hammerfired

Hammerfired refers to firearms that use a hammer to strike a firing mechanism, typically a firing pin or the cartridge primer, to ignite the round. The hammer may be cocked manually or automatically by the action of the trigger, and then released to strike.

Hammer-fired designs can feature an external hammer that is visible on the outside of the firearm or an internal, concealed hammer located inside the slide or frame. Trigger mechanisms are commonly described as single-action (SA), double-action (DA), or double-action/single-action (DA/SA). In SA, the shooter must cock the hammer for a light trigger pull. In DA, pulling the trigger cocks and releases the hammer in one motion for a longer, heavier pull. In DA/SA, the first trigger pull is typically DA, with subsequent shots reverting to SA once the hammer has been cocked.

Compared with striker-fired designs, which use a spring-loaded firing pin and generally offer a consistent trigger pull, hammer-fired pistols can provide a lighter SA trigger after cocking and can allow manual cocking for a deliberate shot. However, external hammers can snag on clothing and may require more maintenance.

Historically, hammer-fired mechanisms were standard in most handguns through the 19th and early 20th centuries and remain common in many service pistols and revolvers. Notable examples include the Colt 1911 (SA), Beretta 92 (DA/SA with external hammer), and a broad range of revolvers with exposed hammers. In modern practice, the choice between hammer-fired and striker-fired designs reflects preferences for trigger feel, safety features, and intended use, with hammer-fired guns valued for manual cocking options and a potentially lighter single-action pull.