Hammer notch "repair"

[Stuart]

I have a Marlin 1985 in 45-70 that has a hammer problem. I got it secondhand and it seemed virtually new and was quite stiff as one would expect with a new-ish gun. The trigger pull especially was a bit stiff so I decided to judiciously stone and polish the trigger and sear as I had done on my well-used 1894. (which had a horrible trigger pull and was unevenly worn.) I used a Spyderco ceramic stone and final-polished with some chromium dioxide, doing as little as possible. However.....without the hammer spur, the hammer nose now snagged on the vertical locking bolt cutout in the bolt. I got around this by recontouring the hammer nose and it now works well, with no misfires due to the slightly shortened hammer fall, but "on principle" I would like to get the hammer back to proper engagement. I could just replace the hammer but it occurred to me that I might be able to use some Hi-Force 44 to silver-solder a piece of hard steel (such as a bit of hacksaw blade) onto the hammer notch to build it up a tiny bit since it is presumably a little too deep, although still at the correct angle. However, before I proceed I'd like to get an opinion or two from the real gunsmiths out there.

Many thanks

[Dan Burwell]

Stuart,

Nice thought, but you cannot even weld up an over cut hammer notch. The weld would be to soft to hold for very long. I hear you on trying to use a hard piece of steel to solder in place but again the solder just would not hold up for very long. Just go to Numrich and order a new hammer will save you a load of time and just make your life easier not having to worry about it failing in the future. Depending on which model you have a new hammer from them would be between $15-$25 plus S&H.

Good Luck,

Dan