ironduke Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 just out of interest....who still uses a hammer gun? Ive got a few shotguns, i have mainly used my trusty old lanber o/u until now, and still would for clays. However without going into boring whys and wherefores i have started using a gorgeous old hammer gun for my rough shooting. Its a Richards 12b and is just so tight and well made its a pleasure to use. I was'nt really sure about whether hammers are socially faux pas now (not that im bothered tbh) but i was surprised to hear a couple of compliments on boxing day as well as ( gasp "he's got a hammer gun" lol) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayman Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 They work as well, and its a joy to see one being used. Bring 'em on I say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doggone Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 just out of interest....who still uses a hammer gun? Ive got a few shotguns, i have mainly used my trusty old lanber o/u until now, and still would for clays. However without going into boring whys and wherefores i have started using a gorgeous old hammer gun for my rough shooting. Its a Richards 12b and is just so tight and well made its a pleasure to use. I was'nt really sure about whether hammers are socially faux pas now (not that im bothered tbh) but i was surprised to hear a couple of compliments on boxing day as well as ( gasp "he's got a hammer gun" lol) I think that if shooting in company, they are not considered safe, hammers snagging on clothing etc. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayman Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 I think that if shooting in company, they are not considered safe, hammers snagging on clothing etc.Andy Rubbish - 99.99% of shooting accidents are because some clots got his finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be, or the gun loaded when it should be empty. The chance of an accident purely because the gun has exposed hammers is negligible. In the unlikely event of a clothing snag actually causing an accident, it has to be said that its the twit holding the gun who is more likely to be at fault than the gun design. Use anything correctly within its design functionality, and it will be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironduke Posted December 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 Rubbish - 99.99% of shooting accidents are because some clots got his finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be, or the gun loaded when it should be empty. The chance of an accident purely because the gun has exposed hammers is negligible. In the unlikely event of a clothing snag actually causing an accident, it has to be said that its the twit holding the gun who is more likely to be at fault than the gun design. Use anything correctly within its design functionality, and it will be safe. i agree i like to think i am a safe and sensible shooter, and around other people i try to be even more alert. my dad said the only accident he's known in his shooting life where hammers were the cause was when the chap was forcing his way through thicket with the gun loaded and closed...a hammer snagged...bang. I know its easy to say but its true, i would never let this situation happen to me....hammers or not. freak accidents happen i know, but i think the HUGE majority are a) avoidable and caused by human error Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POW! Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 To any one who has at least not shot a Hammer gun , I can recomend trying to do so . I have a number of them , and so much enjoy my daily walk carrying one , light and quick on the target , a feeling of yester year . I miss my Sunday walk with friends , that we enjoyed a few years back , a pleasant 3 hours stroling up to each flighting pool to bag a duck or two , , the odd Pigeon that came over head , priseless ! I no longer use blackpowder , the light 1 oz loads are fine , the double trigger causes a spoy of bother under pressure , after my O/U . . I have a .410 hammer double , its not used much now but nice to select in the summer when Carp fishing to see a few Rats off , Also a 16 bore double hammer , at one time my pigeon decoy gun of choice , of the 12 bore I have one for each day of the week . I realise they are not everyones " cup of tea" , but they add a certain talkability if taken to a shoot , In jest I waited till the keepers talk holding the gun , wondering if an objection were forth coming , [ I always get him in onthe banter , ] and change guns as required , . I will be taking one out tomorrow , its the turn of the Osborne tomorrow , but I think the Hollywell and Tolley , may just edge it , Sadly I have one that is rarely used now , a Wild , its a fowling gun 32" barrels with 3" chambers , It realy needs a refurb , to bring it up to the spec of the others , but justifying the cost as I dont use it is a difficult choice , I have had it over 40 years with happy memories , HEY!!! ... I like the Damascus barrels too on some I have , that was a work of art making them , the way they did , I realy must sound like a Dinosaur to youngsters now , BUT shooting is about memmories , both of days and friends spent in mutual harmony , IT REALY IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BAG , isit?? POW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doggone Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 Rubbish - 99.99% of shooting accidents are because some clots got his finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be, or the gun loaded when it should be empty. The chance of an accident purely because the gun has exposed hammers is negligible. In the unlikely event of a clothing snag actually causing an accident, it has to be said that its the twit holding the gun who is more likely to be at fault than the gun design. Use anything correctly within its design functionality, and it will be safe. You've tried cocking a hammer gun when it's so cold you can hardly feel your fingers, have you? I have and I can assure you there's lots more chance of an accident than pushing a safety catch forward. Also it doesn't matter whether it's the twit holding the gun or the design of the gun, the fact is an accident is more likely with a hammer gun. Of course there is also the decocking procedure with a hammer gun, quite safe if done in ideal conditions, not so safe when under pressure or done in the wrong order, or even forgotten to be done. The original poster asked why they may be frowned on, if indeed they were. I answered to the best of my experience and belief. If you know different, then give us your views rather than just rubbishing someone elses Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 Sadly I have one that is rarely used now , a Wild , its a fowling gun 32" barrels with 3" chambers , Would that be t wild or Thomas wild Got a hammer less t wild here that went though proof last year a joy to shoot Also have a john Loyd hammer with half cock plus a charles smith 20 g with Stanton locks All a joy to shoot but the little 20 g is my favourite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raja Clavata Posted December 27, 2008 Report Share Posted December 27, 2008 Tried out my T Wild hammer at the clay ground on Wednesday and used it in the field today - at a game shoot this morning and rough shooting this afternoon. An absolute joy, light and very pointable. My mates have made the valid comment that, as a beginner, I'm probably not doing myself any favours switching between this one, the O/U and semi-auto but to be honest it's all about having fun in my book... Regarding safety issues with hammers, can't really see them being a bigger threat than any other type of shottie. Surely walking through an area where any part of any guns mechanism is in danger of fouling should be done with extreme care and above all with the gun SAFE. If somebody gets to the point of being so cold in the fingers that they can't safely cock the hammer on a gun then I would personally query if they would still be in proper control of the trigger on a different gun in the same conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 Over the years I`ve used hammer guns from large muzzle loading punt guns, through 4,8,10 and 12 bore, in freezing conditions where I had no feeling in my hands due to the cold. A quick tip. Where possible,you can`t do this with all hammer guns,OPEN THE BREECH FIRST before lowering the hammers. If you can`t open the breech with the hammers cocked, always lower the hammers with the crook of your thumb rather than the ball, it much reduces the chance of the hammer slipping. The modern hammerless breachloader has been with us for about 150 years. The hammer gun, in one guise or another, for something like 400. When first introduced, the hammerless gun was very unpopular since one " could`nt tell when it was cocked". Interesting that the whole argument seems to have gone full circle. Nick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 my first gun was a hammer gun,and a few years after having it i put a sledge hammer two it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussexboy Posted December 28, 2008 Report Share Posted December 28, 2008 (edited) I use a hammer gun on the odd occasion. It can be opened with the hammers cocked so it is always safe to de-cock. I still make sure that the muzzles are pointing in a safe direction though, you can never be too careful when gun safety is concerned. As for any admiring looks or remarks - nah, none of those. It's a Baikal. Comments are usually along the lines of "What on earth is that". I paraphrase for the sake of decency you understand. Edited December 28, 2008 by Sussexboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p@cman Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 I use a single barrel .410 hammer gun from time to time. Its lightweight and a lot of fun to use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted December 29, 2008 Report Share Posted December 29, 2008 I'd love one, but Wabbitbosher always flogs 'em far too quickly!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zapp Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 Yep, I am a hammergun convert. I have a W & J Davis 12b 30 inch and a Chas Osborne 12b 30 inch. I love them to bits, for the reasons other have given, as well as the fact that they are hand made, beautiful things! I also have a Whistler boxlock of around the same age, which is also a peach. I use this or the hammerguns for almost all my shooting these days. ZB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POW! Posted December 31, 2008 Report Share Posted December 31, 2008 Hey ZB , once you get one ,and start to look up its parentage , your hooked , Let me tel you one of my experiences . In my early twenties . I recall going to Farm sale in Malpas , near Whitchurch , A lovely May Wednesday morning , A Chainsaw took my fancy , £50 in my back pocket , [Alot in those days 1969] Among the lots were 7 old hammer guns , some "wallhangers" !! one in particular was nice , Damascus barreles , matching hammers , tight action , it was about 5 lots before the chainsaw , The bidding opened at a fiver on the gun held up , I bid ten , another guy twelve quid , It hovered , I was about to bid again , concious of the saw following on , and with a job ready for it , when the original bidder shouts Fifteen , Tempted again , and the competition of youth , I declined , trhinking the next old gun will make a tenner at most , NO . 15 quid for them all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , I was gutted , THe saw came along , A Danarm , woth an Oregon roler tip bar , 4 chains ,oil, and a lovely Ally can for juice , Opening bid £ 60 , *************** !! **********!! *********!!! It wasd a long ride home !! POW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zapp Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 I'm with you on that POW, having something which has such history to it is a real pleasure in itself. Sorry to hear about the lost guns in the auction though! ZB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattslaptop247 Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 Hammer guns are definatley not "faux par". I have a F Williams sidelock hammergun from about 1880. It has lovley damascus barrels and is a dream to shhot with. No offence to anyone but theres nothing special about turning up on a shoot with a barretta, it's far better to turn upwith something that no-one else has, somthing a little unique. Well that's my opinion anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wingnut Posted January 1, 2009 Report Share Posted January 1, 2009 I've just treated myself to a hammer gun, 30" 12g osbourne from wabbitbosher off this site, and intend to use it when pigeon shooting as much as possible, also if i ever go game shooting i can use it then as well, seeing how they don't like people using semi autos. I was a little concerened about decocking it, as it can't be broken open while loaded and cocked, but if i need to do this, i ease the hammers forward gently. always makeing sure the barrels are poining in a safe direction. I don't cock the hammers until ready to take a shot anyway. I took it to my local clay ground to try it recently and was quite surprised by their reactions, a few of them know whre they could get one from, it certainly shoots differently to my s/a, and it took a while to get used to the twin triggers (about 6 shots), but i wouldn't part with it now for all the tea in china Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 I use a Berretta side by side hammer gun, I try to give it an outing once or twice a year, funnily enough I seem to shoot better with it than my normal side by side, shame its a non ejector, its from 1941, now I thought the italians had other things to be doing during the war? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozzy Fudd Posted January 2, 2009 Report Share Posted January 2, 2009 i had an old single barrel aya hammer gun til i swapped it for a mossberg 500. it was about 50 years old and had been inour family for most of that time, but it was a comple *** to open and if you didnt have gloves on your thumb was very sore after half a box of cartridges nothing at all faux pa with them, the only ones who would think that are the twits who think anything but a nice o/u should be banned. most of them deserve to be cracked around the head with a stock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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