Hello , I am a new member and have a 4", 19-6 with a hammer nose that has broken twice. The first time, it was fixed by a friend who had just gone into business as a gunsmith,and did some work for the PD. Hammer nose broke again in less than 12 rounds. The hammer does not appear to be centered as there is a wear mark on the right side, and the gap is larger an the left. I have moved to a place with few gunsmiths, so I want to do it myself. Fairly good at disassembly, except for the rebound slide. I have a few basic questions: 1. Is a 1/16" roll pin punch correct for the hammer nose rivet? 2. Should I shim the hammer? 3. Any other reasons for off-center hammer? I am the original owner, and it is otherwise a great gun. Thanks!


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Yes, your hammer needs to be correctly shimmed. Also, the nose needs to be able to move slightly up and down after it has been riveted into the hammer. I have always removed that nose pin rivet by drilling it out using a mill as a drill press. I wouldn't drive it out using force. ....... Big Cholla

Thanks. On close exam, the current rivet is not flared on the far(not marking) side and protrudes from the hammer. Did not know about drilling the rivet out. Thanks. Great forum.


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Power Custom was making hammer/trigger shims, they should be available from Brownells.

A roll pin punch is for roll pins. The rivet in the hammer isn't a roll pin. When I was doing this, I made up an anvil properly shaped to support the rivet while I flared the other side. I made up a punch out of a pin punch from Sears for the flaring/peening. Don't recall the size.

The hammer nose rivet is removed by using a punch, but I'm not sure of the correct diameter at this time. The punch was part of the armorer's tool kit issued to students going through the Armorer's school at S&W. Normally the rivet can be re-used too.

I have a new hammer nose, rivet and shims. Found an older post that showed the factory jig for replacing the rivet. Decided to have a pro do it. Local gunsmith said he would for a very reasonable price. When in doubt, hire someone else and criticize their work. Besides, always good to know a local gunsmith if you are new in town!