Cammer Hammer Review

[Auto Mag]

I was asked to test and evaluate a new product from Cammer Technologies, the Cammer Hammer! www.cammertechnologies.com I installed the Cammer Hammer on my RIA Mid Size, 4.25” GI Model. As with anything related to cleaning or repair on a firearm PLEASE make sure that it is not loaded, no ammunition is in the vicinity of the firearm and you are not distracted while working, just my way of working on a firearm. The install was very easy, that is if you are familiar with the disassembly and repair of your 1911. If not I would definitely recommend consulting a competent gunsmith for installation. On this install I did not have to replace the sear but I did make sure that it was fully functional with the new hammer after installation. With the Cammer Hammer installed I did notice a reduction in force needed to pull the slide back. I have not had a chance to get to the range as yet to see if I could notice the reduced recoil as noted per the web site. All in all I think it is a very nice and well-made product that reduces the amount of force needed to work the slide which can be a great aid for men and women alike especially in older men (like me) and women who may have reduced upper body strength.
Pictures are of my 1911 showing that it is indeed unloaded, hammers shown are stock hammer on left and new Cammer Hammer on right, Cammer Hammer in the at rest position and the Cammer Hammer in the cocked position.

[Spyros]

I'm curious to hear if you'll notice a drop in perceived recoil.

Since this flies completely against the principle of the square-bottom FP stop, I'd actually expect it to INCREASE felt recoil.

Maybe I'm missing something.

[Jim Watson]

The Cammer Hammer is a revival of an old gunsmith modification (see Hallock) to target pistols for midrange target ammo. The idea being to reduce mainspring resistance so as to allow enough recoil spring to be sure of chambering the next round.

Elite Warrior Armament has the Optimized Hammer with similar but shallower relief under the striking face. They recommend it for smaller calibers or lighter loads than .45 hardball.

I wonder how they got a patent in the face of this prior art.

A "product review" not including SHOOTING THE GUN is not very helpful.

[RickB]

I shot mine. I don't buy the reduced recoil spiel, but I do believe the Cammer Hammer provides the "traditional" benefit of allowing the gun to work with light loads that might not normally be powerful enough to cycle.
I ran my Colt Conversion Unit with the Cammer Hammer, 23# mainspring, and 14# recoil spring. I think it would be good in something like a longslide 9mm, or softball .45; something that needs some help unlocking without resorting to a recoil spring so light that the gun won't feed.