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Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifles
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CptCurlAdministrator
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How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS?
      #22008 - 09/12/04 01:35 PM

This is a nagging question I have:

What is the best way to address the target with a hammer double rifle, or a hammer double shottie, for that matter?

On the personal level, I have a couple of hammer double rifles, and one hammer double shotgun. All are somewhat new to my battery. I have shot my Purdey .500 BPE double rifle quite often, and I intend to hunt with it. However, I am a bit perplexed about how one is to react when addressing the quarry. I would assume you cock both hammers, mount the rifle, and fire as normal.

Do you cock the hammers with a sweep of the hand, or do you thumb each one individually? Maybe there is another motion I have not thought of.

I really would like to know the efficient drill to cock, mount, and shoot the rifle (or shotgun).

Thanks for any info,
CptCurl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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SOUTHPAWTOO
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: CptCurl]
      #22026 - 09/12/04 05:18 PM

Dear CptCurl,
I don't mean for this to sound like a brag, but rather to establish my history. I have been a Cowboy Action Shooter for 15 yrs. I have won 4 world championships plus the Master Gunfighter event. These are 4 gun events...2 SA revolvers, lever action rifle, double bbl. shotgun. SPEED and accuracy are paramount. Thus said...focus on your target/quarry...cock BOTH hammers by bringing the thumb and what ever if left of or needed of the hand, FULLY across BOTH hammers...
make sure (by way of practice) both hammers are FULLY cocked...point/aim at the intended "target"...let fly with each bbl. in sequence. (usually, "float" the target on the front sight.) As a matter of a hint...make sure the checkering is so sharp on the hammer spurs, that if you don't get it cocked, you have at least left a portion of skin in the checkering. (you won't make the same mistake the next time) SP2

--------------------
SP2


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: CptCurl]
      #22037 - 09/12/04 11:59 PM

Curl

I grew up using shotguns with hammers, several of them.

When hunting, ie when you expect to shoot, I carried both hammers cocked. I cocked each one separately with my right thumb on the 12 gauges. The hammers were two heavy to cock together. If one tried to cock both at once it is quite likely one may have "gotten away" from one perhaps firing the shotgun.

On a nifty little .410 both hammers could be cocked at the same time by the right thumb quite easily.

Have not used a double rifle with external hammers but the principle should be the same.

If you wait until the bird flies to cock it will be gone.

'Hammered' double rifles are real nostalgia but slower on a reload.


--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: NitroX]
      #22042 - 10/12/04 02:08 AM

You know, there's a big difference in a firearm with non-rebounding hammers from one with rebounding hammers.

The safety notch on the non-rebounding lock is almost at full cock and very little effort is required to bring it to full cock. However, once fired, the non-rebounding lock must be cocked to the safety sear prior to opening the action, lest the firing pins hang in the dented primer and drag down the case head.

On the other hand, the rebounding lock has its safety sear positioned at the point of rebound, just off the firing pins. Much more effort is needed to bring it to full cock. But the hammers need not be brought back before opening the action, because the rebounding lock has done that for you.

It would be much easier to ready a non-rebounding action in the manner SP2 describes than to ready the rebounding action.

Here's a pic of my Purdey .500 BPE with rebounding locks:


And here's a pic of my 12 bore Horsley double rifle with non-rebounding locks:


Both rifles have their hammers standing at safety. You can see how much further back the Horsley's hammers are than the Purdey's.

I appreciate the input and hope to hear from more members on this topic.

Regards,
CptCurl


--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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DUGABOY1
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: CptCurl]
      #22043 - 10/12/04 04:20 AM

CptCurl, those two hammer rifles are very nice examples of the this type rifle! I have a few hammer doubles, rifle, cape guns, and shotguns. Like everyone else who posted to this question, I have my own system for useing the double hammer gun/rifle. IMO, what ever works best for you is correct, FOR YOU!

I find there is a difference between how I use a shotgun,and how I use a double rifle. Mainly because they are much different weights. Shotguns being light can be cocked in just about any way you choose. They can be cocked like a single action pistol with the only support being the hands, while cocking. I don't have any that do not have rebounding hammers, so that simplifies my drill some! I think without rebounding hammers I would carry open, or unloaded. I don't trust the notch enough to hold the hammer that far away from the strikers. If it happened to fall it would fire, IMO, where a simple fall from the rebound notch would not!

I carry the rifles loaded, usually with a soft in the right, and a solid in the left, with the hammers down on rebound notch. When game is spotted,and it is decided the trophy is worthy, I start the stalk, hammers still in rebound. At the point where I intend to shoot, if standing, I place the butt stock between my upper right arm, and my chest. if sqawting, I place the rifle accross my upper legs. In both cases,the left hand slides up to the hammers, while my right hand is already there. With the thumbs of each hand, I cock both hammers similtaniously, as the left hand slides back onto the forend as I mount, and fire, the right barrel. If time allows, and I'm very close, I cock one barrel at a time, by holding the trigger for that barrel back till the hammer is all the way back, then release the trigger. This cocks the rifle in complete silence.

When a quick shot presents it's self, simply cock both hammers on the way to the full mount, with both thumbs, and fire! In this case there is not a need for silence, as much as speed of fireing the first shot!

I have tried the both hammers with the side of one hand, and it doesn't work for me, and an occasional missed cocking of one hammer has resulted in a barrel fireing.

Hope any of this helps, and while I've got your attention, if you have a need to sell one or both of those doubles you posted here let me know, I may have to put the old ranch in hock again!

--------------------
..........Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY1, and MacD37 founding member of DRSS www.doublerifleshooterssociety.com
"If I die today, I have had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"

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Chasseur
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: CptCurl]
      #22048 - 10/12/04 05:57 AM

Beautiful, simply beautiful

--------------------
In regards to action he should devote himself to hunting...
-Machiavelli



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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: DUGABOY1]
      #22060 - 10/12/04 01:43 PM

Dugaboy1,

Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I will try the two-handed approach you detailed. I, too, have my doubts about bringing both hammers back with one stroke of the hand. I think it might be done in a smooth movement by sliding the right hand toward the rear, down the top of the barrels, to grasp the hammers in the web of the hand, then continuing to full cock. But I must confess that I have not actually tried any of this. When I have shot the rifles it has been on a range, and I have cocked the hammers individually with my right thumb.

I will point out that the Horsley (non-rebounding) rifle has stalking safeties that positively lock the hammers in the safety notch. There is no danger and no need to carry the rifle with the breach open. You can see the sliding safety directly behind the hammer on the side of the lock. In fact, in the photo the stalking safety is engaged.

The Purdey has stalking safeties also, mounted in front of its hammers.

Dugaboy1 and Chasser, I am honored by and thank you for your kind compliments also. I think we all love the sight of a classic from the golden age.

Best regards,
CptCurl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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CptCurlAdministrator
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: SOUTHPAWTOO]
      #22611 - 24/12/04 03:21 PM

I had my Purdey out of the safe yesterday, and in all due respect to SP2 there is no way to just rake both hammers back with one hand. You would have to have a hand of steel and the strength of an ape. The mainsprings are far too stiff to allow for this.

I think the technique described by DUGABOY1 or just the technique of cocking each hammer individually with the thumb of the right hand is the only way to get it done.

Regards,
CptCurl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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atkinson6
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Reged: 26/01/04
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: CptCurl]
      #22634 - 25/12/04 09:27 AM

If your hunting dangerous game with me those hammers will be down, you cock one and shoot then cock the other and shoot...If its hammerless, the safty will be on...mostly we walk in line and want no off safty or hammer back guns in that line..or when approaching a wounded animal, one can slip an fire a shot off...I have much less fear of a raging bufflao than a careless hunter..

I don't believe hammer guns are the proper gun for hunting dangerous game, they are better suited for birds and cowboy shooters IMO....and if you ever look ole Nyati in the eye and stand his charge, then you will forever agree with me.

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bonanza
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: atkinson6]
      #44930 - 27/12/05 01:21 AM

Ray,

I've just bought a hammer double rifle (that I hope will see africa again) in 500/450 NE which is suitable for DG, but I agree with you on saftey aspect. We don't want to kill the PH or the tracker.

--------------------


"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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BlainSmipy
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Re: How to handle HAMMER DOUBLE GUNS? [Re: bonanza]
      #44985 - 27/12/05 05:44 PM

I use my right hand and thumb and cock the left hammer first then the right when ready to fire. I leave the hammers at the first sear when walking or stalking. However I must take exception to the statement about hunting DG with hammer guns. I know its your opinion, and I respect that, but if your saying this due to some concern about quick shots or reloading; I submit that anyone can shoot four rounds faster with a Marlin 1895G (Lever Gun)than any double rifle made. NOT two rounds but four, which is I think your concern. You can always shoot two rounds fastest with a double. But if your concerned is with more than two shots, nothing beats a lever action gun for speed shooting. IMHO of course.

And yes I understand the Marlin comes in the 45-70, which is light for DG; unless using Garret or Buff Bore ammo. Also I would, if using this gun, have it re-chambered to either .457 Alaskan or .50 Alaskan. Both able to produce ~4000fpe. But there is probably some weird law that says you can't use a 45-70 or round that produces with factory ammo less than X amount of FPE on DG.

For the above argument, we have to agree that the hunt is more important than the weapon being used. For me, I would love nothing more than to hunt DG with a fine old double. Adds a another "D" to "DG" hunting.

Colorado

--------------------
You horde gold, I horde lead.

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