637-2 with a 642-1 hammer experiment UPDATE PICS ADDED

[Grimjaws]

So I put a 642 hammer into my 637-2 basically bobbing it for pocket carry without any worries about snagging. It was a drop in process since parts are MIM.

I can still sort of get a purchase to try single action but it is hard to do - so I’m focused on double action.

Ran 60 rounds of mixed wadcutters, fmj and even two cylinders of +P Remington. I have a set of Pachmayr on there and it still had a sting to it.

No failures to fire or any issues with the new hammer

Total price was $38 for to 642 hammer

I know many folks have seen or even used a bob hammered j frame with no issue. I figure I have all the benefits of concealed carry without any snagging plus the full weight of a stock hammer for various ammo and primers
so far so good

Going to run another 50
rounds this weekend of more mixed ammo including some armscor and federal and see how it does

On another note this came from the factory with the smoothest trigger. Very nice to shoot double action so I figured why not try the 642 hammer.

Will try and post a picture later

As requested here are the before and after pictures
the rebound spring removal tool is worth its weight in gold for working on Smith and Wesson revolvers

 

[MajorD]

Can you post a picture of what this looks like? How is it better than simply cutting off the hammer spur?

 

[Grimjaws]

Mostly a pocket carry thing

I only have the one picture of the finished revolver.

In terms of why? I just thought it was worth a shot and I don’t have access to the tools to grind down the existing hammer plus it was cheaper than paying a gunsmith to do it. And due to MIM parts it was an easy swap.

Smith and Wesson offered factory bobbed hammer models in the past and they know more about this stuff then me but I just feel more comfortable using a stock full weight hammer configuration versus a lightened one.

I pocket carry and practice drawing with an empty pistol. A few times the normal exposed hammer caught on my sweatshirt. I put a thumb over my hammer when I draw but if my thumb slipped off the normal hammer caught my pocket. It happened enough times to understand the appeal of the shrouded hammer models.

This experiment only cost me $38 which is cheaper then a 642

 

[white cloud]

Your logic appears pretty sound and clever. You still have the original hammer also. I am a dedicated pocket carrier when it gets warm out and I am in town. Anything that could possible snag represents a bad idea to me. My pocket carry choice is a 649 "no dash". Could we have a photo of the back of the revolver?

 

[stansdds]

I will say, well done! Changing hammers is actually easier than cutting down a hammer and, if you ever decide to sell it, you can return it to factory original configuration. The bobbed hammer is definitely a benefit to concealed carry.

 

[NCBeagle]

637-2 with a 642-1 hammer experiment

Tried to bob the hammer on this model 36 and did a terrible job. So, I just replaced it with a bodyguard hammer from my parts bin. Works just fine. A little less “snaggy.” It was a drop-in fit. Got lucky.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[CQB60]

Kudos to you & nice job! I have a 637 and had the spur removed. I actually considered what you’ve done albeit, too late. All the benefits of the centennial but with the ability to still use SA. What’s not to like?

 

[jframejoey]

"I can still sort of get a purchase to try single action but it is hard to do"
Grimjaws - if it is a Centennial hammer i don't believe it has a SA notch.

 

[Eagle1*]

grim, so after having this a bit, do you still like it this way and how does it shoot?

 

[rockquarry]

I won't argue alleged benefits or claimed disadvantages of a revolver with hammer vs. bobbed hammer one way or the other, but here's something to think about... Carry any J-frame snubnose .38 with a hammer daily for at least several years. Do the same with a bobbed hammer version of the same gun. Keep track of the number of times the full-hammer version "snags". Compare these figures with the same for the "no snag" gun. The comparison will likely surprise most.

 

[Grimjaws]

grim, so after having this a bit, do you still like it this way and how does it shoot?

It has smoothed out with more time at the range trigger wise and have not had one misfire or failure to fire reloads or factory rounds.

I tried the factory grips but those are two small and beat up my hand too much that is why I went pachmayr

I’m surprised at how accurate it is at 7 and 10 yard ranges with 158 grain ammo. I can hit some steel too at the 25 yard range. I grew up shooting revolvers mostly k frames and I prefer the S&W trigger over Colt and Ruger(had both other makers but have since sold off all non S&W save one 1968 Cobra I just got)

 

[Jim Watson]

So, I just replaced it with a bodyguard hammer from my parts bin.

A good many years ago, a vendor at a gun show assured us that his Chief with Bodyguard hammer was the configuration issued to NYPD policewomen.

 

[kaaskop49]

I won't argue alleged benefits or claimed disadvantages of a revolver with hammer vs. bobbed hammer one way or the other, but here's something to think about... Carry any J-frame snubnose .38 with a hammer daily for at least several years. Do the same with a bobbed hammer version of the same gun. Keep track of the number of times the full-hammer version "snags". Compare these figures with the same for the "no snag" gun. The comparison will likely surprise most.

...As opposed to a clumsy oaf like me who couldn't draw a spurred hammer gun from a laundry bag w/o it snagging.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. I know, don't use a laundry bag for carry...

 

[CaptJack1]

I replaced the 637 factory hammer with a factory J frame bobbed hammer from midwest gun works $15
I did have to move the sear from the old to the new hammer