Hello, I have recently received from my Son in Law a S&W 1880's .38 cal revolver. He told me it was a .32 but a .38 shell fits in real nice. Anyway there is a small spring associated with the hammer that has been broken off. I need a schematic or a photo of how it is suppose to look. This made of spring steel and not a coiled spring. The Serial # is 152266 stamped in three places. it is also blued finish with red & black grips. very well maintained except for the broken spring. it does not turn the cylinder when cocking or pulling trigger and sometimes the hammer will not stay back. I have dismantled the body completely and as I said there is a very small spring that seems to be broken off. If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum from the Wiregrass! Apparently that's a common problem with these old top breaks because I have seen a number of postings on them. You can get a schematic from Numrich (gunpartscorp.com) or David Chicoine (oldwestgunsmith.com). Unfortunately, it won't give you dimensions so you can make your own. Sometimes, they have parts, but I believe these old springs are getting to be hard to find. You might also look at Poppert's Gun Parts and Jack First (jackfirstgun.com). Also, forum member Gary Lowe knows a lot about these guns and may be able to help you to fabricate your own.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Welcome. Here is a link to Numrich schematic. Can you point out the part you need?

38 DBL ACT REVOLVER Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

It sounds like a 3rd model DA. They have a fragile rear sear with a protrusion that rides in the center of the trigger. The protrusion may be broken off. That will lock it up as you described. If that is not the problem it maybe the sear spring which is pinned near the top of the front bar of the grip frame that puts tension on the rear sear. Same part I described above.