Will a 638/649 hammer fit a M637

A

ammodave

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My previous post didn't really get me an answer to my question: so let me try again. I want to bob the hammer on my 637 but I want to buy a new hammer first. Numrich has the abbreviated bobbed hammer for the 317/638/649 available for a good price. Will this hammer fit my 637?
 
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I think the pivot point for the hammer between a 637 and 638/649 should be the same, but I don't think the hammer is the same part. The Bodyguard hammer is not shaped the same; it is much larger under the checkered/serrated portion for cocking.
 
The hammer for the old Bodyguards (38, 49, 638, 649) should fit the fully exposed hammer J frames (36, 37, 637) and this was a fairly common modification back in the 1970's. The thing is, though, that these hammers still have a spur (although it's shorter) that will dig into and catch on clothing or flesh. If you want spurless, it's NOT the way to go.
 
There's a lot more metal to cut through to remove the spur on an old Bodyguard hammer. You'd be better off getting another standard hammer and cutting off that spur.
 
murphydog said:
This is a link to a photo of a model 40 hammer, which I think is similar to a 638/649; barely visible at the upper right is a grooved section of the upper surface, so I don't think there is a spur to remove.

Hammer Assembly Gun Parts | 383180 | Numrich Gun Parts
Click to expand...

No! The 40 was the Centennial design, and the hammer is fully within the frame. The 638/649 hammer has a spur which extends through the "humpback" and allows thumb-cocking for single-action fire.
 
Yes, that's the 38/49 hammer. See how meaty it is in the spur area? Much easier to dehorn a standard hammer. Now there might be an issue replacing an MIM part with a non-MIM, but I don't know. I'm a geezer, and we didn't have these problems back in the day! I would think they are sized the same and it would be an upgrade, in material!
 
I addressed this on your other thread, but I'll say it again...it will probably work OK, but IMHO that hammer will never look right on your 637, bobbed or not. I've seen similar installations on other guns and while they may be functional IMHO they're butt ugly.
 
When I look at the 2 hammers (Midway & Numrich), they appear to be identical except for the spur. If I'm planning to cut off the spur anyway what difference does it make? I'm not trying to be difficult; I appreciate your advice but I think I'm missing your point.
 
The Numrich hammer is made for the "humpback" frame guns and you won't know beforehand how much is going to stick out of the frame of your standard type frame gun. A "void" on the MIM hammer might be exposed; you just don't know. If you use the Midway (you can shop for a better price; granted it's over double the cost of the Numrich) I think you will have an easier time knowing just where to cut off the spur, have an easier time doing it and getting much better fitting and looking results. It's the same hammer that comes in the gun; you could even install it first and then scribe a line on the hammer while tracing the outside of the frame so that you know exactly where to cut to remove the spur. Make sense?

P.S. Edit: Look at this review for the Midway:

"Bought this so I could "bob" it for installation on my wife's 637-2 and keep the stocker for a backup. This fit perfectly works like a charm. I recommend it without hesitation."
 
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Realgunner said:
The hammer for the old Bodyguards (38, 49, 638, 649) should fit the fully exposed hammer J frames (36, 37, 637) and this was a fairly common modification back in the 1970's. The thing is, though, that these hammers still have a spur (although it's shorter) that will dig into and catch on clothing or flesh. If you want spurless, it's NOT the way to go.
Click to expand...

I've been contemplating trading for a Model 60 that has a 638/649 hammer on it, as well as a wider trigger(?). Your comment "and this was a fairly common modification back in the 1970's" concerning the hammer saved me the trouble of searching all over for info! The M60 I'm looking at was shipped late 1973, according to another member.
Thanks again!
 
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AT1984, Glad I could help. I remember an old cop I worked with in the 1980's showing me his Model 36 with a Bodyguard hammer on it. I thought it was cool; but I took my stock 36 to a gunsmith and had him completely bob the hammer. I tried messing with it a little myself. That was some hard steel!
 
I had a Model 60-7 that I installed a Model 38 hammer into. It served as my EDC along with my Model 38-0. Also pictured is a photo of the Model 60 with the Bodyguard hammer installed, and the original hammer along side for comparison.

Regards,

Dave
 

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Double-O-Dave said:
I had a Model 60-7 that I installed a Model 38 hammer into. It served as my EDC along with my Model 38-0. Also pictured is a photo of the Model 60 with the Bodyguard hammer installed, and the original hammer along side for comparison.

Regards,

Dave
Click to expand...

Nice pics, Dave. And thanks for illustrating one of my points - a lot more metal to cut in bobbing the Bodyguard hammer vs. the standard hammer.
 
OP - I just did the mod on a 317 hammer from Numrich to fit my 637. You have to recontour the top of the hammer in front of the serrated thumb piece. I took it slow - refitting but it is possible. I will post a pic in a bit. Gun functions great.

Jeff
 
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