Live round under the hammer question...

[mod34]

So,
I typically carry a revolver IWB. I never cary with a live round under the hammer in my M36 or 37, but what about the Bodyguard frame or Centenial frame. Same rules?

 

[Andy Griffith]

There is no reason not to carry a fully loaded cylinder in any modern S&W revolver in 100% fully working order.

They have a completely different set up internally and don't have to be carried on an empty chamber, like an old Colt SAA.

 

[mod34]

Thanks Andy. Would that then apply to SW's whether it has the frame mounted firing pin or hammer mounted firing pin?

 

[tomhenry]

Either. The hammer block system doesn't depend upon where the firing pin is mounted.

As evidence, with the gun unloaded, looking at it from the side, try to push the hammer forward to where you can see the firing pin protruding. You can't do it.

 

[mod34]

Thanks to both.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I don't have my SCSW3 in front of right now, so I'm going to take an offhand stab at this...

All S&W handejectors, even back to the 1896 .32, have a method of keeping the hammer nose off of the live primer- most commonly done by the little "lump" on the rebound inside the action.

However, sometime before and during WW2, IIRC, they began installing "hammer blocks" in actions, which is a second line of defense.

 

[tomhenry]

All S&W handejectors, even back to the 1896 .32, have a method of keeping the hammer nose off of the live primer- most commonly done by the little "lump" on the rebound inside the action.

However, sometime before and during WW2, IIRC, they began installing "hammer blocks" in actions, which is a second line of defense.

+1. When I would ship a S&W to Clark's Custom Guns for an action job, they always put the "hammer block" in a separate bag. It's (the hammer block) a redundant feature.

Because with the "lump" you speak of, you'd have to drop the gun, have the top part of the hammer snap off, and then hit just right to discharge a round. And back then those hammers were tooled steel.

 

[Texas Star]

Keep in mind that S&W added a hammer block (something that Colt had been using since 1905!) after a sailor dropped his Victory Model on a ship deck. The .38 discharged, killing him.

Thanks for the tip about Clark's. I won't ever send them a gun!

T-Star

 

[Vulcan Bob]

All post WWII S&W's have the hammer block feature that allows a round to be safely under the hammer. Remember the old Iver Johnson "hammer the hammer" ad's? Same thing.

 

[HarryWatson]

However, if you have bought the gun used, it might not be a bad idea to remove the side plate and make certain the block has not been removed. I have heard of this being done to target guns.

 

[Thuer]

The 1896 didnt have a reboundslide.

The L shape hammerblock came in 1944.

Before that the revolvers had a leafshapehammerblock.
This could be foudled up and doesnt work.
That is why the sailor has been shot by a fallen Smith and Wesson.

Nowaday it is perfectly safe to carry a full loaded Smith and Wesson revolver. I do carry once a week a full loaded model 36 when I work at the gunstore.(And I know how to use it Hi Hi)

 

[oldRoger]

Clarks business in modifying revolvers is mostly for competitive use, hence any parts superfluous to competition are likely to end up returned in a separate bag. You want a gun like Gerry Miculek shoots; they will turn one out for you. You want a carry gun they do that also.

 

[Andy Griffith]

If memory serves me, also certain completely enclosed hammer models such as the 640, 642, etc., do not have a hammer block simply because there is almost no likelihood of the hammer being "stuck," simply because it is fully enclosed?

I think thats right, but I don't feel like taking my 340 apart again right now.

 

[Aussie44]

By taking the hammer block out,You will reduce the trigger pull by about 1/2 a pound or more and be smoother.I would only use it for competition and not for defence (Liability).That's why gunsmiths will put it in a bag and let you decide.

Ken

 

[Rule3]

If memory serves me, also certain completely enclosed hammer models such as the 640, 642, etc., do not have a hammer block simply because there is almost no likelihood of the hammer being "stuck," simply because it is fully enclosed?

I think thats right, but I don't feel like taking my 340 apart again right now.

I believe the 642 does have a hammer block??