Numrich Gun Parts Corp. lists Springfield musket rifle hammers for 1863 and 1865 musket rifles. They are original color case hardened, steel, military surplus. Item # is 303730 and you can order it online at: www.e-GunParts.com .
A firing pin that is mounted on/in a hammer
Unfortunately, fiberglass is very difficult to fix. It may be best to purchase a new hammer.
You can purchase a slide hammer a ACE
Typically, the hammer strikes the firing pin which may fire a round, if there is a fresh round in the chamber. In older pistols, the hammer can hit the primer directly (the tip of the hammer has the firing pin on the end).
With the hammer in the full down position look just to the left of where the hammer rests against the firing pin. You may need to open the action to read the entire number as it may obscure the last digit(s).
In older guns....and most guns that people think of when they think of a handgun or rifle, there is a "hammer" and a "firing pin". When the trigger is pulled, the hammer is released and it strikes the firing pin which in turn strikes the primer on the cartridge, firing the round in the chamber. With a striker fired gun, there is no hammer. The striker, which is basically a spring loaded firing pin, is released, doing the job of the firing pin and hitting the primer on the round in the chamber. These guns have become very common, and you will find examples of a striker fired system in all Glocks, Springfield XD's, S&W M&P's, Taurus 24/7, etc.
You hold the hammer, pull the trigger and gently ease the hammer into the firing position. Be sure to point the gun away from any people at all times.
hammer is spring pushed and hits the firing pin to fire the cartridge.
By action of the hammer striking the firing pin, forcing it into the primer.
The hammer is the part that hits the firing pin when you pull the trigger.. this is just an educated guess...
Firing Pin Block
Kenneth M. Hammer has written: 'The Springfield carbine on the western frontier' -- subject(s): Rifles