question

[Mutt]

What are the holes in the back of some hammers on the SAA Colt and some have none. What are their purpose?

Thanks in advance !

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,Mutt

[UtopiaTexasColt45]

From a amatuers stand point I would imagine it is there to help aiding in removing the firing pin for replacement. Since the parts fit together with so little tolerance it might also be a vent hole so that trapped air is released when the new firing pin is inserted. You have to keep in mind that when the first generation SSA was produced folks that lived in rural areas, most of the population, did not have a gun smith available and a lot of farmers and small town folks probably worked on these guns themselves with common tools of the time so simple construction and repair was the order of the day. I am curious as to what the experts on the forum answer to this question.

[mswill]

Not much help, but the following is from Cochran Vol I: "All hammers on the Peacemaker using the centerfire firing pin were drilled through the hammer and the firing pin riveted in place; a hole will be observed in the back of the hammer. The rimfire hammers were not drilled through but the hammers were slotted to receive the firing pin and two rivets. This is one method to identify a Rimfire Model revolver without cocking the hammer." This book addresses first gens, not sure about 2nd or 3rds.

Perhaps the experts will chime in, but Utopia's thought on firing pin removal seems pretty logical.

[Blackjack33]

Are you referring to older (first generation) vs. a more modern version? All Colt Cavalry (45 cal.) hammers and all first and early second generation center-fire SAAs civilian hammers were the old style with a conical firing pin and a hole behind the firing pin. I assume that hole was necessary to punch out the firing pin after removing the retaining dowel when the firing pin needed replacement. Newer (third generation Colts, I believe, use a different type of firing pin which are more easiy removed. Maybe someone who has actual experience working on these hammers will reply.