Broken Hammer Screw

[Mike.Smith]

Well, it was a great day of shooting sporting clays, until I got back to the truck and started wiping down my O Grade Parker Hammer Gun. It seems that somewhere on the course, the head on one of the Hammer screws broke in half.:crying:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8545682133_bfe4c22644_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/smithshady/8545682133/)


I've been warned about these potentially falling out, but wasn't expecting it to break. It's not something that I feel comfortable fixing myself, and I really want to have this gun to shoot at the Southern. So, questions...

1. Do you think I'd hurt it in any way shooting it as is?

2. How would you suggest I go about getting this fixed, and by whom?

Thanks,

Mike

[Robin Lewis]

Contact Tom Carter

[George M. Purtill]

Yeah
Two words
Tom Carter

[Brian Dudley]

You would not really risk hurting anything shooting it as it is if you have to. Just keep an eye on it. But, the screw will most likely be easier to get out while half the head is still there. If the other half breaks off, it will be much harder to get out.

[charlie cleveland]

good advise brian....charlie

[Rick Losey]

just asking here - my hammer gun experience is not with Parkers, but I've cleaned and or tuned a few flintlocks, and a couple old English locks

but - if the other half of the screw head breaks off, wouldn't the hammer be likely to fall off and risk being lost? on my hammer guns the hammer fits the square tumbler that is center tapped for the hammer screw, the hammer comes off fairly easy without the screw.

without the screw head the removal options would seem to be a very small easyout or drill out the screw and retap.

like I said, just asking

[Dean Romig]

Mike - call Tom. Remove the entire lock with hammer in place and send it to Tom. That way he can properly time the new screw he will make for you. He just did both for me on the "Editor's Gun".

[Tom Carter]

You should replace the screw now. If the other half of the screw head breaks off you may loose the hammer. Also, if it breaks off and you have to drill the broken screw to use an easy out and it is a very difficult task. The top of the broken screw will probably be broken at an angel and drilling something at an angel with a small drill is next to impossible. The drill will run to the low side and mess up the threads inside the tumbler. Since you have to replace it anyway, why wait until its a big problen. Been there, done that, and don't like it. Do it while its a small problem and easy to deal with. Cheers, Tom

[Mike.Smith]

Thanks for providing Tom's info, I'll give him a call about making a replacement. Brian, I'm also concerned about the other half breaking off, and I'm leery of trying to remove it myself for fear I'll make it worse, or scratch the gun. Beyond making the screws, would Tom be someone who could remove the broken screw as well? If not, who would you guys suggest sending it to?

Thanks again,

Mike

[Mike.Smith]

Looks like a few posts while I was typing my message, which answers my questions, so thanks for the responses. Sounds like removing the lock and sending it to Tom is the way to go. I've been practicing with this gun for the Southern, and shot an excellent round with it today. I hate not to have it, but would hate to lose a hammer or screw up the gun even more. I have to look longer term, and it's not worth the risk.

So now, any instructions for removing the lock plate? This is my first hammer gun, and I've never taken it apart.

M.

[Tom Carter]

Mike, Call me at 843-546-0609 this afternoon after 1 easteren time. Tom

[Mike Franzen]

Go to Brian Dudley's albums and look for the Hammer Gun dis assembly. It give an excellent, easy to follow pictorial description of how to remove the locks. Not hard at all.

[Brian Dudley]

I would not recommend the average person trying to remove this screw. Especially if the other half of the head comes off. Yes, pull the lock and send it to Tom.

As for the hammer falling off, it may. Most times these things are fused on there pretty good after years of being on there. But with no screw head holding it on, there is no doubt that shooting it would eventually work the hammer off its seat.

When I said that shooting it as is would not cause any harm, I meant it would not cause any physical or mechanical harm to the gun. As with any of these things, it is best to fix ASAP.

My guess is that the hammer was knocked hard on the top spur causing it to shift on the spindle thus breaking off the bottom the the screw head.

[Mike.Smith]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I spoke to Tom earlier in the week, and he gave me instructions over the phone on how to take the lock plates off. I didn't have the appropriate screwdriver for this, so I ordered the Magna Tip Thin Bit set from Brownell's (something I had been meaning to do anyway) and it arrived this evening. I was able to remove the lock plate with the broken screw, and it's boxed up to be shipped to Tom for repair tomorrow.

M.

[John Farrell]

Look on the bright side of your current unfortunate circumstance. If you miss a couple of targets after you get the gun repaired, you have the excuse of breaking in the new hammer screw. And, you can impress your friends with two other facts; you have a custom made hammer screw and you've done business with Tom Carter. Altogether it's a win/win for you. Good luck and happy shooting.

[Mike.Smith]

Well, I'm happy to report that I'm back in business thanks to Tom. I received my lock plate with the new hammer screw earlier this week and it's back on the gun and ready for action. The screw looks great, and I've got plenty of time to shoot it before the Southern. Thanks again Tom!

Mike