When did the hammer style change on Pre model36's? Some pic's of the difference would be nice. Thanks

1950 to 1962 the hammer to spring strut junction used the Ball tipped spring/strut assembly.


In 1962 the hammer to spring strut junction changed from the ball/socket to the fork/pin (at #295,000 on the Chief Spl.) and these hammers can be used on early models by swapping out the inexpensive spring strut as well. Hammers from this period will still interchange until replaced c. 1998 by the MIM hammer w/o the firing pin.

Go to Gun Parts & Firearm Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts
for photos.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Jim- What I am referring to is the style of hammer- early style has fine checkering on hammer spur and is shaped different. The latter style has course checkering and is shaped different.

Gary

S&W's engineering change # 463, December 23, 1955, changed the "shape of the spur" (the side profile) of the hammer.

The first known Chiefs Special Airweight with the new larger hammer is serial number 52637, which shipped in June 1956. The last known Chiefs Special Airweight with the smaller hammer is serial number 77850, and it shipped in May '56.

Added: the first carbon steel Chiefs Special I've documented with the larger hammer is serial number 71697. I don't have its ship date, but mid-'56 is a close guess.

Here are a couple photos. I've not shot the hammers for this purpose. Reckon I outta do that next time I let 'em outta the steel closet.

Attached Images

	'56 3'' 55693, bright blue, 5th flat thumbpiece, lightweight barrel.jpg (176.7 KB, 23 views)
	photo-in-photo test (14).jpg (174.1 KB, 25 views)

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Thanks Bob-This is what I was after.
Take Care
Gary