Flash Chrome vs Stainless parts?

[Cal44]

On early 1980's Stainless Steel Smiths, the triggers and hammers were finished to match the stainless steel of the frame.

I've heard is said, parts like triggers and hammers were "flash chromed".

I'm assuming that means these parts were carbon steel with thin Chrome plating.

But the Catalog says my 649 (see picture in other thread) from 1985 had stainless steel hammer and trigger.

Which is it?

Did Smith use stainless parts for a while in some 600 series guns, and they change to flash chrome? If so when?

I have a couple more recent guns with trigger and hammer matching the frame. A 5 year old 625JM and a 627 PC snub made in 2010. What about those (stainless, or Chrome plated Carbon steel parts)?

The 627 Performance Center gun has a solid back forged trigger as well.

Can you collector gurus explain this issue?

 

[Alk8944]

The early stainless hammers and triggers did not wear well and were changed to case-hardened flash-chromed parts within a year or two.

 

[Engine49guy]

IIRC the only guns that had actual SS internals were the early Model 60's.
The problem that surfaced was "Galling" from SS parts wearing on the SS frames ,
IIRC another problem was a reduced lifespan on the tools that machined the internal parts.
S&W switched back to the case colored hammer and trigger in the late 60's until the change to "Flash Chromed" parts.
On a side note the SS models 66 and 64 first appear in 1970 and both had Flash Chromed hammer trigger.

Its interesting the flash chromed parts were eventually dropped but it makes sense dollar wise since the factory no longer had to maintain a supply of two different color hammer and trigger sets for each frame style and part width .

 

[glenwolde]

My 1995-ish Model 657 has a black hammer and trigger.

 

[cndrdk]

Perhaps S&W wasn't consistent with this matter as my 66 no dash 2.5", 6K numbered, has the stainless hammer and trigger. Both hammer and trigger are stamped with a small "s". I purchased this revolver new in 1976. Yes, I still have it, box, receipt and all. It's been shot a bit and carried a lot.

 

[Engine49guy]

Forgot that the current production PC 686 has a chromed hammer trigger.