Shadow Hammer Following Issue - Need help

[Joe L]

Here is a picture of a worn but functioning hammer hook for comparison.  From 2012. 

This may be a CGW hammer.

[joejoe05]

Appreciate all the help guys. I'll post pics when I get parts and do the install tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

If the overtravel screw was in fact too tight, by the time the hammer/sear engagement got messed up enough to have hammer follow, I probably wasn't able to feel/see the rubbing when testing for it.. Wish I checked this earlier! Lesson learned.

[joejoe05]

The install was a success and the sear to hammer engagement is solid now. No more hammer follow. Old hammer hooks are clearly rounded compared to the sharp hooks on the new CGW competition hammer. I probably didn't need to change the sear, but I installed CGW's adjustable sear anyways. Installation was very straightforward and everything was a drop-in fit, but it was a bitch removing the hammer pins. I almost gave up, but eventually got them out by placing the hammer directly on my cement garage floor and using the CGW starter punch with a large hammer. If you don't want to deal with those and are replacing both the hammer and disconnector anyways, I would recommend just purchasing a new hammer strut and pins for another $10.

I also ordered and installed the CGW reach reduction kit, which includes a new trigger and disconnector. I can't believe how much slack was removed from the trigger.. pre and overtravel with the new kit is almost nonexistent and everything feels much tighter. Installation was also straightforward and drop-in. Really wish I did this sooner. I set the overtravel screw correctly so there is no rubbing between hammer and sear, and applied loctite where needed. Will shoot tomorrow once it all cures, but everything seems to be functioning fine in dry fire. I do notice that my trigger isn't nearly as soft/smooth as it used to be though, and the double action pull feels heavier. In total, I replaced the trigger, disconnector, sear, and hammer so I'm guessing some polishing is needed. Need to figure out how to get it back to the same buttery smoothness it had.

[Tok36]

   As you have found out, those hammer pins can be a bear. Ill bet that through break in will smooth things out to some degree. I drop of lube in the right places may also help.

   Thank you for the follow up. I have known about the potential for rounded hammer hooks for some time , but i rarely get to see an example.

[tdogg]

Glad you have it sorted.  Thank you for following up with pictures.  It is helpful for all of us to learn from. 

I wouldn't expect the trigger to get gritty with this install.  I'd check that the triggerbar spring is in the grooves under the triggerbar.  I'd also inspect the the hammer pins haven't walked out.  Did you re-stake them?  I like to stake them and then stone the sides of the hammer smooth to prevent rubbing on the frame.

Of course it could just need to break in.  A couple thousand rounds will smooth it out most likely.

Cheers,
Toby

[Joe L]

What a great sequence of events here, showing how good the folks are on this forum...

1.  Joejoe05 wasn't sure what the problem was but was proactive enough to take a chance and order the right parts without a full understanding of the cause. 
2.  Supplier came through like a champ on delivery.
3.  Gun owner supplies additional information after responses from more experienced folks (tdogg, not me) confirming probable cause without ever seeing the pistol or parts.
4.  Gun owner successfully swaps the parts and completes the install without loosing anything, and confirms diagnosis. 
5.  Gun owner happy.  Experienced folks happy that gun owner was successful. 

So, Joejoe05, it is now up to you to have a good match this weekend and report back on your results!!! 

Way to go, everyone, this is fun.

Joe

[joejoe05]

Added some oil as suggested and shot 250 rounds at the range today. Shot reloads with CCI, Winchester, and Remington primers and they all shot great. The trigger feels like it's already starting to feel smoother in double action (single action feels great).

Regarding the hammer pins, I used CGW's HPIN hammer pins which are friction fit and don't require staking. I'm pretty sure they're flush but will check again when I take it apart again. Great suggestion.

Can't thank you guys enough for all the help. I'd never taken the hammer, sear assembly, or trigger out before, and I understand the firearm so much better now that I have. It makes it so much easier knowing this forum is here to help. Feeling accomplished and stoked to be shooting the match on Sunday! THANK YOUUUUU!