Do I Replace Floating Hand On M64

[tda003]

I have 2 model 64's, a -6 & a -8. Both have the floating hand.

I fire almost exclusively double action since that's what I need for the retired geezer qualification. I heard that the floating hand doesn't do so well in double action. I have no experience with revolvers having a floating hand and can use some help. Should I replace the floating hand or does it matter?

FWIW, until I had it restored, I used my issued model 10-6 which I purchased when the department transitioned to the S&W 5903. Now it's almost impossible to tell it from factory new, thus the model 64.

 

[GerSan69]

Hi tda, there are all sorts of opinions out there about the floating hand. I think that if it works fine now, don't tamper with it. I've never had an issue with those and I wouldn't change mine.

 

[tda003]

Thanks. I'll leave them alone until if and when they start misbehaving.

 

[kthom]

That's also my advice. But I think it's good to closely inspect the floating hand mechanism where it "attaches" to the trigger anytime you remove the sideplate on the gun. If the hand is not pretty snugly nestled up to the trigger or is getting loose when you bend the hand back to clear the frame to allow the trigger to be removed, then it might be time to consider replacing it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[Nightowl]

I was once asked to work on the action of a 625 back in the early 90s. It had a hitch in the double action about half way through the cycle from one chamber to the next. I never could figure out what was happening, but it was the first time I met the floating hand. I replaced the hand and all worked very smoothly ever since.

Since then I have worked on several. Some work very well and cause no problems, others have a hitch in the double action. Replace the floating hand and all is well. From my limited experience, and reasons beyond my ability to determine, most of the time it requires a wider hand than the replaced floating hand had. Sometimes .001, but mostly .002.
I remove the floating hands on all my guns. BUT, if it cycles double action smoothly and carrys up appropriately, I would advise to leave it alone. You can always replace it when it begins causing trouble or wears to the point it needs replaced.

 

[Dieseltech56]

My 686-1 has a hitch in the double action. I keep meaning to pull it apart and look