Model 31-1 hammer needed

[Oscarflytyer]

Local pawn shop has a model 31-1 32L that is in good shape (85%ish) and locks up very tight. Grip has honest scars, but still in good shape. They have $369 on it/can get it out the door for at least that. (ammo is a non-issue - set up to cast/reload for it!)

The only REAL problem is that about 1/2 of the hammer spur is broken off (it obviously took a fall; BUT - no other scares from the fall; HAD to have fallen directly on the hammer spur).

I have zero problem grinding the broken hammer down and making IT a hammerless. But, I WOULD eventually like to put it back to original with full hammer.

So.. 1) replacement hammer availability? 2) replacement part cost? 3) difficulty diy replacement? 4) swag gunsmith cost to replace?

Thanx!

 

[Hondo44]

1.) Not hard to find, put in a search on Gunbroker or ebay for a J frame center fire hammer: Models 30-1, 31-1, 32-1, 33-1, 36, 36-1 will work. You need 1962 or later vintage (excluding the much later MIM hammers), Hammer to spring strut junction after it changed from ball/socket to the fork/pin.

2.) Usually under $50, sometimes well under. If you find one on an auction or wherever, ask us before buying if it's the right one. Note: be aware a wider .375" spur hammer is available though far more difficult to find.

3.) Easy. Follow this video: Mod 25 video; Best S&W instruction by an S&W armorer for disassembly/assembly:
Disassembly and Care of the S&W Revolver ~ Learn how to from a Factory Trained Armorer! - YouTube

4.) Well under $100 if you supply the hammer.

 

[GaryHK]

DIY is very easy. There are very few internal parts, unlike my Remington 1100 which has 94 moving parts. The only thing you have to be careful of are the springs flying everywhere, especially the rebound slide spring. I don't know if the video shows it, but some people resort to doing the disassembly in a bag or box. Even with the proper tools I still put my hands in a large Igloo cooler that I've kept. I turn the cooler on its side and work in it. Nothing is worse than losing a spring and then having to order one and wait with an inoperable firearm.

If you are going to open up your gun, you might as well take the time to do a good cleaning in there.

Also, be sure to use a nice screwdriver set so you don't bugger/bubba the screws.

 

[Hondo44]

The hammer is a part that doesn't need other parts removed besides the mainspring to change it.

Unlike the gun in the video, the mainspring on the 31.1 is a coil spring. Cock the hammer, install a paper clip or the like, thru the hole at the bottom of the spring strut to remove and re-install the spring/strut assembly. Then de-cock the hammer.

 

[Hondo44]

More detail to my post #2:


The hammer to spring strut junction was changed from ball/socket to the fork/pin in c. 1962 for all J frames (~ #295,000 Model 36 Chiefs Spl.) thru 1997-8 and continued when the firing pin was removed from the hammer nose and mounted in the frame; Kit Gun rim fire hammers thru discontinuance in 1991.


Ball socket hammer:

Photo credit: what


Ball tipped spring strut assembly:

Photo credit: Gunparts


Available here for $6.00: Smith & Wesson Model 32 Parts | Numrich Gun Parts

The hammer to spring strut junction changed from ball/socket to the stirrup/pin c. 1962.
Early forked ‘Mainspring stirrup’ was a round rod. Later flat rod is just called a ‘stirrup’ in 1977 parts list (shown w/o spring & retainer):

Hammer with pin for stirrup spring strut:

Photo credit: Gunparts



Early Round rod stirrup assembly:

Photo credit: Gunparts



2nd version flat stamped stirrup:

Photo credit: Gunparts

 

[brooktre]

Will this hammer fit my 31-1?

I bought a 31-1 with a bobbed hammer. I would like to replace the hammer and return the gun to stock. My 31-1 was manufactured in 1971 (SN H35xxx).

Will this hammer fit my 31-1?

229670000 Smith & Wesson Hammer

 

[Hondo44]

What is the description for what that # is listed for? Can you supply a link to where the # came from or a link to a picture of that hammer?

 

[raljr1]

I would guess that the hammer was bobbed because it broke off. I have two older J/I frames with a bit of the hammer spur broken off. One was a Terrier, the other a 32 HE. I've simply smoothed them. I wonder if other have seen the same thing with some frequency.

Robert

 

[Hondo44]

I bought a 31-1 with a bobbed hammer. I would like to replace the hammer and return the gun to stock. My 31-1 was manufactured in 1971 (SN H35xxx).

Will this hammer fit my 31-1?

229670000 Smith & Wesson Hammer

If that number hammer is exactly like the hammer shown above in my post #5, yes it’s the correct one for a Model 31-1.

 

[brooktre]

It looks different than the picture in post 5

Here were the links I was looking at:

Smith & Wesson J Frame All Models Exposed Hammer New – USA Guns And Gear-Your Favorite Gun Parts Store

Smith & Wesson J-Frame Hammer, Exposed: MGW

 

[brooktre]

picture

I have no idea if the hammer was broken or intentionally bobbed.

 

[Hondo44]

In my observations, hammers bobbed on purpose are generally made shorter. I’m sure some are bobbed on purpose but we seem to see an inordinate amount of these small frame examples with missing hammer spurs. And including .22 target models which are highly unlikely to need bobbing.

I always look carefully at these guns with bobbed hammers for any signs of being dropped like dings in the back strap or stocks, evidence of being dropped. I think their small size and propensity for being carried in pockets or purses makes them more vulnerable to dropping.

That hammer won’t work on all J frames. Notice the hollow spots? Looks like it’s a current MIM (Metal Injection Molding) hammer for a frame mounted firing pin. Won’t work for you. Check the classifieds on this forum and place a want ad. Try Gun parts distributors and Jack First gun parts. A J frame center fire hammer for .32, .38 S&W or .38 Spl from 1961 to 1995 is what you need.

 

[Hondo44]

Here’s a hammer for you:

Factory Smith & Wesson S&W J Frame Model 36 Revolver Parts - Hammer - L29 | eBay

 

[tinstarfirearms]

Order Gun Parts Kits Online | Home of EveryGunPart.com | EveryGunPart.com will have what you need.

Andrew

 

[steelslaver]

brooktre

Both the hammers in your links are newer MIM hammers

You need one like Hondo's link shows