.38 Single Action Hammer Comparisons

[mmaher94087]

As follow-on to a discussion in another thread; I have compiled photos of the three types of hammers found on the .38 Single Action revolvers and Single Shot pistols.

The first photo shows four variations of the single action revolver. Top to bottom: 1st Model (aka Baby Russian); 2nd Model; 3rd Model (aka Model of ’91) and the “Mexican Model”.

The second photo has the Single Action, Single Shot pistols. Top to bottom: 1st Model and 2nd Model.

The third photo shows the three types of hammers utilized on the four models of revolvers and the two models of Single Shot pistols. From left to right: 1st Model (Baby Russian); 2nd model is identical. Note the flat-sided hammer, large hammer stud (pivot) hole and the free moving stirrup. The second (middle) hammer is from the 3rd Model revolver (Model of ’91). It is quickly distinguished from the other hammers by the flanged hammer spur. To this point all hammers have the safety notch (half-cock). The Single Shots use this hammer and have the rebounding type stirrup (limited movement). Also, the hand and spring were not used on the 2nd Model Single Shot but the hammer has all the machining required for those parts. The third (right) hammer is the “Mexican Model”. The middle and right hammers have a slightly smaller diameter hammer stud (pivot) hole and will not interchange with the 1st or 2nd Model revolver. The interesting changes made to the Mexican hammer include the lack of the flanged hammer spur and the elimination of the safety notch.

Edit: None of the guns in the photos were molested. The photos were from parts bought online. M

[Boulder350]

Mike,

Thanks for your post here and all the others you have done lately regarding the 38 single action revolver. You answered the question I had about my mexican model. Ends up mine has the mexican trigger in the narrow variation. The hammer is altered and not a mexican hammer. Guess I can call it a tribute mexican model. Don't feel to bad about it since I didn't pay the real mexican price.

Great looking collection of single actions and single shots too. Like your second model 38 with the lanyard ring. Still looking for one of those for my collection.

Mark

[mmaher94087]

Mark,

Thank you for the compliment. That .38 SA was one of the first S&Ws that I ever bought. It came out of a Sparks, Nevada gun shop. Someone attempted to remove the lanyard ring and didn't knock the retaining pin out of the frame resulting in the ring/stud breaking off in the frame.

Fast forward about 20 years; I was in an obscure shop in Phoenix when the owner ask what I might be trying to find. After a list of scarce guns and rare things, I mentioned the lanyard ring. I was half-joking. Guess who had one? Mike

[model3sw]

You're a good man, Mike. Nice presentation.

[mmaher94087]

Thank you, Sal. I had to purchase the hammers and compare them for my own sanity. When S&W released the Mexican parts on to the market; there suddenly were many made-up revolvers that hit the sales tables. The one in the photo, I purchased from the late Bill Orr and it is correct. I almost bought another that appeared correct but a quick check with dltvette made me check closer and I discovered another put-together piece.

[model3sw]

I find comfort in purchasing from long time S&WCA members. In the old days with no internet, it was just a few descriptive sentences over the phone or a classified listing. It was the reputation of the seller that held premium value.

About 25 years back, when I first found Tulsa, having my first meeting many S&WCA members and the overwhelming abundance of things I never saw before I went deep into some purchases.

Many from old time members. At one sitting I spent $30K (in 1995 money) with Norman Hall (his Dad was very ill at the time) ... and that wasn't hard to do, at all.

Ray Brazille (RIP) loved to put temptation under my nose. I spend a bundle with Ray over the years but I knew then and even better proven over the years ... all was WELL worth it.

I regret turning around for a few minutes to have a 9mm single action (model 44) bought up by another member, fair and square. It was my next table stop on my route through the Indian Territory Gun Collectors section but about 5 minutes too late.

[mmaher94087]

I was born in Tulsa. Hillcrest Hospital, 1948l. My father, John C. Maher, took me to the 'Tulsa Gun Show' ca. 1956-7. At that time the show was held under the roof of the stock pens. The attraction, at the time, was the John Zink race car and the Tulsa Fire Department's Mascot which was a Lioness. We went for a number of years but I haven't been back since.