I'm having alot of trouble with this. It seems like in 1 v 1 situations I have trouble punishing people who just mash the trigger because of how fast the hammer recharges swings. I always end up trading which isn't acceptable in MM when I'm the only one on my team who can make a kill. Is there something I can do to either get kills quicker or punish people who mash?

you either run in the second they hit and swing or just leave him to someone else

or do the manly thing pull out a sword and charge like a badass

It's in the timing. If you time it right then you can just wait for them to swing, step forward and take them down before they can hit again. Get the timing right and they're as good as dead. It's all in the dancing.

To improve your timing, gradually , swing slightly earlier. It will, over time, make ypur range better. Sething I need ro work on too.

Just play with good players, practice timing and learn to work well with your team.

that or take steroids...steroids work in reach right?

As people already mentioned it mostly comes down to timing but there will still be some instances where you trade even if you timed it right. You should try to get in the habit of not swinging first especially if you got them pinned against their wall. Most teams will panic and if you're patient enough you can easily win 90% of your MM hammer battles.

Lol, I approve of this tactic.

You could shuffle at them. That usually works.

Please the shuffle is only for trained professionals, it takes years to fully master the move