L Frame S&W hammer nose

[kimbernut]

My S&W 686-3 Classic began misfiring at the range Friday. Took a minute to recognize the cause. The top rear of the hammer nose was missing a small piece and allowing the hammer nose to raise catching the top of the frame on each drop of the hammer . The few that did strike the primer left a very slight depression in the primer but not enough to ignite the primer.
Parts are on order with Brownells along with a Kuhnhausens manual on the Smith Revolvers. Any foresight/hindsight tips as to replacement of the hammer nose and rivet or is it a pretty simple job?

 

[Jim K]

It is a pretty simple job. I used to do it without even removing the hammer, just clamping it in a vise. I blocked the hammer back to make sure there was no pressure on the single action notch, and padded the vise to make sure the frame didn't touch the vise.

For anyone else, I really recommend removing the hammer. Clamp the hammer in a brass or copper jaw vise with the rivet just above the jaws. Drive out the rivet (either direction) with a suitable drift punch. Then replace the hammer nose and the rivet (a new rivet is a good idea), lay the hammer flat on the vise and use a conical punch (you might have to make one) to spread the rivet first on one side then on the other. Don't pound too hard; you don't want to spread the center of the rivet as that would bind the hammer nose, which must move freely up and down.

Jim

 

[kimbernut]

Thanks, Jim

Good advice. I wouldn't even attempt it without removing the hammer first.I certainly intend to use a new rivet.I'm hopeful that parts will arrive tomorrow and that the rivet is included with the hammer nose. (I could not find a rivet listed in Brownells parts list) I would like to get this one back in service ASAP. Many thanks,Sir, for sharing your experience here.