Katana VentraIP

Hammer (firearms)

The hammer is a part of a firearm that is used to strike the percussion cap/primer, or a separate firing pin,[1] to ignite the propellant and fire the projectile. It is so called due to the fact that it resembles a hammer in both form and function. The hammer itself is a metal piece that forcefully rotates about a pivot point.[2]

The term tumbler can refer to a part of the hammer or a part mechanically attached to the pivot-point of the hammer, depending on the particular firearm under discussion (see half-cock). According to one source the term tumbler is synonymous with hammer.[3][4]

Linear hammer[edit]

A linear hammer is similar to but differs from a striker in that the hammer is a separate component from the firing pin.[10] When released, a linear hammer, under spring pressure, slides along the bore axis rather than pivoting around a pin placed perpendicular to the bore, as with the more common rotating hammer. The hammer then impacts the rear of the firing pin. Designs such as the Czech vz. 58 and the Chinese QBZ-95 utilize a linear hammer.[11]

Hammerless