Part name: Hammer

Part Function: The Hammer is responsible for sending the firing pin forward in order to set of the primer and discharge the cartridge. The hammer is set into motion by the rifle's trigger being pulled.

Special Notes: The hammer is cocked when the bolt is pulled rearward by the Operating Rod. This may occur when the soldier cocks the weapon manually or when the rifle is fired. It also occurs when the rifle is field stripped when the trigger guard is rotated forward.

Other items of interest in this photograph: (above) GI Can Bayonet Hilt & Scabbard. In the above photographs you can see a tiny part of a bayonet and its scabbard. Note the US ordinance mark with flaming bomb on the scabbard.

Hammer in trigger group.

This page was last updated on: March 14, 2002