629-5 Classic assembly question

[MXP]

I just got my 629-5 Classic with 6.5" barrel equipped with a 44 SPL cylinder (mag not allowed where I live). I am cleaning it in the moment and had the side plate off. Then a piece of metal felt out. An approx. 2" lever or arm. It seems it can only be placed in one way in order to get the side plate on again. Is that true?
I have the side plate on now (cylinder off) and it seems to work as it should. Can I be relative sure it is placed correct?
When I shake the frame I can hear it rattle a bit. Is that ok?
What is the purpose or the lever or arm? .....some security feature?

Max

 

[bigggbbruce]

It is a hammer block. The slotted end fits on the pin on the rebound block. The other end between the frame and hammer.

 

[MXP]

Thank you!
Then I am quite sure it is placed correct.
There is probably also a method to test its function?

 

[MXP]

It is this one:

 

[Carrier]

Watch this video then the next. It's a Lady Smith not a 629 but will show you the easy way of installing hammer block and side plate.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLByND7BRp-e0IS2KcyPcC0RMI8PLx8i_7&v=L2z8exQxmqA

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLByND7BRp-e0IS2KcyPcC0RMI8PLx8i_7&v=_cCb21AY3oA

 

[MXP]

I see....the upside down position makes it eassier to keep the hammer block in place and fit the side plate. As far as I remember there was not such thing in my 686-6.....but I could be wrong......

 

[Carrier]

I see....the upside down position makes it eassier to keep the hammer block in place and fit the side plate. As far as I remember there was not such thing in my 686-6.....but I could be wrong......

I have a 686-6 and it is there.

 

[MXP]

Ok......will look for it next time I remove the side plate. My 686-6 has got a trigger tuning so maybe they removed it. I guess the gun function well without the hammer block?
If used as competition gun it may not be necessary?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....the upside down position makes it eassier to keep the hammer block in place and fit the side plate.......

Upside down you say. Eureka! Learn something new every day.

MXP, there should be a hammer block on your M686. Some owners (unwisely) remove them as a matter of routine. The gun will function without it, but it's obviously not as safe. If it's missing it should be replaced.

 

[Carrier]

Ok......will look for it next time I remove the side plate. My 686-6 has got a trigger tuning so maybe they removed it. I guess the gun function well without the hammer block?
If used as competition gun it may not be necessary?

I dont want to sound like an *** but if whomever did the trigger job left the hammer block out on purpose is an idiot or doesn't care about getting sued. It will work without it but if that gun ever discharged and hurt or killed someone I wouldn't want to be you.
The chances of it happening is slim but I sure wouldn't do it.

 

[MXP]

In which situation does the hammer block protect? .....is it when the hammer is cocked it protects so it is only the trigger that can let the hammer fall? .....uncocked I am not able to push the hammer forward. So here s&w has another kind of protection. In the old days you did not load the chamber in front of the hammer?
Last time I had the side plate off the 686 I can't remember something falling out and when I shake it now......noting is rattling like on the 629.

 

[tputto]

Hammer block will sit between hammer and frame when trigger is not being pulled. You can see its function by cocking the hammer, and releasing it slowly with your thumb on it. The hammer block is in the down position when hammer is cocked but when trigger is released it will rise up while the rebound block moves forward, due to no pressure from trigger. This will protect from discharge when the gun is dropped on its hammer hard enough for the hammer or rebound block to fail. I think the benefit to trigger pull for removing it would not be noticeable and it should be left in place. If it rattles put a drop of motor oil on it, that should help.

 

[Carrier]

In which situation does the hammer block protect? .....is it when the hammer is cocked it protects so it is only the trigger that can let the hammer fall? .....uncocked I am not able to push the hammer forward. So here s&w has another kind of protection. In the old days you did not load the chamber in front of the hammer?
Last time I had the side plate off the 686 I can't remember something falling out and when I shake it now......noting is rattling like on the 629.

I took my 686 and shook it till I thought my arm would fly off and there is no rattling in it from anything. When I clean and lube it I rub oil on the block and it doesn't rattle.

 

[MXP]

Ok....then my need a bit of oil. When I removed the side plate there was quite a lot of oil on all the pieces. Could be by purpose as the gun has been stored for a long time in a gun shop. I cleaned it a bit and put small drops of oil on all pivots etc.....but hammer block need a bit more. Maybe I can hit it by putting a couple of drops down the hammer from outside.....
I noticed that the hammer on my 686 which may not have the hammer block.....the hammer goes much deeper into the frame that on the 629. I wonder if that is a sign that the block is missing. But of course it will be easy just to remove the side plate.....and will do that next time it needs a cleaning.