actually a safety issue with the Contenders and letting the hammer down with a 'scope in place.  That hammer can sure slip and cause an accidental discharge.  Best to put the hammer safety into effect when doing the above.  My cousins and uncles have the Encores with hammer extensions, and to my knowledge, they have not had problems with misfires.  Ain't sure what Thompson/Center has to say about it though!!!  Good-luck...BCB

[Questor]

Matte is pretty good looking too. My Contender frame is Matte and it looks fine.

[KN]

I've used them on both without any problems. Mine were steel.  KN

[HHI-7420]

I use a VVG alum. one and have never had a problem with it. You will have to take a triangular file to the knurling on it( too smooth ) for safetys sake.  Pat

[casper_zip]

Hey Smoky:  :grin:

I, too, have always used the hammer extenders on all my Encores and Contenders. Matter of fact, thats one item I can't do without on my guns. Never had any problems with misfires due to them.

Go ahead and put them on, they are well worth it.

Casper_Zip   :grin:

[BNoz01]

Hey,

I've had one or more Contenders for over 15 years and never had a problem with misfires.

I've had an Encore for about 4 years now.  I did have a problem with surplus military ammo (i.e. hard primers) when I had a hammer extension on it.  About every 10th round wouldn't fire.  I've not had any problems with handloads or commercial ammo.  
 
Bottom line:  Don't shoot surplus military ammo in an Encore and you'll not have any problems.

B. Noz.

[SingleShotShorty]

The only hammer extension you should use on an Encore is one of the Aluminum ones. The steel ones weigh to much an will cause the hammer to break off. Hope this helps