Nub Hammer for a Recent J-Frame?

[GeoJelly]

I found this picture while poking around on the internetz. The poster says it's a nub hammer. Zooming in, it looks like a factory hammer, although it is very darkly finished. I have a 637 and a hammer like this would be a great addition. I checked Apex Tactical, they have hammers but not like this. I also thought that maybe it came from a 438/638 but the 638 photos I found show a squared hammer. Does anyone know where a hammer like this can be found?

 

[mikerjf]

It looks like a 638 hammer thats been rounded and checkered a bit? Maybe custom work?

 

[GerSan69]

The only factory hammers other than stock I know of are for the Bodyguard 49s or the Centennial 40-series (and the few DAO spurless out there.) Do you have the photo to share with us or a link to it?

 

[Coastie762]

Looks like a custom job to me as well. Several years ago I made one similar on my 637 only without the refinish. The spur was shortened and edges rounded a bit. The result still has plenty of purchase for thumb cocking if desired but reduces the chance of snagging during the draw.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I recall seeing a limited edition J-frame that S&W put out not too long ago that had a hammer like that. It might have been a Talo model.

 

[Pisgah]

Looks like an easy modification that I have done on perhaps a dozen small-frame revolvers through the years -- 10 careful minutes on a belt grinder and it's done. In fact, I have a Taurus 605 that I am planning on doing that to this week.

 

[GerSan69]

Sorry, the photos didn't come up for me the first time.
That's a new one on me. I have a couple 49s and a 649, and that doesn't look like those hammers. The contour of the body leading into the knurled part doesn't look familiar, either, although I don't have any guns with the IL and that could very well have started out as one of those.
Oh, well, interesting, at least. Good luck!

 

[ContinentalOp]

I recall seeing a limited edition J-frame that S&W put out not too long ago that had a hammer like that. It might have been a Talo model.

I've been thinking about it. Even tried Googling. No luck on the specifics. I want to say the name of that model started with a "W," but I'm pretty sure it's not Wiley, as in Wiley Clapp. I keep thinking of something like "Wylde," but searching the interwebs hasn't turned up anything. Can't remember if it was a 637 or a 60, but I think it was a 637.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. I prefer Centennials or Bodyguards, so I probably didn't pay much attention to it when I saw it.

 

[Hapworth]

I've been thinking about it. Even tried Googling. No luck on the specifics. I want to say the name of that model started with a "W," but I'm pretty sure it's not Wiley, as in Wiley Clapp. I keep thinking of something like "Wylde," but searching the interwebs hasn't turned up anything. Can't remember if it was a 637 or a 60, but I think it was a 637.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. I prefer Centennials or Bodyguards, so I probably didn't pay much attention to it when I saw it.

I'm with you, partner -- it was the 637 Wyatt "Deep Cover" Gunsmoke, but it had a spurless hammer, not a nub. I agree, though, thinking there was a special model J a few years back that had a nubbed hammer...

...where the heck's kaaskop49?

J-hounds, ASSEMBLE! Or somethin'...

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm with you, partner -- it was the 637 Wyatt "Deep Cover" Gunsmoke, but it had a spurless hammer, not a nub. I agree, though, thinking there was a special model J a few years back that had a nubbed hammer...

...where the heck's kaaskop49?

J-hounds, ASSEMBLE! Or somethin'...

THANK YOU!!!

I was beginning to think I imagined the whole thing.

 

[GeoJelly]

I missed my chance on this little revolver for $375 – it didn't last long. I've bought both of my 360's from the same seller ... along with an as-NIB 1980's Model 60. He's pretty fickle and changes handguns as often as regular folks change their socks, so he frequently has a J-frame or two up for sale. That said, I sure would like to find a source for a couple of the nub hammers ...

Edit - I have PM'd the seller. I don't think he's a member here but he's been pretty responsive in the past.

 

[Hapworth]

I missed my chance on this little revolver for $375 – it didn't last long. I've bought both of my 360's from the same seller ... along with an as-NIB 1980's Model 60. He's pretty fickle and changes handguns as often as regular folks change their socks, so he frequently has a J-frame or two up for sale. That said, I sure would like to find a source for a couple of the nub hammers ...

PM him and ask, then post back here -- some of us'd like to know, too.

 

[Blueduck]

Looks like an easy modification that I have done on perhaps a dozen small-frame revolvers through the years -- 10 careful minutes on a belt grinder and it's done. In fact, I have a Taurus 605 that I am planning on doing that to this week.

Any problem with this method and the newer MIM hammers?

 

[GeoJelly]

I'm glad someone asked, bc I just contacted him and it didn't sell. I should know shortly whether he'll still sell it ... remember the fickle comment! He's a senior retired civil service type (retired under the 'old' system) so he's not short on cash so I may or may not get it ...

It'll be mine on Tuesday. Not only does he take fabby pictures, but he didn't jimmy the screws or ding up the sideplate edges when he worked on it. Off-topic, but I asked him to shoot a photo of the recoil shield before I agreed to take it. On my other 637, and on my 442 (both unfired - I carry and shoot my 360's), the center pin has gouged a small track in the recoil shield. There is no gouge on this one even though he says he's done some work on it (and he bought it new). Maybe S&W is adding some scandium into their aluminum batches for all of the Airweight's nowadays? Moot point to me, but it also looks like he has reset the grain in the stainless on the cylinder - my other 637 looks different ...

 

[Bob L]

Looks like an easy modification that I have done on perhaps a dozen small-frame revolvers through the years -- 10 careful minutes on a belt grinder and it's done. In fact, I have a Taurus 605 that I am planning on doing that to this week.

]

Pisgah, Any chance you can take a few pictures as you go and share them with us?

 

[haywood]

I took a grinder to my 37s hammer. I didn't checker it or blue it.

 

[Pisgah]

]

Pisgah, Any chance you can take a few pictures as you go and share them with us?

Well, honestly, there wouldn't be much to see. I just use my belt grinder with about an 80 to 100 grit belt and make light, smooth passes of the hammer spur, gradually reducing the size. One pass, stop and take a look at what you've done, then another pass, and so on, until you've got the hammer as bobbed as you'd like -- best to go slow, because taking a bit more off is easy, while adding some back is hard! Light touch, take your time between passes so the piece doesn't get hot, and keep the radius of the curve smooth. Once you've got it how you want it, you can smooth off the edges with fine-grit abrasive paper or a hard stone or fine file.

If you're skilled in disassembly/reassembly, take the hammer out before the operation, but for many folks there's a greater chance of damage during that process than there is in leaving the hammer on the gun. I usually just leave it in and put several layers of masking tape on any areas of the gun that might get touched by the belt, but that's highly unlikely to happen if you take it slow and easy.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn Hapworth & ContinentalOp

I'm ba-ack! Just consulted SCSW4. Page 276 shows variations of the Model 317. One shows the above snubbed hammer or something very close to it on the snub model. IIRC, occasional prior posts have appeared from members asking if this hammer can be fitted to their 637s. Can't recall the reply.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Thanks for the shout-out!

 

[mikerjf]

I had my 637 and 317 apart and swapped hammers, mostly because I hated the stub hammer on the 317. Rounding it off like the OP's would have made it better.

The 637 hammer worked fine on the 317.

The 317 hammer was a little taller in the "face" area (the area that hits the firing pin), and wouldn't enter the frame recess on the 637. A little grinding might have made it go.

I wound up bobbing the stubby 317 hammer, and someday will pick up a 637 hammer for it too.

 

[AZretired]

I took a grinder to my 37s hammer. I didn't checker it or blue it.

You should have ground just a little more off that hammer to give a clean look