I have a quick question about bobbing the hammer on my model 65-5. It has the stainless hammer and trigger with the hard matte chrome finish. I want to do a hammer bob and I know it will weaken the hammer but it seems only the rear portion and not the striker will be affected.

Any advise on doing this or is it just a bad idea?

Are you sure that the hammer is hard chrome plated stainless?

My understanding is that only the early production M64, M65, and M66 hammers were stainless, but unplated. Later production all went to hard chrome plated carbon steel hammers because of wear problems with the stainless parts.

Bobbing the hammer does not weaken the part at all. What it does do is give you a snag-free revolver that is perfect for overcoat or pocket carry.

The only warning I can think of is that removal of the hammer spur may prevent you carrying the gun in a holster where the retaining strap needs the hammer spur for security.

Bobbing the hammer is easily done using a cutoff disc in a Dremel mototool. You cut off most of the hammer but leave enough of the base of the hammer spur to stop against the frame. Cleanup on a grinding wheel.

The proper term is "flash chromed" and yes it was done over carbon steel hammers and triggers to make them look more like the stainless finish. The attempt to make the hammers & triggers from actual stainless was not working out well, so that is why they went to the flash chromed style.

I am not nor have I ever been into bobbed hammers, but I do recognize that there are many guys here who are. Even though it's not for me, I can see why some people would want that feature on a 2" J Frame, but I would not think that a 3" K Frame (because of its larger size & weight) would be carried in the same fashion and therefore benefit much from that. It you are basically using this gun for DAO and never want to fire it in the SA mode, then do what you must. Personally I would leave it as is, but it is not my gun nor my choice. Just my .02 cents.......

Just bear in mind that these type hammers are getting scarce these days. IF YOU DO intend to bob it, you might want to procure another one first and bob that one instead of the original. This way if you decide one day that you want to return the gun back to Factory Spec's. just pop the original back in. Justa suggestion.

Chief38

thanks for the recommendations. I might just leave it alone but considering the cost of the gun is under 350, in very good condition; Im not feeling like im loosing out if I bob the hammer. I wont buy a new hammer if I ever want to sell it.

Does anyone know if the factory has any model 65-5 right side plates left over, mine has a inventory number engraved on it and I would like to replace it at some time rather than buff the engraving (it is somewhat deep engraving and Im not really comfortable with buffing it). THe theory is this was in a department inventory and never shot so it just sat there.

Spare side plates ( new, unused) are a very rare item as the sideplate is factory fitted to a specific frame only.
Any we have ever seen were from cannibalized guns.
Any you find would no doubt NOT fit your gun without considerable work.
If you insist on replacing it your best bet is return to to the factory.

ummm, how bought a little buffing then. the engraving isnt incredibly deep and I was thinking of bead blasting the gun anyways. Maybe start slow with the dremel or would you do the whole thing by hand with stones.

It is part of the gun's history, If mine, I would leave it.

If you have a wheel just get some green compound,$6.00 E-bay, and it will take it down as far as you like. The is a bit much for a Dremel. Harbor Freight has 4" buffers for less than $40 or rent one and buy the green compound and a wheel.

Ive got the 4 inch wheel and the green compound, I think I will go that route.

M1gunner: I normally would agree with you and if this inventory number wasn't carved into the frame by a kindergartner, I wouldent even think about it.

Even if you found a new side plate I highly doubt that it would just drop-in. It would have to be fitted by a skilled Smith. You could try - who knows........ it might just be your lucky day!

Contact S&W and see if they can fit a new side plate for you and what the cost would be. If they can't do that or if it's too expensive, then you can give the buffing a try. The side plates are relatively "beefy" so you won't easily go through it. Sand blasting (refinishing) the gun or polishing the entire gun might help out as well after removing the engraving. This all depends on how deep the engraving is. I can't see it, so I can not be more specific.

Chief38

Im thinking buff and then blast also. Engraving isnt to deep so I think it will fly and im not worried about hurting the resale. This gun has under 500 rounds down the pipe though, if the top strap,throut and barrel are any indication. It should clean up real nice and be a great carry/idpa gun.