A question on a Model 36 hammer

[bedbugbilly]

I currently have a Model 36 blued snub that is my primary cover - I like it and for my purposes, it works great.

I recently got a lead on a Model 36 - shiny - with a 3 inch barrel. I have always wanted a 3" as well as a snub. It's not pristine but is in nice shape - a shooter rather than a collector. However, at some point, the hammer was bobbed.

So - my question is this. How hard is it going to be to fine a stock hammer for it to switch out with the bobbed one? I shoot both SA and DA so would rather have a standard hammer for that purpose. I realize why the hammer was bobbed (for previous owner's carry purposes).

If I can find a replacement hammer, what general price tag are we talking?

I haven't purchased it yet - just contemplating at this time but not if it's going to be a problem in finding and fitting a standard hammer to it. I haven't had a chance to take a look at it yet so don't know what the serial # is or the DOB era - all I have is the description.

Thanks.

 

[Skeetr57]

A standard or semi target hammer from any J frame or improved I frame center fire should work. The only differences that I can recall is that the earlier guns had a mainspring strut with a ball end and the hammer had a ball socket. Those are hard to find, but the later hammer and forked strut will interchange as long as you change both. I have no idea as to current availability and cost.

 

[linde]

. . . So - my question is this. How hard is it going to be to fine a stock hammer for it to switch out with the bobbed one? . . . If I can find a replacement hammer, what general price tag are we talking? . . . don't know what the serial # is or the DOB era - all I have is the description.

Skeetr57 has given you good information on the differences in the two primary variations and that the early type are more difficult to find. There are also two hammer spur profiles . . . although I believe they roughly coincide with the timeframe of the two struts.

In my experience, J-frame hammers are more difficult to find than K or N . . . in part because there are many like yours that were bobbed on purpose plus there were many that broke when the gun was dropped.

I've had the best success here on this forum after posting a Want-To-Buy ad . . . or going to the on-line auction sites that feature sections for "small parts" for revolvers.

Good luck negotiating for that 3". With or without a bobbed hammer, you won't be disappointed.

Russ

 

[george_lehr]

A few months back, I received a model 30-1 (.32 caliber J frame) that had been dropped and had a bent hammer spur. I checked all the usual sources (Brownells, Jack First, Midway, Numrich) and found nothing (although K frame hammers are in abundant supply). I found and bought two used hammer assemblies from Gunbroker, one for $75.00 and another for $55.00 (plus shipping for both). I replaced the hammer assembly (simple job) and the action feels fine without any fitting having been done. I may just have been lucky.
You could ask on the gunsmithing section of the forum for opinions on whether fitting would likely be needed or not.
I did get one response to my WTB post, but I had already purchased the Gunbroker hammers at that time.
George

 

[Road Rat]

bedbugbilly,

There are a few J frame hammers on ebay right now. You can take a look at them to see their configuration.

just do a search for "s&w j frame hammer"

Good Luck

 

[bedbugbilly]

Thank you all for the great information. Like said, I also see K frame hammers frequently but hardly ever J frame. I'll check the suggestion for ebay - I was so busy trying to find them in other places I didn't check there! LOL I'm hoping to get to take a look at the 3" as soon as I can. The bobbed hammer isn't necessarily a "deal killer" - just depends on if there is any wiggle room and what the finish actually turns out to be. If I can buy it right, I can always keep my eyes open for a hammer down the road. Many thanks again!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

A while back I passed on a bobbed Hammer 34. Have regretted it ever since.
If I got that chance again, I would buy the gun and look for a hammer.