A question about the S&W revolvers

[wild billz]

I have a question regarding S&W revolvers. What are the triggers and hammers made of? I went t the Orlando Gun Show today looking at revolves for CCW, specifically something for the pocket. I looked at S&W and I found rust on the triggers and hammers of these revolvers. They were NIB, so what is up with them, none of the Taurus had rust, or Rugers, etc. But the Smiths did. This is a definte turnoff or for a potential carry piece. Is this normal or something with Smiths?

 

[Shear_stress]

Are you sure it was rust? It is more likely the color case-hardening treatment. On some of the new guns with the MIM hammer and trigger, the finish might look like rust from a distance.

 

[Standing Wolf]

On some of the new guns with the MIM hammer and trigger, the finish might look like rust from a distance.

Three inches, for example, to about five feet.

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson lockwork used to be made from steel forgings, which were machined and then case hardened using a process that left a finish that was file-hard and had the look of an oil slick on water. Apparently the current MIM parts are still case hardened, but they come out with mottled grays rather then attractive colors. These may (or may not) be as functional as the older hammers and triggers, etc. but thy look like ....

One solution that Both S&W and Taurus use in some of they're revolvers is to flash-chrome plate the parts after they are hardened. This I think, makes them look much more attractive.

Unfortunately economics have forced gun companies to accept that which is functional, and abandoned that which before was mechanical art.

As an example, the other day I was working on a .38 Military & Police 1905 Hand Ejector that was made in 1918. After photographing the internal parts I discovered the hand was so highly polished that I could see a clear reflection of the camera's lens!

 

[wild billz]

it was rust. It came off on my fingers, and was not just metal part colors. I pointed it out the dealer adn he said it would come right off, then hurried away to some phantom customer on the pther side of the table. Before he left he said must have been someone with acidic fingers.

 

[Magnum88C]

Yes, both the newer color-case hardened MIM parts and the olde color-case-hardened parts will rust, as they are not stainless. It's no big deal, wipe the rust off and go over them with a silicone cloth and/or leave a little bit of oil on them.

I have noticed new Smiths I've bought (with the MIM parts) rust more quickly than the older ones, FWIW.