Question about cocked and locked for long periods of time.

[sdmc530]

For reference, how to use the 1/2 cock. Best video I could find without making my own.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

For reference, how to use the 1/2 cock. Best video I could find without making my own.

Funny you and I watch the same videos, about this last video one of the things that kept popping up in the video comments is that the half cocked position is not meant to be used as resting point for the hammer as wear and possible tear can happen, it's another safety implemented into the 1911 design. The half cock position was meant as a last-ditch effort to catch the hammer before it hits the firing pin, discharging the gun. But it comes at a cost as it can actually damage the half cocked notch in the sear(?).

[sdmc530]

I have read many a thread on the sear and i think the repeated violent shooting and cycling is probably the hardest abuse you can do to a pistol. Think about the act of firing the gun then it cycles fast and hard.

Yes the half cock was put in place so the rider would not accidentally shoot his horse or so the story goes. The half notch is pretty small in comparison to the full cock. I could not find any info on sear failures that resulted in a shooting from the half cock but i am sure its happened. I would think if the sear failed you would notice the issues quickly? Maybe?

[pitor]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

I have read many a thread on the sear and i think the repeated violent shooting and cycling is probably the hardest abuse you can do to a pistol. Think about the act of firing the gun then it cycles fast and hard.

Yes the half cock was put in place so the rider would not accidentally shoot his horse or so the story goes. The half notch is pretty small in comparison to the full cock. I could not find any info on sear failures that resulted in a shooting from the half cock but i am sure its happened. I would think if the sear failed you would notice the issues quickly? Maybe?

Agreed, very good thread by the way, great discussion.

[DrHenley]

Half cock notch on a 1911 is to catch the hammer in the case of the main sear failing. It is not a "safety" in the same sense some half cock notches are (Winchester model 94 for example). The firing pin is inertial (does not contact the primer when the hammer is fully lowered), so a blow to the hammer won't cause a discharge.

BTW, on Colt Series 80 pistols, the half cock notch is not captive. You can pull the trigger from half cock, and the hammer will fall the rest of the way, but not forcefully enough to set off a round.

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by DrHenley

Half cock notch on a 1911 is to catch the hammer in the case of the main sear failing. It is not a "safety" in the same sense some half cock notches are (Winchester model 94 for example). The firing pin is inertial (does not contact the primer when the hammer is fully lowered), so a blow to the hammer won't cause a discharge.

BTW, on Colt Series 80 pistols, the half cock notch is not captive. You can pull the trigger from half cock, and the hammer will fall the rest of the way, but not forcefully enough to set off a round.

Correct!!

I guess we could all just put firing pin plungers on all our pistols so that it still wouldn't fire if the sear fail...but that is another idea altogether.

[DaFadda]

This is why I hang out here. Go to one of the "big boards" and tell me when you've seen this statement:

"My name is , and I am wrong about what condition I should carry my gun. Condition 1 is the proper way.....this might not be an epiphany but its the correct way."

We have lively discussions, sometimes agreeing to disagree, and much less trashing of other people's thoughts than most places. And if we're wrong, we usually admit it and move on.

Thank you for your frankness and candor!

Da