Abstract: The hammer of a serial impact printer comprises a solenoid including a stationary magnetic structure with an opening extending therethrough and a movable magnetic structure adapted to move through the opening. The movable magnetic structure is accelerated by the flux path from the stationary magnetic structure and through the movable magnetic structure as the gap between the movable and stationary magnetic structures closes such that the movable magnetic structure is in substantially unobstructed free flight before the impact area coupled to the movable magnetic structure strikes the character element. The character element in turn strikes a print receiving medium supported by a platen, typically through an ink-bearing ribbon.