Cost to change hammers on S&W revolvers

[peacebutready]

The surplus S&W Model 64 as shown below cannot be fired single shot as there is no hammer spur. How much would it cost to have a 'smith install a hammer with a spur, if that is possible?

http://www.guns.com/review/gun-review-smith-wesson-model-64-ctg-revolver-in-38-sw-special/

 

[Sistema1927]

I don't know about cost, but one factor is whether the gun in question is a "true" DAO (Double Action Only) or whether it is actually DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) with just the hammer spur removed.

See this thread: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/can-i-convert-s-w-64-dao-to-da-sa.776121/

 

[Reloadron]

There were a number of hammers made for that model. The hammer change takes about 10 min at the kitchen table. I am just not 100% that is all there would be involved. If you can start the hammer back in double action, grab the hammer with thumb and forefinger and lock it back as in single action then yes, just a hammer and a few min to change it and fit it as may be necessary. Note the available Hammers for that gun and I am only using Numerich as a reference, you can likely find hammers from other sources.I really want to say it is as simple as a hammer change but I just can't recall so hopefully any of several real good S&W members will come along and confirm or dispel my thinking.

Ron

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I believe a new hammer with a spur and single action sear would do it. However I'm not sure if a DA only gun has the same length trigger nose as a DA/SA gun. I suspect it does. Personally I'd just look for a DA/SA model 64 and forget about this one.

 

[straightshooterjake]

I can't tell you what it will cost to swap hammers, but I can tell you that this work should go to a smith who is experienced with Smith revolvers. Sometimes replacement hammers just drop in, but quite often they don't. If the new hammer doesn't work, moving the original double action sear to the new hammer often resolves the issue. But there are still no guarantees that swapping part will make it work, sometimes hand fitting the parts is required.

So if you don't have access to a good revolversmith who can tell you what his usual charges are, then this may not be a project you want to start. Smith revolvers are fundamentally hand fitted guns, and when fitting is required, it takes experience to get it done right.

 

[Jim Watson]

By the time you buy a hammer and pay to have it put in, the savings from a well worn police tradein will be wiped out. Just as well look for a clean used revolver with all its functions still in place.

 

[DPris]

Don't plan on it being a 10-minute kitchen table drop-in replacement.
It should be fitted.

If you acquire an unused hammer, it may or may not drop in.
If you acquire a used one previously fitted to another gun, it may not.
Denis

 

[dbmjr1]

I've changed a few hammers, (probably five or six) and triggers on Model 10's. I prefer serrated triggers and wide spur target hammers.
I'm far from a gunsmith, and I've never had an issue.
Checking the frame pins for square can make things rotate a bit smoother while you have it apart.

 

[sgt127]

If that's stamped NY 1 it came from the factory as a true DAO gun.

The part needing replacement is the hammer.

The only part that will likely need fitting is the DA sear. It's a little spring loaded toggle on the front of the hammer.

I have swapped out many triggers and replaced the seat from the old hammer and it timed up perfectly. All you need is a bench block, a small punch and hammer.

 

[BCRider]

I did a hammer swap for one of my shooting buddies recently on a Model 66. It was a straight across replacement. But the bobbed hammer was still functional in DA mode. So that helped. But it does add support to the replies here saying that a simple change out is going to work in most cases.

I would not say that the folks saying that they must be fitted are wrong. But from what I've seen it's worth trying to do the simple swap to start with. And only if there's an issue THEN take it to a smith.

 

[Hanshi]

I ground off the hammer spur on my M10 HB. I also smoothed the trigger face and installed a set screw to eliminate over-travel. This is one slick DA only revolver, now. I've switched both hammers and triggers on S&Ws and don't recall ever having an issue. I still have a box of hammers, triggers, barrels and cylinders from projects.

 

[DPris]

Just saying don't COUNT on a straight swap for best function.
When I went through the S&W armorer's course, we were taught to fit 'em.

Years ago I bought 10 N-Frame hammers from an Ebay source.
They were all used & every single one was rejected by my gunsmith as replacements.
Denis

 

[tipoc]

The surplus S&W Model 64 as shown below cannot be fired single shot as there is no hammer spur. How much would it cost to have a 'smith install a hammer with a spur, if that is possible?

http://www.guns.com/review/gun-review-smith-wesson-model-64-ctg-revolver-in-38-sw-special/

Do you own a gun like that 64? Or are you just asking?

Thing is , is that those particular 64's are worth more left alone. Keep it as it is and shoot it. Meanwhile look for another with a hammer. Many, many more were made with hammers and they turn up now and again.

 

[peacebutready]

Do you own a gun like that 64? Or are you just asking?

Just asking. I never owned a revolver without a hammer.

 

[peacebutready]

Thanks, all.