I noticed this the other day. Scrape marks on the right side of the hammer, showing bright metal, obviously it is coming in contact with the frame. I have owned this gun for ~2 years; it has less than 300 rounds through it. Mostly .38, a box of .38+p, and a box of .357s. I will try to post a pic later. Is this normal or a problem? Thanks for any replies.

I have a Model 18 with a similar issue.Not normal,most guns don't exhibit it.
Simply a matter that the hammer should have been shimmed,or better shimmed, during assembly.

I am sure I have seen one, or two, in my safe that way. Don't sweat it.

I just checked several of mine, both older and newer. Probably half have wear marks on one side of the hammer. I noted more wear on some of the older ones that don't have many rounds down the barrel as some of my newer ones. Not a big deal.

I have a 4" 16-4 that started showing small scratches on the right side. I disassembled it and found some hardened crud on the bearing surface of the frame itself also a very minor burr along the top curve of the side plate. A good cleaning and light stoning of the burr took care of the problem.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

A few of my revolvers show the same wear,
If you catch it early enough you can remove the hammer and smooth the rough surface on the frame before it scrapes away the case hardening finish on the hammer,
If not the two pieces will eventually polish against eachother.

...........there's the problem right there!

That's a good observation, Buck.........

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Really. That's like owning a 1965 427 AC Cobra with 700 miles on it.......................WHY????????????????

Once it's through the case colors,...it's done. It would be great to catch it before the color wears off.

686 hammer.jpg

Hope it's visible