To elaborate, when the strut binds in the hammer, the hammer is still being forced back but is also rotating clockwise, as seen in this video. It's that rotational motion which forces the strut down and causes it to dig into the housing.
And THAT! is the difference between being a gun smith, and a parts replacer. Chasing down a problem and finding a solution or two, and not just throwing $$$ at it til it works. Well done man! Thanks for the info, Gerry
so as a gunsmith, do you think up or down makes a dif.? i just put in a new target hammer don't remember which way i put back. should i put slot up? maybe polish the strut to?