S&W 645 hammers

[marcus99]

Bought an excellent condition 1987 645 with original box last summer, compiled the original paperwork, a few extra mags, shot 200rds through it (loved it), and then cleaned it and put it away. But something’s continued to bother me..the non-half cock hammer. Per helpful members here and some of my own research it seemed all 645’s came with half cock hammers which mine did not have. Instead it had what appeared to be a 3rd gen 4506/5906 hammer, even though it was marked specifically for the 2nd gens.

So I ordered a correct 2nd gen half-cock hammer. Interestingly the finish of this hammer is more stainless as opposed to the appearing to be flash-chrome plated 3rd gen 4506/5906 hammer. I wanted a correct appearance for my 645, so I researched photos of every 645 I could find clearly depicting the hammer. 50% had a stainless-style hammer, the other 50% a flash-chrome plated style hammer.

I’m curious if anyone has noticed this and has insight into when each style was used? I’d also welcome whether non-half cock hammers might ever have been factory installed in 645’s.

 

[4T5GUY]

My 1988 645 has the half cock and stainless style hammer.

According to SCSW 4 “Early guns, (645’s,) have a half cock hammer notch later guns do not.”

Even though my 1988 is late in the run could yours be even later? Looks like you have the box, what’s the date?

Jim

 

[marcus99]

My 1988 645 has the half cock and stainless style hammer.

According to SCSW 4 “Early guns, (645’s,) have a half cock hammer notch later guns do not.”

Even though 1988 is late in the run could yours be even later? Looks like you have the box, what’s the date?

Jim

I called S&W shortly after I bought it, per their records it was manufactured in July 1987.