Hammer block

[jculloden]

Is there a hammer block in early 442 "1995 production"

 

[Alk8944]

Is there a hammer block in early 442 "1995 production"

There has been a hammer block in ALL S&W revolvers since the current style was introduced during WWII. Any revolver you find that doesn't have a hammer block is because has been removed by someone since the gun left the factory.

 

[thomasinaz]

Yes there should be one in every Smith revolver. Even those with hidden hammers, like in the 442.

 

[armorer951]

I can't confirm this concerning the "early 1995 production" era 442 model, but the current production models like the 442 and 642 Pro Series (#178041 and 178042), 442 no lock, and other .38 special revolvers with the "internal" (fully enclosed) hammer, do not have hammer blocks.

The current design of the fully closed frame, the frame mounted firing pin, and the unexposed hammer, all combine to make the hammer block redundant in these particular models.

I'm not certain about the current production 640 series revolvers, and others like the 340 PD, and the Ladysmith with the fully enclosed hammer, as I have not had the opportunity to examine them.

 

[krsmith58]

So, which expert is right?

I went looking for diagrams and only came up with 442 and 642 videos that show a block lever.

class has begun. please take your seat and await further instruction, quietly.

I like it. krs/kenny

 

[armorer951]

I'm surely no "expert".....but for illustration purposes, consider the following image.....the top rebound slide is from a typical exposed hammer J-frame model, like the model 60 for instance.

The rebound slide in the lower position in the image is from the current production 442/642 series revolvers.

Notice the absence of the camming pin for the hammer block on the MIM part. That's because there is no hammer block in these particular revolvers.

 

[WR Moore]

Seems logical since there's no exposed hammer to be struck by anything if dropped/thrown/whatever. Wonder who decided to do it, my money's on the bean counters. Wonder what the divot in the lower rebound slide is for/from?

BTW, is the side plate still machined for the block?

 

[Protocall_Design]

The divot is most likely from the sprue tip where they injected the metal into the mold (Metal Injection Molding). By making that spot below flush, there is no secondary operation of removing any excess metal.

 

[armorer951]

No sir, the sideplate is not configured for the block.

 

[CH4]

Centennials don't have hammer blocks. No need

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Speaking of Sideplates.
Here's one for a K Frame.
Notice the Hammer Block groove.

 

[krsmith58]

Lessons

I try to pay attention to these sort of threads and learn a little something. the way i see it, if i learn it, it then is mine and can't be taken away.


some of the gun folk i encounter are impressed with my minimal knowledge of Smiths. they say, man you are a Smith & Wesson expert. i tell them i an NOT an expert but am a student who now knows more than your average joe about Smiths.

thanks to all you "experts", i never get tired of the lessons.

thanks again, krs/kenny

 

[white cloud]

I am with Armorer951. I took the side plate off my 640 Pro for a look. There isn't a hammer block, groove nor a pin on the rebound slide. This revolver has gone back to S&W to correct manufacturing defects.