Hammer Block

[jculloden]

Is the hammer block needed in a MIM 625 revolver??

 

[armorer951]

Yes, I believe all the S&W revolvers that have exposed hammers (spurred hammers) are fitted with a hammer block.

S&W Customer Service would probably send you a block if you need a new one. 1-800-331-0852

 

[bigggbbruce]

The gun will function without it.

But it could discharge if dropped.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Yea, all the S&W revolvers made before 1942 are unsafe.
They were made with out that hammer block.....

 

[stu1ritter]

The hammer is blocked automatically by the rebound slide. The hammer block is just in case the hammer top including the firing pin breaks off when the gun is dropped and the firing pin can then hit the primer. That's what the hammer block, blocks. If the top of the hammer doesn't break, no way for the hammer to move forward and hit the primer. Below shows the portion of the rebound slide that blocks the hammer moving forward when at rest.

 

[Pisgah]

The hammer block is there for a reason. Without it, a sharp blow to the hammer can break not the top of the hammer but the projection on the bottom of the hammer that allows the rebound slide to hold it back. This is an unlikely occurrence, but not an impossible one, and this is why the hammer block was put there in the first place.

 

[Hapworth]

OP: please define what you mean by "needed".

 

[jculloden]

Needed for function of action, to fire the revolver

 

[Skeetr57]

Some S&W revolvers have had a hammer block since 1915. All revolvers with an exposed hammer have had one since the mid 1920's. The original 1915 design was changed in the mid 1920's, and changed again late in WWII to the current design. The earlier designs worked, but due to the design depending on spring action to put the block into position, were subject to failure if the gun was rusty or had hardened grease in the action. The current design is positive in both directions.

 

[Hapworth]

Needed for function of action, to fire the revolver

In that case, no, it is not needed for function. It is highly recommended for added safety. Some folks remove them on the mistaken belief that it helps smooth the action; it doesn't.

Strongly suggest you leave yours in, but the revolver will still work without it.

 

[gwpercle]

Can you drive your car without wearing a seat belt ?
Is it a smart thing to do ?

 

[OKFC05]

For years, hammer blocks were often removed from competition revolvers to "improve the trigger pull" by smiths. IDPA now requires the blocks be in place, and frankly I can't tell it hurts the double action trigger pull at all.

 

[stu1ritter]

If the hammer block is carefully polished and its track in the side plate is also polished, there really isn't any friction to feel in the DA pull.

 

[jculloden]

Back in, now I can get some sleep..........

 

[bountyhunter]

Needed for function of action, to fire the revolver

NO, definitely not. I have a bag of about ten in my closet removed from my range guns. The only revos I have that still have the blocks in them are two defense guns (for legal reasons, I keep them 100% stock).

Without the block, I could be shot if I dropped the gun on a concrete floor and it landed on the hammer spur...... and I would deserve it if I was that stupid.

 

[armorer951]

Just curious as to why are you removing the hammer blocks from your "range" guns?

The blocks have no adverse affect on the action, and the function they perform is just as important at the range as it is on the street.

 

[bountyhunter]

Just curious as to why are you removing the hammer blocks from your "range" guns?

They have no adverse affect on the action, and the function they perform is just as important at the range as it is on the street.

The rattling bugs me and they do have a slight effect on trigger pull. I put a lot of work into tuning the actions and having that thing in their just seems like dead weight. Not saying everybody should remove them, just saying the gun shoots fine without them.