Why not the L frame ?

[dantanna58]

I'm an old Smith Wesson man. I remember when the L frame series came out in the early 80's. It was the perfect revolver. I loved them. It had everything you could ask for. And the price was right. And they are still incredible magnums. Except for one thing, why did Smith and Wesson never offer a full target hammer like on their K and N frames? It would have made it perfect. If they did I was totally unaware and apologize to the powers that be.

 

[brucev]

The TT/TH were popular on the k-frames during an era when most shooting was single-action. By the time the L-frame came to market, the main focus of revolver shooting was moving to more tactical type matches, PPC, etc. The TT was a impediment for DA shooting as most folks preferred the smooth factory trigger. The TH was a bit heavier than the standard hammer and slowed down lock time. Since folks shooting competition were using the lightest SA and DA they could obtain, preference was for a lighter hammer. HTH. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[gnystrom]

Brucev gave a good answer. I cannot remember the last time I actually fired a revolver in SA mode. Love the L-frame guns.

 

[murphydog]

I am not sure, but either a K or N frame Target hammer may swap into an L frame. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood, or the perfect gun for you.

 

[riverrat38]

S&W has standardized on most of what they used to offer to customize different Models. For instance, you can have any grip style you want, as long as its round butt. Means fewer MIM molds, and foraging dies. And, with shrouded barrel revolvers like the M66-8, they have limited the barrel length choices to two.

Best,
Rick

 

[Krogen]

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood, or the perfect gun for you.

I like that one! My thoughts exactly! People wanting to know my age are asked chronological? or intellectual? They're different numbers, you know. . . . I usually tell them I'm a teenager in a man's body.

As for the L-frame. I bought my first, a 586, back in the 80's. Still have it. I think the L -frame and 6" underlug barrel are the perfect combination.

 

[Rock185]

While most of my K and N frames had/have target hammers, I never thought about a target hammer for the L frame. Would have been a nice option though. I bought a 586 soon as they became available, and a succession of 686s afterwards.
FWIW, The K and N frame hammers don't fit the L frame.

 

[D1911]

S&W did make a target hammer for the L frame, but they're rarely seen. Here are a couple of pictures of a Smolt that was built on a 686-4. The first shows the standard hammer, and the second shows the target hammer I installed. You can definitely see the larger spur in the second pic.

 

[mtgianni]

L frame is the perfect size for the 44 Magnum. Love my 69.

 

[BigBill]

I prefer the s&w N frame and the s&w K frame over the rest. I don’t care for magnum snubbies. I only liked the longer barrels in the magnum calibers. Well till I shot my s&w M 58/4”/41mag. The m58 is balanced perfect for the 41 mag round.

 

[BigBill]

S&W did make a target hammer for the L frame, but they're rarely seen. Here are a couple of pictures of a Smolt that was built on a 686-4. The first shows the standard hammer, and the second shows the target hammer I installed. You can definitely see the larger spur in the second pic.

Is this a PYSmitwess?

 

[Dieseltech56]

From what I’ve seen the 8 3/8” guns usually have a target hammer/trigger. My 686-4 does

 

[BB57]

Is this a PYSmitwess?

Smolt or Smython are the terms I'm familiar with.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Have a 686 no dash, 4" barrel, just right. Bought it new back in 87 or 89, can't remember and don't want to get up and look. Smoothest action I have ever seen on a Smith.
Was able to bring home a big brother to it recently, a model 27-2 in 90% plus condition, with 6" barrel, in gorgeous blue.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[Bobafett]

S&W did make a target hammer for the L frame, but they're rarely seen. Here are a couple of pictures of a Smolt that was built on a 686-4. The first shows the standard hammer, and the second shows the target hammer I installed. You can definitely see the larger spur in the second pic.

Is it wrong that I dream of a day that I throw a Python barrel on my 19-3 ?

 

[D1911]

Is it wrong that I dream of a day that I throw a Python barrel on my 19-3 ?

Did someone say Python barrel on a 19???

Or how about a 15?

 

[Bullet Bob]

It seems like an unusual choice by S&W, but my non-PC 646 (.40 S&W caliber L-frame) has a good-sized hammer:

I love it.

 

[RSBH44]

It seems like an unusual choice by S&W, but my non-PC 646 (.40 S&W caliber L-frame) has a good-sized hammer:

I love it.

You got me droolin over that one. I’ve wanted one for quite some time now but the price tag has been most prohibitive.

 

[roo_ster]

My first centerfire pistol was a SW686 bought in 1992 or so. Had a local smith give it a trigger job. Sweet shooter. Never thought it needed a target trigger.

As for the pretty 646 above, would I be crazy to think that boring the cyl out to fit 10mm something nifty?

 

[nipperdog]

I remember reading about the new L Frame in the American Rifleman in the early 80s and Decided that I had to have one. I lived on Long Island at that time, and did business with a large Gun Supermarket called Leslie Edelman. The new 586s were hard to get when they 1st became available. I bought a 6" Nickled gun because it was the first one that I could lay my hands on. I had many a happy hour shooting that 586, but had no love for Nickle.
When the 686 came out I traded the 586 for a 686. I still love the L frame and presently own a 4" M686, and 2.75" M69.