Measuring Hammer pull

[vagabond88]

How is the best way to measure "Hammer" pull? I have a 1958 44 specail from the factory with a light hammer pull. I'd like to copy it to my other colt that I shot more often.. I know how to lightin the spring ...but How do you actually measure the pull ? ...Thank , Larry

[haggis]

Assuming you want to measure trigger pull, Brownells has several instruments.

Brownells Search : Search Results for "trigger pull gauge" - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

Buck

[dfariswheel]

You use a trigger pull gauge.
There are two types. One is a hook that fits over the trigger and to which you slip weights.

The other type is a spring or electronic gauge.

Brownells Search : Search Results for "trigger gauge" - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

When measuring a pistol you gauge the trigger pull, not the tension on the hammer, although that's possible.

[vagabond88]

I want to measure "HAMMER" pull not trigger pull.. I want a soft hammer pull, not a soft trigger ...

[A1A]

They are related because both are the result of the same springs. In general, a lighter DA trigger pull is the result of less cocking force being required. For the same type gun, measuring the DA trigger pull would be an indication of the cocking force required at the spur and could be equated. Different guns would vary because of mechanical advantage differences. I don't believe anyone actually measures "hammer pull", but I could be wrong again.

[vagabond88]

When you are thumb cocking the hammer , you want an easy HAMMER pull . but not an easy trigger pull. This is a single action ...not a double action ..

[A1A]

Sorry, you didn't actually state the type of revolver you have and most of us jump to the DA conclusion. If I had thought more about the year and caliber I would have realized. Still, the only way would seem to be with a gauge, either the spring or electronic style. However, they are even a little tricky and inconsistent with trigger measurements because it is difficult to apply an increasing pull until it breaks and then stop abruptly at the "correct" reading. It is also somewhat difficult to pull in exactly the same direction(s) during the pull and that changes the leverage. Perhaps you could contrive a fixture that would improve consistency and accuracy or perhaps some of the single action guys have the problem already solved.

[dfariswheel]

"Hammer pull" and trigger pull are directly and inseparably related.
A lighter hammer pull will cause a lighter trigger pull.

While it's possible to lighten the hammer spring to allow easier cocking, this will also make the trigger pull lighter, often to the point of being unsafe.
It's possible to make the trigger pull heavier, but that requires the services of a good single action pistolsmith who knows his stuff.
This involves intelligent work on the hammer and trigger sear surfaces and possibly work on the trigger spring.
Most people want lighter triggers, and altering for a heavier pull takes some thought and smart work to give a safe pull but without any hammer creep or damage to the hammer sear or trigger.

The limiting factor is to maintain sufficient mainspring power to insure reliable ignition, and do it without going under factory spec trigger pull.
Again, this is true custom work that needs pistolsmith's smarts to achieve.
If you want this there are some things to try.

First is the old Single Action trick of putting a leather pad under the mainspring. Cut a thick leather or soft plastic pad and drill a hole in it.
Slip this under the bottom of the mainspring and install the screw. This will lighten both the hammer cocking force and give a lighter trigger pull.

Another technique is to buy a SAA lighter mainspring from Brownell's.

Either technique will give a lighter trigger pull, which is why it's usually done, but will also give less cocking power to the hammer.

[peacemaker]

Again, he only wants to know how to measure it. How does one attach the gauge to a hammer spur?

[A1A]

Again, I doubt that anybody does. That area may be open for invention but if you invent something, you may be the only one interested in using it (been there done that). I see the point as lightening the hammer pull by lightening the spring or even by smoothing surfaces also lightens the trigger pull whether you care about that or not. The limits are an unsafe trigger or FTF. Once you get to one of those points it doesn't matter what it would measure. If you had a lower number in mind, you couldn't reach it anyway. Now, I understand the desire to measure, to know the exact number you are dealing with and perhaps to be able to dial other guns into that number. Apparently with SAA hammer pull that is not a big issue with many or there would be a lot of information and gauges/adapters for doing that. Apparently, as with DA guns, most go for the minimum trigger pull that is comfortable and safe and take what they get at the hammer. My comments are not based on extensive experience with SAAs, just some logic and looking around. Invent away or, as I will be doing, wait for some additional comments from more of those who are familiar with typical SAA procedures.