When removing and reinstalling the slide on a 52-2, should the hammer be left cocked or lowered to the fired position?

I know that on the DA/SA models the hammer should be down, but I have never field stripped a single action Smith & Wesson.

Thank you,

JSS

I don't think it really matters. You'll cock the hammer when you retract the slide to install the Slide Stop. Just be sure to push the Ejector down when you put the slide back on otherwise it will hit the rear of the slide.