I was presented with an early K frame hammer and asked when it was made? I noticed that the hammer had large solid chafing bushings without a strengthening web on the lower front of the hammer. What I did not count on was what I found about these bushings and how much they changed over the early years of S&W Military & Police revolvers. I could find nothing about these in my notes and found what appears to be incorrect information in Neal Jinks book. It is well known that some changes did not have exact changeover dates due to missing records and that the use of new parts often did not take place until the old parts were used up.
I went to my photos, having taken pictures of many of my old K frames when I purchased and cleaned them. I was surprised to find that there appear to be at least 4 different styles of bushings used, making it harder to ID the hammer that I was researching. So I thought it interesting enough to post here as well as ask for any information that might be out there concerning hammer chafing bushings.
I never paid much attention to them, but was often glad they were used back when case hardening/coloring was done so well, having been responsible for keeping hammers and triggers in wonderful shape with vivid unworn colors.
It appears that the evolution of these bushings did not start with most of the 1st Model M&Ps, those I have pictures of show that most of the production did not use shims. I have a 13XXX without bushings and a 19XXX with small solid pins being installed.
I have a Model 1902 in the 28XXX range that also has the small solid bushings, but by the introduction of the Model 1905, those bushings had become much bigger, but remained solid pins. I have an 80XXX example with those large pins. By serial number 100XXX, the pins had changed to an almost hollow pin, but retaining a deep set plug easily seen. By the time serial number 150XXX was made, the hammer had the hollow chafing bushing, which I believe was the last style used. I also have a 241XXX with the same style bushing. By 150XXX, the hammer web had been added.
Anyway, I found it interesting that quite a few changes were made over a relatively short period of time, from around 1901 to 1911, only 11 years. If anyone has information to better define the timeframes for these bushings, please post. Also, I would like to add when the bushing was deleted from hammers?
Early K Frame Trigger Chafing Bushings
Linear Mode
