I'm down to the last part, the hammer block, and I cannot remember how it came out of the revolver. I took it apart to install The Plug, and got it almost all the way back together...except for the hammer block. When I put it in between the hammer and the crane release all it does is block the crane release from returning to its rearward position.

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Ralph J.

If it's like the other frame sizes it's pretty easy. One end is sort of shaped like a triangle with a slot in it. This slot goes over the pin in the rebound slide. The opposite end has sort of a flag on it and this flag is positioned in the gap between the lower part of the stiking face on the hammer and the frame. You can wiggle it on the pin on the rebound slide and see it move the flag end up and down. To position it so that it will fit in the recess in the sideplate you want to place it so that it is in the UP position. Then start positioning the side plate, I like to tuck the top corner in and the forward end by the yoke screw at the same time. Then exert steady pressure with your thumb to push the sideplate into it's nest. Thumb pressure alone should allow you to get the sideplate at least 1/2 of the way down, with some looser fitting sideplates you can push them all the way home.

IMPORTANT NOTE. If you find you can't push the sideplate down with your thumb it's very very likely the hammer block has dropped down. Remove the sideplate and re-position it again and tip the revolver just slightly so that gravity will hold it in the UP position. DO NOT EVER try and force the sideplate home, you'll only bend it. If firm pressure with a thumb won't seat it in place, you have something out of position and need to pay close attention to getting the hammer block placed properly and tucking in the tab on the top corner under the edge of the frame.

What it turned out being was a recess in the side plate that the hammer block sits in, and I had to lower the revolver onto the side plate. I noticed that there were varying thicknesses in the side plate, then I looked at it and saw the recess that sits right by the recess where the hammer pivot fits. I plopped it in there, set the revolver on the side plate, rotated it over and finished reassembly. It works like a charm now.

I sincerely appreciate your help. Thank you.

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Ralph J.

I am having the same problem and have yet to get the hammer block in correctly. What is the correct position for the trigger?

Hammer down, trigger forward.

Check out post No. 7 in this thread. There is a picture.

500 Magnum Nut's FAQ's

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David Wilson

You can also view the hammer block and how it actuates in this video. Skip to 0:29.

Safety Features of the S&W Revolver - YouTube