OK... the whole hammer spur thing is kind of bothering me... I have owned two 642s and really like them for pocket carry... got a good deal on a model 60 but just don't like the hammer spur for pocket carry... I know you can cover the hammer with your thumb when you draw the weapon but firing it from within a pocket with a conventional hammer not very practical... I would be happier if the exposed hammer at least did not have the spur on it... so the question is do I remove the hammer spur on my 60 or trade it in on 640?... I think I would opt for a 640 over a 642 this time around.

Removing the spur is cheap and easy. If you like the gun otherwise, why not?

I guess I should post a picture of the model 60 I am contemplating modifying....

Do what you like with the 60, but get a 640 anyway. Everybody should have at least one.

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Get off my lawn.

The thought of altering a perfectly good gun by removing something that is generic to the gun somehow just makes me cringe. But that's just me. If money is an object, you might want to go that route. If money isn't an issue, I'd buy a separate weapon. You could always sell the other one with the hammer if you like the new one better.

If you can't afford both, my vote would be to sell the model 60 with the hammer intact to buy a 640, you would come out pretty much even.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Get the magnum version of the 640....it will be either a 640-1 (the best of the series), or the 640-3 (now, with internal lock).

I carry my 640's and 340 for pocket carry....they are sweet! Your model 60 looks to be in good shape, so resale should be easy, as there a lot of folks who love the model 60's. Then again, a decent used 640 (in no-lock, magnum version) can be had used for $500 or so. The earlier version -1, has the best action (in my opinion, of course). The magnum version gives you the option of stepping into magnum rounds if you choose. I find that the stainless centennial is quite comfortable to shoot with the barn burners, compared to airweight guns (340,360).

...just my 2 cents....

Go see if your local gun guy has a take off or spare hammer.
Bob that critter and save the original.



I did that with this model 36 many years ago. Cost me $20.00

+ 1 on what Iggy said. I grabbed a factory-bobbed forged hammer for $30 recently and swapped it out on my 60:

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Aaron Terry

Sell the model 60. Find a 640-1. You wll be forever a happy man.
My favorite carry, along with my 442.
Sonny

I like Centennials or Bodyguards for pocket carry. If you can't buy one of those, then chop the hammer. Nothing lasts forever.

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Centennial Every Day

Or

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

I didn't even realize that a 'factory' part was available. Is this from Smith or some other after-market shop?

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Dan Ortego ~

I wanted to do the same to my m60. It's a pre-lock but a .357 magnum, can I install any bobbed hammer in it for DA only While preserving my factory hammer for DA/SA ?

Just checked for you numrich gun parts has the hammer assemblys in stock if you want to get an extra hammer and bob it your self.

Pete

No one seemed to pick up on it but Pilgrim has shared a quick Bodyguard-like conversion option. Here's what the Lightening Grips look like on a model 36:







They also work on a 60-10 with target sights . . . pictures available on request.

Russ

It's a S&W factory part. Numrich has them sometimes, or you can find them on gunbroker, or just post on the boards here. I have found factory bobbed hammers for both J and K frames.

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Aaron Terry

I am a fan of the 49 series. Go with a 649 and have the best of both worlds.

If I may suggest. I agree with Iggy and others. Buy another hammer, either already bobbed or another standard hammer and bob it.

Then when you have the money [you will] buy a M640 [the older .38 special versions].

You will have two revolvers that will maintain their value and even might increase in value.

Never sell a quality firearm unless there is truly a great need. You will regret it later.

I might add, for legal concealed carry I would never carry a weapon I did not want to lose forever. I would buy a cheap good quality CCW and carry that. As in a low priced, maybe finish-worn but good S & W. Because, if you use it, you will be relieved of your weapon by the police and you may never get it back. I'd hate to lose a "pimped" out, customized collectible.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

One more point on buying a "used or replacement" hammer. I would suggest finding a gunsmith that can and will remove the single action function of the hammer. Without a spur, trying to cock or uncock the gun can be dangerous.

In other words, make it Double Action Only. (DAO)

That is an option I was not aware of. I may have to look around for a set of these. Might pick up a different hammer to "bob" so I can keep all the original parts in tact as well. Thanks everyone!

Thanks Pete! I appreciate that. I will check it out now.

I bought my model 60 because I could get it and have it bobbed cheaper than I could find a model 640. It's a "working gun". I'm not concerned about collector value. Then again, I have a very clean 60-9 for the collection. My .02.