SDI Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting Practice Exam – Study Guide & Prep

In a single-action revolver, the hammer strut plays a crucial role in the operation of the firearm. Specifically, this component connects the hammer to the mainspring, allowing the spring to apply force on the hammer when it is cocked. If the hammer strut is broken, the direct consequence is that the hammer cannot be properly cocked.

This failure leads to the revolver’s inability to remain in the cocked position, and thus, it cannot strike the firing pin with sufficient force during the firing cycle. In single-action revolvers, pulling the trigger only releases the cocked hammer, so if the hammer is not cocked due to a broken strut, the gun cannot fire. Therefore, users will experience a failure to cock the hammer, making it impossible to fire the revolver effectively.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for troubleshooting issues with single-action revolvers. When a hammer strut is compromised, immediate inspection and potential replacement are necessary to restore the revolver's proper function.