Internal or external hammers on a coachgun?

Andrewh · March 12, 2001, 12:32 PM

I noticed on most of the posts concerning coach guns for cas, that they are internal hammers. Why is this? Just speed? or do the externals have breakage problems?

**4V50 Gary** · March 12, 2001, 01:04 PM

The external hammer guns evolved from the flintlock smoothbore, which itself gave way to the percussion fired smoothbore and finally, to internal hammers. Check out W.W. Greener's, The Gun and its Development (Someone correct me if I quoted the title wrong - thanks!). So, for CAS, the external hammers are more appropriate.

Bill Mitchell · March 13, 2001, 08:13 AM

Howdy,

Except in the hands of a very experienced shooter, a hammerless double will be faster than a hammered double. With proper technique, a hammered double can be shot very fast. And, a lot of the hammered guns are older, and breakage may mean a tough hunt for the replacement part. Hammerless doubles were around in the Old West, but prevalence depends on the time period.

Bellicose Bill

Andrewh · March 13, 2001, 08:28 AM

Thanks for the info guys.

March 12, 2001, 12:32 PM	#1
Andrewh Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 1999 Posts: 966	I noticed on most of the posts concerning coach guns for cas, that they are internal hammers. Why is this? Just speed? or do the externals have breakage problems?

March 12, 2001, 01:04 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,831	The external hammer guns evolved from the flintlock smoothbore, which itself gave way to the percussion fired smoothbore and finally, to internal hammers. Check out W.W. Greener's, The Gun and its Development (Someone correct me if I quoted the title wrong - thanks!). So, for CAS, the external hammers are more appropriate.

March 13, 2001, 08:13 AM	#3
Bill Mitchell Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Roswell,GA Posts: 433	Howdy, Except in the hands of a very experienced shooter, a hammerless double will be faster than a hammered double. With proper technique, a hammered double can be shot very fast. And, a lot of the hammered guns are older, and breakage may mean a tough hunt for the replacement part. Hammerless doubles were around in the Old West, but prevalence depends on the time period. Bellicose Bill

March 13, 2001, 08:28 AM	#4
Andrewh Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 1999 Posts: 966	Thanks for the info guys.