Commander hammer-no repair needed

[thomashoward]

hello,
I have a new to me stainless Commander FC309XXX with what I think is a bad hammer.
The hammer drops from half-cock when the trigger is pulled. Also when I let the hammer slip from almost full cock it blows right past the half cock position.


Further reading suggests the half-cock was used on series 70 models but changed away from half cock on series 80's
Yes? No? Maybe? if so that would mean its OK. I plan to shoot the crapola out of it this weekend

Per Rob at Colt: its fine

[cochise]

I have bought parts from Brownell's and have been happy with them. I saw they offer a variety, Ed Brown, Wilson, Les Baer. Prices vary also. I have a seies '80 and it does have a half cock notch. I don't know if that helps?

[thomashoward]

I have bought parts from Brownell's and have been happy with them. I saw they offer a variety, Ed Brown, Wilson, Les Baer. Prices vary also. I have a seies '80 and it does have a half cock notch. I don't know if that helps?

I'm thinking from what I have Googled here the the half cock went out beginning series 80
Hard to get used to after all these years with half cock notches

[1911-Brewer]

One thing to consider is. In general, a hammer IS NOT a drop in part and is crucial to safe operation. If you want a go at it yourself I would recommend one of the Cylinder and Slide pre fit ignition sets. You still might have to fit your existing thumb safety for it to operate safely. But I know C&S makes top notch parts and have read great results with their sets. You even can choose what weight you want your trigger pull.

[thomashoward]

OK I called Colt, and boy are they helpful. I found my Born on date is 2010, it is series 80, and it does not have a half cock.
Everything i was unclear on. Excuse me but I have to go shoot now
th

[dfariswheel]

If your hammer is falling all the way after being lowered slightly, you do have a serious problem.
The Series 80 system uses a hammer with a "shelf" instead of a half cock notch.
Shelf or notch, the purpose is to act as an interceptor to prevent the hammer from falling all the way and firing the gun if the hammer slips from full-cock.

One possibility is that the sear spring is not tensioned properly.
There are three "legs" on the spring.
The left leg powers the sear, the middle leg powers the disconnecter and trigger, the right leg powers the grip safety.
If the sear leg doesn't have enough tension the hammer can fall all the way when released or the hammer can follow the slide down.
It's not unusual for people to bend the legs trying for a better trigger pull.

In any case, if you can lower the hammer slightly and release it and it falls all the way, you have an UNSAFE gun. DON'T shoot it until you correct it.

[thomashoward]

Wrong. Per Rob at Colt.
The series 80 will not discharge if the hammer falls from almost a full cock position or the former half cock (no longer a half cock))
The trigger has to be pulled to release the internal firing pin mechanism.
These things have to happen to fire.
without one of these it will not fire
1. Grip safety engaged
2. hammer pulled

Hammer should not fall from a fully locked back position.
I took it to the sierras camping and it runs fine. No FTF, FTE
I do think there is a need for a stiffer recoil spring with my 7gr Unique cast load
Racks violently and flings brass 15-18 feet