N frame hammer block

[adowns]

I recently bought a .38/44 that was made in 1946. When I took off the side plate there was no hammer block installed. I ordered one from Jack First. They asked if I knew a Smith & Wesson part number. I did not. The order lady said she would look it up. It arrived in just two days. But I don't think it is the correct part. It isn't tall enough to reach up to go between the hammer and frame (see picture) and with it installed the hammer won't go back far enough to cock the pistol or go through the double action firing cycle. I think the hammer block may be for a K frame.

Are the hammer blocks different for different models? If so what do I ask for when I send it back for a replacement? I did tell her it was for an N frame revolver but a part number would eliminate confusion. Does anyone have a part number?

 

[bgrafsr]

N frame hammer block is longer. I will check and see if I have one.

I checked my Outdoorsman, and the hammer block seems to end at the top where yours does. I believe you have the right part, but someone else with more knowledge should be able to help you more than I.

If you would like, I can send you one that is the same length as the one in my gun, so you can check to see if it will work.

Bill

 

[VM]

adowns - I may have one also if Bill doesn't. Just so we are all clear (and so I don't have to remove a sideplate), please measure the hammer block that you have. What is the overall height.........(bottom of loop to 90 degree elbow)?

 

[Joni_Lynn]

The older action isn't the same as the newer ones. Same idea but slightly different dimensions.

 

[bgrafsr]

The older action isn't the same as the newer ones. Same idea but slightly different dimensions.

Does that mean a newer N frame hammer block will not work?
Thanks.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

If I'm anywhere close to being correct it'll be the wrong length.
I haven't tried to mix and match parts on any of mine so I can't really be of much asistance on the matter. I do know that the hammer in a postwar 38/44 is not the same as it is in a newer N frame although they look the same. They don't interchange. (I did try that)
(The one in this thread of course has a prewar style hammer)

 

[adowns]

Here is a picture of the hammer block that appears to be too short. It measures 41 mm or about 1 5/8 inches long.

The revolver, serial S 62989, was one of the first post-war made. I very much appreciate the replies from those who know much more about this model than I do.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Mine is a bit higher in number than that. The transitional model is a different looking one.
Beautiful color case on the hammer in your pic.

 

[VM]

adowns - I'm no help.............my spares are also 1 5/8"
Good Luck

 

[adowns]

Thanks to all for checking your spare parts inventory. I will send the one I have back to Jack First and ask them to look for the correct part.

Alan

 

[adowns]

I returned the hammer block to Jack First explaining how it didn't work. A few days later a replacement was in my mailbox. It works perfectly. I cannot say enough about the service from Jack First Gun Parts. This part was probably only used for a few years, 1946 to maybe 1950, in a low volume model. I didn't think I would ever find this part.

I also cold-blued the cylinder with Brownell's Oxpho-Blue and it matches well. The cylinder was almost "in the white" previously. I left the other holster wear as is.

Pictures attached are first hammer block that didn't work, second one which works, and gun with reblued cylinder. I installed aftermarket grips to replace the K-frame grips it had before.