I am doing a full restoration on a S&W model 2 second issue. When pulling back the hammer the hand is not low enough on the cylinder to advance it. It may not be the correct hand. The numbers match on the barrel, frame, cylinder, and grips, but I'm not sure about the internal parts? Does anyone have a schematic or picture of the correct hand for this model? Thanks
S&W .38 Model 2 second issue-Hand
- Thread starter Eliiigh
- Start date
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Hand/Pawl issue?
Hi Eliiigh,
Yeah, the hand you show in the photo is definitely not the original. I'll post a photo later of an original if someone else doesn't do it before me.
It does look to me to be serviceable though. As long as it has really good spring tension and the fit is good when you draw back the action? If it is too high to catch the teeth on the ratchet you will have to carefully and very slowly, gradually remove metal on the flat of the hand to reduce it's overall height.
But first and foremost you must make sure that the barrel/frame fit is tight before you work on the hand. If it is lose you must fix that first. Also, looking at the ratchet teeth? they look serviceable but worn so that might also be an issue.
I also noticed from your photo that the posts on the frame do look a little worn so I suspect some slop in the barrel to frame fit and the bolt at the bottom of the frame does not look original to me. So this gun has seen some work. In order to fix the action properly you must follow steps to ensure that the action is repaired in the proper sequence.
First step is to make sure the frame to barrel fit is tight, not lose with up/down and side to side play.
Second, make sure the cylinder to base pin play is minimal. Grab the cylinder and try to wobble it side to side. it should not move or have very minimal play.
Third, look closely at those ratchet teeth. Make sure they are basically identical to one another or repairing the hand still will not solve the entire problem since some of the teeth will still not catch.
Fourth, make sure the bolt drops immediately when you start to draw back the hammer or it will hang up cylinder rotation.
Then work on the hand fit and function by looking at the back of the cylinder while drawing back the hammer slowly. Use a magnifier on your forehead so you can see the hand action up close and confirm that it is contacting the teeth in the proper location.
Murph
Hi Eliiigh,
Yeah, the hand you show in the photo is definitely not the original. I'll post a photo later of an original if someone else doesn't do it before me.
It does look to me to be serviceable though. As long as it has really good spring tension and the fit is good when you draw back the action? If it is too high to catch the teeth on the ratchet you will have to carefully and very slowly, gradually remove metal on the flat of the hand to reduce it's overall height.
But first and foremost you must make sure that the barrel/frame fit is tight before you work on the hand. If it is lose you must fix that first. Also, looking at the ratchet teeth? they look serviceable but worn so that might also be an issue.
I also noticed from your photo that the posts on the frame do look a little worn so I suspect some slop in the barrel to frame fit and the bolt at the bottom of the frame does not look original to me. So this gun has seen some work. In order to fix the action properly you must follow steps to ensure that the action is repaired in the proper sequence.
First step is to make sure the frame to barrel fit is tight, not lose with up/down and side to side play.
Second, make sure the cylinder to base pin play is minimal. Grab the cylinder and try to wobble it side to side. it should not move or have very minimal play.
Third, look closely at those ratchet teeth. Make sure they are basically identical to one another or repairing the hand still will not solve the entire problem since some of the teeth will still not catch.
Fourth, make sure the bolt drops immediately when you start to draw back the hammer or it will hang up cylinder rotation.
Then work on the hand fit and function by looking at the back of the cylinder while drawing back the hammer slowly. Use a magnifier on your forehead so you can see the hand action up close and confirm that it is contacting the teeth in the proper location.
Murph
Last edited:
mmaher94087
Member
Eliiigh, I believe someone has messed with your revolver. The hand isn't correct as can be seen in mtd1960's photo. Also the full-cock notch has been altered and the cylinder stop in the frame is incorrect. I believe you need a hammer, hand and cylinder stop to make it right. It's possible the ratchet may need replacing too.
