Good afternoon all,
I have a pin fire gun that one of the hammers is cracked. I just so happened to run across a casting that looks to be a dead ringer for my hammer in throw shape etc.
Is there a way to tell if this casting is quality enough before doing all the tedious work needed to turn the casting into a usable hammer?
Also anyone do this before and willing to give me some initial direction or advise?
Many thanks.
how bout having old time gunsmith silver solder cracked hammer?
Good afternoon all,
I have a pin fire gun that one of the hammers is cracked. I just so happened to run across a casting that looks to be a dead ringer for my hammer in throw shape etc.
Is there a way to tell if this casting is quality enough before doing all the tedious work needed to turn the casting into a usable hammer?
Also anyone do this before and willing to give me some initial direction or advise?
Many thanks.
Look for small pits or voids in the castings. Especially as you start filing into it. Also look to see that it is completely filled out along the edges where there should be good corners that are not radiused. That's all I know to look for.
Did you look at Peter Dyson over in the UK?
If your hammer can be repaired that would be my first choice. Unmatched hammers look bad. An old gunsmith I used years ago, had many pairs of hammers. Often he would replace both at the same time. Had to weld them to redo the axle hole and time them. I’m sure some went right on but doubt most did. Replacing the pair made the wear and engraving equal on both hammers.
I spent several years trying to find a hammer for a Lang which was mismatched poorly before I bought the gun. In the end i bought a stock, action and fore end of holts. I had them just ship me the side plates with hammers, the trigger guard and the forend. Barrels needed sleeving and the action was well worn. I used the pair of hammers to replace both hammers to get my Lang back to being a shooter. Had to keep the original screws. I have bought 50-60 hammers off EBay trying to find matches. Maybe one in ten work. Now I only buy matched pairs as they make replacement simpler. Well I buy them. Most likely they will never get used like the barrels I have picked up over the years.
I just finished making a hammer from scratch. While I would do it again…..if I had to…. I now know it would not be very enjoyable! My suggestion, if just cracked, send it to someone that knows what they are doing. I’ve had a few items repaired by Peter Nagel of Restorative Welding. While not cheap, it is well done. restorativewelding.com 815-732-1249
Many thanks for the replies.
I will see what I can do to get it welded and if that fails, I can get after the casting I have.
I did look at the Dyson website but none of their castings are close and the one I have looks to be exact. very lucky I am guessing as it is the only one I have ever seen on ebay.
Anyone have Bill Grahams contact info?
Thanks again.