Hammer Fired vs. Striker Fired!..Which is Better?

Published on February 25, 2025
Duration: 17:22

This video explores the fundamental differences between hammer-fired and striker-fired pistol systems, with the speaker strongly favoring hammer-fired designs. Key arguments include the superior trigger feel, crispness, and customization options offered by hammer-fired mechanisms, particularly the ability to select between double-action/single-action or single-action-only modes. While acknowledging striker-fired systems can be reliable, the speaker contends they generally offer inferior trigger performance and robustness compared to their hammer-fired counterparts.

Quick Summary

Hammer-fired pistols are generally preferred for their superior trigger feel, offering crisper breaks and more tactile feedback compared to the often spongy or gritty triggers of striker-fired pistols. They also provide greater trigger customization options, such as double-action/single-action (DA/SA) or single-action-only (SAO) modes, and are often considered more robust and reliable.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction: Hammer vs Striker Fired
  2. 00:36Speaker's Preference: Hammer Fired
  3. 01:19Robustness and Reliability of Hammer Fired
  4. 01:41Trigger Options: DA/SA vs Striker
  5. 02:07Striker Fired Downsides
  6. 02:37Viewer Opinions: Edgar Cortez
  7. 03:38Viewer Opinions: Mike D Sig
  8. 04:00Viewer Opinions: D rickety
  9. 04:21Viewer Opinions: John Heasley on Triggers
  10. 05:11Viewer Opinions: Aaron Talks Firearms
  11. 06:04H&K Hammer Options
  12. 06:10Viewer Opinions: Flash in the pan
  13. 06:30Single Action Hammer Fired Examples (FN 5.7)
  14. 07:20Viewer Opinions: Adam Jacobies
  15. 08:20Viewer Opinions: John Balone Jr.
  16. 09:12Viewer Opinions: Paul B
  17. 09:47Viewer Opinions: Johnny Mandrick on Safety
  18. 10:38Viewer Opinions: Practical Bacon
  19. 10:51Viewer Opinions: John of all trades
  20. 11:46Viewer Opinions: Chunky D on Internal Hammers
  21. 12:48Viewer Opinions: Mr Furley on Consistency
  22. 13:40Viewer Opinions: Mark Caulkins
  23. 14:14Viewer Opinions: Donnie Dickerson on Safety
  24. 14:31Viewer Opinions: Bacon or Lasagna?
  25. 15:22Conclusion and Audience Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of hammer-fired pistols?

Hammer-fired pistols are often praised for their superior trigger feel, offering crisper breaks and more tactile feedback. They also provide greater trigger customization options, such as double-action/single-action (DA/SA) or single-action-only (SAO) modes, and are generally considered more robust and reliable.

Why do some people dislike striker-fired pistol triggers?

The mechanism of striker-fired pistols, where the striker spring is constantly under tension, can lead to a less refined trigger pull. This often results in triggers that feel spongy, gritty, or 'creepy,' lacking the crispness found in many hammer-fired designs.

Can striker-fired pistols offer a good trigger pull?

While some striker-fired pistols have improved trigger designs, they generally do not match the crispness and feel of a good hammer-fired trigger, especially single-action variants. The inherent mechanics of striker-fired systems often limit their potential for a truly exceptional trigger break.

Are hammer-fired pistols safer for reholstering?

Some argue that hammer-fired pistols, particularly those with external hammers, can be safer for reholstering. The presence of an external hammer allows a thumb to ride it, potentially preventing a trigger snag, a concern sometimes raised with striker-fired designs.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from TheYankeeMarshal

View all →