Parts interchangability on revolvers

nipster · Mar 20, 2012

I have a model 36 that the previous owner bobbed the hammer. I want to restore it to SA/DA by putting on a replacement hammer. This is an older 36-2. My question is, do all pre-transfer bar J frame 38's have the same hammer, or do I have to locate a specific one for the 36?

I have a similar question on a K frame trigger, what about parts interchangeability on that side. I have someone who ground down and polished a model 65 trigger and I want to replace it because I hate the feel.

Is there a matrix somewhere that will say what parts work on what guns? Obviously I would imagine between frame models there is not much parts interchangeability (J frame hammer in a K frame aint happening)

dfariswheel · Mar 20, 2012

First, there are no "transfer bar" S&W guns.
S&W still uses the old rebounding hammer/hammer block system.

For replacement hammers, if possible always buy one that's the same model number and revision (dash) number as what you have.
"In general" (note the qualifier) the forged steel hammers made since the early 1960's are pretty much interchangeable within frame size.
In other words, S&W made few if any changes in the "J" frame or "K" frame hammers.
Often the only difference is in the type of hammer spur or finish.

Gun Parts Corp can be used as a general reference by comparing the parts number between models numbers and revision numbers.

WR Moore · Mar 21, 2012

There's a big qualifier in the previous post. While entire hammers & triggers do interchange, fitting may be required. In particular, the double action sear/fly on the hammer usually requires fitting. You can generally take the sear/fly off the old hammer and install it on the new if you're keeping the old trigger and there's no significant wear.

The DA sear is the spring loaded vertical bar just below the hammer nose (firing pin) on the front surface of the hammer.

tennexplorer · Mar 21, 2012

The following may be a partial answer to your question.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-sm...hangeability-between-n-frame-generations.html

chief38 · Mar 22, 2012

While charts may tell you which parts are interchangeable, sometimes there is fitting required. Usually not much, but sometimes IT IS required. For some reason (don't really know why) I find that J-Frames require less fitting than the larger frame guns - that has just been my experience with them.

Chief38

Parts interchangability on revolvers

nipster

Well-known member

dfariswheel

Well-known member

WR Moore

Well-known member

tennexplorer

US Veteran

chief38

Well-known member

Similar threads

Latest posts