IDPA+USPSA hammer modifications

[ThompsonCustom]

Had a quick question for people that compete in produce in IDPA and/or USPSA. Has anyone tired lightening there comp hammer? If I under stand it right a lighter hammer is faster and snappier so it requires less lb's hammer spring to set off the same primers.

Now in IDPA SSP there is no external modifications but is that with the hammer down? If so would removing weight from the bottom of the hammer impact the speed? is it overall weight or just the weight towards the top of the hammer. Also could probably drill from the bottom of the hammer up toward the top without being visible.

Anyone done anything like this. Thoughts are welcome. Thanks Dan

[1SOW]

If it's visible externally from any condition, technically it's illegal in USPSA (I didn't look up IDPA-You can).  Now, only you are likely to know unless your at a major National/International match;    and that's your individual choice.
I'd like to have David's CGW race hammer, and almost no one where I shoot would know the difference---except me.

[linux3]

I have a 13# hammer spring and an extended firing pin in my 75 Shadow and I don't think you could go any lighter on the spring.
If you reduce the weight of the hammer then there would be less momentum when the hammer strikes the firing pin if you keep with whatever hammer spring you are using right?

OK, so if you reduce the mass of the hammer AND install a lighter hammer spring will you still be able to set off the primer?

My 75 Shadow is a little fussy with ammo as it is, American Eagle which uses Federal primers is best, you might result in having a gun that is not dependable.

[ThompsonCustom]

If it's visible externally from any condition, technically it's illegal in USPSA (I didn't look up IDPA-You can).  Now, only you are likely to know unless your at a major National/International match;    and that's your individual choice.
I'd like to have David's CGW race hammer, and almost no one where I shoot would know the difference---except me.

Ya I think it's legal in IDPA but won't fly in USPSA. Would like to play it by the book tho I might cut up an old hammer I have just to see if it works.

If you reduce the weight of the hammer then there would be less momentum when the hammer strikes the firing pin if you keep with whatever hammer spring you are using right?

OK, so if you reduce the mass of the hammer AND install a lighter hammer spring will you still be able to set off the primer?

The idea is the lighter the hammer the faster it moves, so it's a fast slap instead of a heavy push and from what I've read you can lower the hammer spring weight required.

I have a 13# hammer spring and an extended firing pin in my 75 Shadow and I don't think you could go any lighter on the spring.

Think about switching to CGW comp firing pin spring and you can go down to 8.5lb's or at least I have without problem in my 75b.

[Canuck44]

Modifying the hammer would put you in ESP for IDPA, it is an external modification.  Yes the hammer is an external part.  IPSC Production rules would not allow it.  USPSA not so sure for their Production Division.

You really do want to play within the rules otherwise you are cheating and nobody wants to do that.

Take Care

Bob