The Gun Blogs

On the outside the LDA model of 1911 pistol looks much like the other numerous variants of 1911 handguns. However in looking at the internals it is not a traditional 1911 in the slightest.
The hammer is comprised of two parts, an internal cam (70) and a traditional external hammer (72). The internal cam is attached to the hammer strut (62) which stores the energy of the mainspring (56). The sear (42) is connected to both the hammer which captures the face (108) within a notch (112) until it is pulled clear allowing the pistol to fire. The sear also holds the internal cocked cam until released. The sear is physically contained within the hammer while holding the internal cam from rotating. While this simulates the hammer being cocked from an internal point of view, externally the hammer is in the resting state.

To fire the pistol the trigger is pulled which rotates the hammer until it trips the internal cam. The internal cam then releases its energy into the external hammer which impacts the firing pin. The slides recoil pulls the hammer rearward cocking the internal cam and the external hammer returns to its resting position.
While the external safeties look the same as the traditional 1911 they function in a unique manner. The grip safety articulates a lever that locks into the rear of the external hammer. Once depressed the lever moves clear of the external hammer allowing the external hammer to move freely. The thumb safety locks into the external hammer and internal cam rendering the firing mechanism inoperable.

Thus, we have a pistol which provides the accuracy advantages of a single action pistol with the advantages of a double action pistol. While the trigger pull is reported to be long it is steady and light.

From a safety standpoint you get the best of both worlds without the negatives of either. The internal cam with the stored energy of the mainspring never comes into contact with the firing pin. The external hammer, which is exposed to the greatest chance of colliding with external forces is not only always in the down position, but contains none of the stored energy of the mainspring.

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