Model-60 "Bob-Job"

[redlevel]

I just bought a Model-60, and since I consider a j-frame snubbie strictly a pants-pocket carry piece, I want a bobbed hammer. I have been carrying an old Model-36 since 1973, and as I recall, I took that one to a machine shop where we cut the hammer spur off with a band saw, then smoothed it up a little with a grinder. Understand, we never removed the hammer from the gun. We got by with that with no ill effects. I still carry that gun, and it has never failed to fire.

Two questions here. One, what is the proper procedure for bobbing the hammer? I don't think I want to go the machine shop route here. Two, where can I get a replacement hammer? I think what I would rather do is remove the original, tape it securely in the box, and use a replacement for the bobbed hammer. Three questions instead of two, I guess: will a case-hardened hammer from a blued j-frame work in the stainless M-60, or do I have to find another stainless hammer? Let's just say a bunch of questions. How much gunsmithing is required to fit a new hammer? Would there be any chance of getting a stainless hammer from S&W? If not, besides obvious sources such as Numrich, who would likely have a replacement? I just bet some forum member has one lying around in a drawer or parts box.

Thanks

Mark

 

[308]

I too like hammer guns bobbed for pocket carry. On the two I have done I dissasembled the gun, took the hammer out and placed it in a padded vise, and cut the hammer with a cut off tool in my dremel, then smoothed it up with the cratex abrasive points for the dremel. In the case of the non stainless hammer, I used some cold blue to touch up the cut. 308

 

[Pisgah]

You will very likely have to swap the sear from your existing hammer on to the new hammer to get things to work smoothly. That's about the only "fitting" you'll need to do. The casehardened hammer will work just fine in the stainless gun. The "proper procedure" for doing the job is just as you have done before -- cut off the spur, contour it to suit. Nothing special. It is safer to the rest of the gun's finish to do the job with the hammer out of the gun, however.

 

[SW CQB 45]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZYL5xVyVQQ

bobbing the hammer.