Broken Hammer on 29-2

[meigs3]

My 29-2 was a gift to me from my wife in 1976 and bought new. I have fired it about 9,000 times with maybe 1/2 of them full power.
I was shooting it last week and felt something bump my left arm. Got ready to fire again and found the serrated thumb cocker had broken off and was what had bumped my arm. The serrated part was laying on the ground by me and was cleanly broken off. Other than not being able to fire single action all was well with the revolver. That day I contacted S&W and returned it for repair, hopefully under the warranty.

Has anyone else had their pistol's hammer break like this?

 

[54ball]

The hammer spur breaking off???
This is probably incredibly rare. I suspect a heat treatment issue (Hammer spur got too hot and cracked) and the part was "cracked" since manufacture. Finally, it let go.

 

[M29since14]

I have read that the typical target hammer spur failure on the N-frames is around 75,000 rounds, so if that is the case, your failure at about 9,000 is quite a bit shy of that. I have no idea how the 75,000 number was determined. Given the ~1976 manufacture, the gun won't have a lifetime warranty, and S&W will likely not have a forged hammer for replacement. It will be interesting to see what they recommend. Keep us informed.

 

[VictorLouis]

I've only ever heard of that from an impact. Yes, I doubt Smith is going to be able to help....butcha never know....

 

[murphydog]

Sorry for your troubles. The 29-2 predates the factory "lifetime warranty", but if they have a spare N frame Target hammer they should be able to install it for you at minimal cost. If they warn you they don't have the part, I would contact them to ask if you can send them one before they return it to you.

 

[Hair Trigger]

My 29-2 was a gift to me from my wife in 1976 and bought new. I have fired it about 9,000 times with maybe 1/2 of them full power.
I was shooting it last week and felt something bump my left arm. Got ready to fire again and found the serrated thumb cocker had broken off and was what had bumped my arm. The serrated part was laying on the ground by me and was cleanly broken off. Other than not being able to fire single action all was well with the revolver. That day I contacted S&W and returned it for repair, hopefully under the warranty.

Has anyone else had their pistol's hammer break like this?

Numrich gun parts show a used original case color hardened N frame hammer for a M29-3 (same as for the dash 2) with the 0.400" wide spur available for $81.44. Hammers are easy to change, but you'll need a pin punch to remove the hammer nose from your hammer to install on the new one.

Smith & Wesson 29-3 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[4barrel]

I have a nice target hammer that hasn't been monkied with if you haven't shipped yet. No rub marks. 29-2 1980. It is complete. <trigger is K frame>PM ME if interested. It looks like new. Numrich has good parts but they show to be out of what you need except that one that looks rough. It's bluer than the flash photo.

 

[chief38]

Never happened to me however I've heard about them breaking on occasion. Luckily they are still available (although they might be used and pricy) and replacing them is an easy job.

 

[ken158]

The only thing you will get out of S&W for a 29-2 is an expensive trip back and forth since there is no warranty on a 29-2 and likely no parts available. It was suggested they would ask for you to send them one but I have never heard of such a request. Now the good news is that a hammer can be located rather easily and the repair is simple for a gunsmith or trained armorer.

 

[Muley Gil]

Often, the double action sear has to be swapped from the old hammer to the new hammer in order to function correctly.

 

[Hondo44]

I have a nice target hammer that hasn't been monkied with if you haven't shipped yet. No rub marks. 29-2 1980. It is complete. <trigger is K frame>PM ME if interested. It looks like new. Numrich has good parts but they show to be out of what you need except that one that looks rough. It's bluer than the flash photo.

Just FYI: K and N frame triggers are identical. Also L frame for that matter.