Swapping a spurred hammer on a Taurus 85

[Glockman17366]

Has anyone ever changed a spur hammer to a bobbed hammer on a Taurus 85?
I've got an 85 Ultra Lite. It's a sweet little revolver which I pocket carry in a Mikas holster.
The parts manual for these revolvers show the spur hammer only, btw.

However, sometimes I'd like to carry in a jacket pocket (sans holster) and I think the spurless hammer may work better.

Of course, my other option is to buy another gun!

 

[RecoilRob]

I had an 85 and didn't change out the hammer, I cut off the spur. Worked well and the lady that has it now loves it. You can always replace the spur with a new one if you decide you want it back.

 

[Glockman17366]

Thanks for the answer, but I want to be able to revert to the spurred hammer if necessary.

 

[RecoilRob]

Ok....so get another hammer and doctor it as you wish and save the original in case you want to change back. If you cannot find a factory bobbed one, you don't seem to have many other options.

 

[Glockman17366]

That's the plan...I was just curious if anyone had done it...

 

[dfariswheel]

Be aware that while most modern revolver hammers and trigger are at least nominally "drop in" there is NO guarantee that they WILL interchange without some gunsmith fitting.

Because of the possible fit issues and the fact that these are major operating components, most manufactures list these parts as "Restricted" and will only sell them if THEY fit them.

If you attempt to "swap" hammers from one gun to another, there's a good chance they will NOT fit or operate properly without some fitting.
If you did that, the parts would almost certainly not be able to be switched back since the altered part would no fit the original gun.

Bottom line, you can "try" a switch, but be 100% SURE the hammers fit an operate properly.

 

[weregunner]

Since there is the Taurus Protector 651(.357 magnum) or 851(.38 Special +P or not) which have the spurs sticking out but only a short distance, why not go with those instead of trying to switch parts.

The hammer is shrouded, but has enough serrated hammer sticking out to reliably thumb the hammer back if needed. Clothing will not snag on the draw from the pocket or if needed to fire through a coat.

I have a 85CH and see no reason for myself to need single action firing. On the other hand there may be instances where single action may be wanted or needed.
Here's the reasoning:
If one should have a hostage situation ( only gun you have at the time is the snubbie) or are up against a rifle toting bad guy,precision fire may be needed. Then there is reason to cock the gun, if time permits, to do so.

This has been documented in Combat Handguns, American Handgunner, and in police and tactical journals any number of times.
Mas Ayoob,Clint Smith,Al Pickles, and Chuck Taylor have written on this over the years in many periodicals about this.

Since one cannot know ahead of time what will be faced one has to be ready for that eventuality. This may seem a rare phenomena, but happens enough to warrant considering the possibility.


It would be less hassle all the way around to just get the 651 or the 851 and be done with it.

Having two snubbie revolvers is not a bad idea. If the first gun gets bagged and tagged as evidence, then that revolver is now evidence in a police station. You might get it back,after a lengthy time(it's not being maintained by police personnel i.e. cleaned and lubed) or you may never get it back.
This leaves you defenseless or in need of a CCW or house gun. Need to replace it with another. If you have two snubbies already then there is no need to worry about it.

Special need for gun, get the gun.

There is the technique of drawing the snubbie with the thumb of the gun hand slipped over the back of the hammer and acting as a shroud during the draw from the pocket or holster.

Has to be practiced but becomes second nature after a while.

I have practiced the draw mentioned above many tiimes and it works. This was with a gun with snap caps and no live ammo present.

Also did the same thing with the 85CH as far as firing through a coat pocket,snap caps again and no ammo, and could not get material to get between the hammer and frame. Why chance it though when the 651 and 851 are available

 

[Glockman17366]

Thanks for the info and advice, gentlemen