Hammer v. Striker

[gruntingfrog]

OK, the thread about the Sig P290 v. Kahr PM9 video made me think. In the video, the guy states that he prefers a hammer-fired pistol because "it helps him anticipate his shot." First, I'm pretty sure that all firearms instructors will tell you that anticipating the shot is one of the key problems that most people have so being better able to do so is not a good thing.

I have seen other people mention (in that thread and others) that they "prefer a hammer to a striker." Personally, I've shot both and find nothing intrinsic to either that would make me say I prefer one over the other. Whether I prefer a gun that happens to be striker-fired has very little to do with the fact that it's striker fired.

If you have a real preference, can you explain why?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Guantes]

I prefer hammer fired handguns. They give me options that I favor. I don't own a striker fired handgun.
1. I have the choice of single or double action on a shot.
2. By simple hand action, I prevent any ND on reholstering.
3. Feel or visual tells me the condition of the weapon at any given moment.

[Batty67]

I feel pretty much the same as Guantes, though I freely admit I've fired FAR less shots from a striker-fired pistol (and don't feel the need to go out of my way to do so).

[hogdaddy]

I CC a striker' but shoot a revolver much more accurate at further distance, Probley because I can stack the trigger ; )
H/D

[Cosmo]

I've got both, and it doesn't matter to me either way. With my XDm I can visually check if it is ready to go...I can see and feel the pin on the back of the weapon and there is an indicator that tells me if there is one in the pipe. I feel very comfortable with the weapon. I also have a 1911 and a Bersa Thunder...both have hammers....love them both. I don't think it makes any difference at all.

[atctimmy]

Ford or Chevy.

[Spec]

all personal preference.. I always like options and a DAO/SAO gun is good in certain situations. A cocked hammer is easier Like mentioned above long distance shots or pinpoint aiming, and DA mode for holstering or everyday carry.

I however like Striker fire pin better and that is what I carry. I have shot both and I like the Striker better because I like consistency. I like to know every time I pull the trigger it will break at same spot. for anything... Lets face I i'm not going snipping with my handgun so those long shots are out of the question.. and reholstering is a non issues if you know what you are doing..

[crabbys44]

It doesn't matter to me either.

HOWEVER, a hammer fired DA weapon will give you "second strike" capabilities if you have a misfire. There are striker fired guns out there that have second strike ability but I just don't know which ones.

Having said all that, the typical accepted wisdom for a failure to fire is tap, rack, bang (assess, reassess, etc.). It's more of a confidence & training issue.

[10thmtn]

For pocket carry, I think a striker is better. The rear of the slide is sealed better, and less gunk gets into the gun. I do notice less dust and lint inside my PM9 (striker) compared to my LCP (hammer).

[JOHNSMITH]

Ford or Chevy.

Some Dodge fanboy is going to be upset here in a bit

[Ring]

the same trigger pull every shot..... striker

[HotGuns]

Hammer fired, because striker fired pistols are mushy. The trigger sucks. A hammer fired trigger is superior in every way.

Yes, I have both. Yes I shoot them all alot. When shooting hostage targets, the hammer fired pistols are much easier to hit with because of the trigger. With a striker fired pistol you have enough slop in the trigger that the gun moves alot when trying to bust off the shot. This can result in the hostage getting whacked. Thats never a good scenario and subjects one to much ridicule and ribbing when shooting with others.

Striker fired pistols are for the unwashed,uneducated pistoleers that done shoot much at all, never mind shooting at hostage targets.

Hammer fired pistols are used by precision shooters. You can cock the hammer, take up slack and have a nice clean trigger that breaks like a glass rod, which makes for a more accurate shot. Using a striked fired pistol that breaks about like a 2x4 makes it difficult.

[gruntingfrog]

Hammer fired, because striker fired pistols are mushy. The trigger sucks. A hammer fired trigger is superior in every way.

Yes, I have both. Yes I shoot them all alot. When shooting hostage targets, the hammer fired pistols are much easier to hit with because of the trigger. With a striker fired pistol you have enough slop in the trigger that the gun moves alot when trying to bust off the shot. This can result in the hostage getting whacked. Thats never a good scenario and subjects one to much ridicule and ribbing when shooting with others.

Striker fired pistols are for the unwashed,uneducated pistoleers that done shoot much at all, never mind shooting at hostage targets.

Hammer fired pistols are used by precision shooters. You can cock the hammer, take up slack and have a nice clean trigger that breaks like a glass rod, which makes for a more accurate shot. Using a striked fired pistol that breaks about like a 2x4 makes it difficult.

Tell us how you really feel, HotGuns.

[loneviking]

I'm with Guantes and his list of reasons. A first shot DA allows you to feel the movement of the hammer as you pull the trigger back. With practice you can tell when the trigger is ready to break. IMO, DA/SA is safer esp. When holstering. Put your thumb behind the hammer and ride the gun into the holster. Its impossible to have an ND doing this, but holstering striker fired systems is where NDs often occur.

[HotGuns]

Tell us how you really feel, HotGuns

Well...since you asked...

There is one area in which the striker fired design wins and that is in the area of construction. Having built both designs from scratch on rifles, the hammer fired design requires more parts and more precise locationg of the hammer,sear,disconnector, and safety to work properly. Think AR15 here. That is a hammer fired weapon. The striker fired rifle or pistol, such as a Remington 700, is easier to build and to get to work. You basically have a spring loaded firing pin held back by a sear that is dropped when the trigger is pulled.

Even so, the pistol manufacturers will not take the time to make a striker fired pistol have a nice smooth trigger. They could but it would cost too much for the average Joe to afford.

So, the average man buys the cheapo striker designs like a Glock or a Highpoint and the more discriminating weaponeer will stick with the more sophisticated designs which allow better triggers...suchs as the Sigs or HK's.