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Hammer back

4K views 22 replies 19 participants last post by  dubshooter 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all:
Got an idea and want to run it by the group.
My EDC carry is my P89DC (soon to be supplemented/replaced by my P90DC).
As the trigger pull on the P89/P90 is insane, is there any merit in thumbing the hammer back before firing in a shooting situation?
Doing so would put the pistol in the single action mode and make the pull MUCH better.
The only two disadvantages (as I see them) is:
1. The extra step to thumb the hammer back when drawing, and
2. The danger of the thumb slipping off the hammer when thumbing back, causing a ND.
Any opinion on this idea? I know it's probably never been thought about (or maybe so and I've just never heard of it). I know the gunfighters did it in the old days, but that was then/this is now.
Regards from The Republic of Texas.
<MP>
 
#2 ·
If it was a home defense gun, having to pull the hammer back would be "ok" as you probably would have a bit more time, but in a situation where all of the sudden you are forced to draw your weapon with the bad guy right there in front of you, I wouldn't want that as an added step. With the hands shaking and sweating from the adrenaline, I think the chances of ND are huge.

I do not like the fact that I have to flip my safety off when I draw, but if I mess that up, it isn't going to cause my gun to fire without my intentions to do so.

Just my initial thoughts on it.
 
#3 ·
The DA trigger pull on my P90's is not that bad. I Definitely would NOT carry them with hammer back or condition 1.The Ruger P series are not 1911's. As Nexxus has stated the instance of a ND is very high because there is no grip or slide safety,just a gun in SA mode with a light trigger.The P series mostly only had Decockers,as in the P90DC,or a decocker/safety which would decock and render the trigger unuseable hence safe. i would just practice using the first DA trigger pull and the latter SA pulls. Besides in a self defense situation with the adrenaline, you will probably not even notice the trigger pull.
 
#4 ·
Good points to the responses.
I've gotten pretty used to the trigger pull of my P89DC and, as you both say, don't want a ND in a hairy situation.
Need to put some additional dry fire time to get the trigger finger beefed up.
Thanks for the responses so far. Keep the opinions coming.
Regards,
<MP>
 
#5 ·
Have to agree with NexxusOne. In a real-life draw and fire situation, I doubt you'd notice the heavier trigger pull on the first round.

In a large part, I choose to carry a revolver most times precisely because I want things as simple as possible if I'm forced into a SD situation.

If you are looking for a semi auto with no thumb safety and a nice trigger, you might want to check out the Springfield XD line. Very reliable and with redundant safeties via the trigger and the grip.

Just my 2 cents.
 
#11 ·
no way. Practice DA shot. Maybe take it to a gunsmith to work on lightening it up a bit, and/or install aftermarket springs kit. Carry only after verifying any changes are still 100% reliable with your SD ammo of choice. If you don't do that, then just practice a lot with the DA pull as is.
 
#12 ·
Great comments/suggestions all the way around.
Think I'll take her (them) to my local gunsmith and see what kind of magic he can do. I agree about the practice with the trigger. Maybe DA firing while watching TV (making double sure it's unloaded, of course), to get the finger/hand strengthened up, even though I know it'll drive the wife NUTS. Might do it outside while smoking my pipe/cigar in the evening.
Thanks again gentlemen. Appreciate the input.
<MP>
 
#13 ·
I have a couple of DA/SA hand guns. On range days I regularly practice that first DA press coming out of the holster. May not hit the bullseye every time but I can make vital torso hits DA with little thought now. I will also safely put the pistol back into DA mode [use decocker] and shoot an entire mag this way in DA. Certainly more fun than dry firing which I also practice. Best wishes.
 
#14 ·
I did a full on polish job on a p89 years back and it helped significantly. I am sure there are youtube videos that could take you through the process and I find those types of tasks fun to do myself.

Having said that .. dry fire is your friend. When my CZ p07 was new the double action was a bear. A snap cap and some firing and trigger control at things on the tv that annoy me and it was broke in or I just learned the trigger well or both but I am deadly accurate with it in DA now and its smooth as butter. Just keep looking at that front sight... if it boobles around a bunch then you need to think about your trigger pull. Soon it will be second nature.
 
#16 ·
How bad is bad? Ever since striker fired guns became the norm DA triggers (pistol and revolver) became the antichrist. It seems as if no one can shoot them any more and anybody armed with one is somehow at a disadvantage. I could not disagree more. There's nothing inherently difficult about a DA first shot. All it takes is a little practice.
 
#21 ·
I agree on this. That little hammer is tough to reach easily with the thumb, even with my giant hands.

I would imagine that in a stressful situation, what you think is a crappy trigger will not even be an issue. Unless you are physically unable (like my wife was with my SP101), you won't be measuring the pull weight. You're going to pull it until it goes off...

Aqualung
 
#23 ·
I wasn't saying there was an advantage. Just a preference. And the safety doesn't change the trigger pull. The movement of the finger to the trigger and flicking of the safety with the thumb is one movement. Press of the trigger is another.

I do own a Sig 227. I like it. Just not my preference for SD or carry. But I like it at the range.

Training is the important thing. Which is why I can qualify with my j frame the same score as with my full size duty weapon. Practice.
 
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