Gents, I have my grandfather's S&W model 36 no dash and thinking about putting a bobbed hammer in it for pocket carry on occasion. I don't want to modify the original hammer. Numrich has both spurred and bobbed in stock. Will have to verify the fitment though. So, my options are to either buy the spurred and modify, or buy the bobbed if it will fit, or just call S&W and see if they will do it( I don't know if I want to send it out though). So, My question and concern is the fitment of the new hammer. Will it require stoning and mating? Can the old sear be taken off the old hammer and put on new hammer so I don't have to stone or fit? I'm pretty mechanical but have never done any sear type work and don't want to mess up the ignition system. Can you all give me your thoughts on this task. Thanks Hray

I'd say get a hold of Grant Cunningham ( one of best smith and Wesson guys) but he retired last year, his website recommends Frank Glen at Glenn Custom...for any smith and Wesson work. Grant used to bobb hammers and make them DA only. http://glenncustom.com/

There will be a replacement hammer for the gun, but that is not a drop in part. It will have to be fit to the gun. Unless you know how to do it and have the tools, it will be a gunsmith job.

My daughter-in-law and wife carry Smith M637s (the exposed hammer Airweight model) and have no problems drawing nor presentation from pocket or purse. Both carry in a pocket holster (Galco I think..the suade one) in either location. It's a matter of training to draw while covering the hammer with your thumb during withdrawal. Give it a try, may save you some $. Rod

I would not alter my grandfather's gun, especially since hammerless variations are so readily available. The 442/642 series is available in no-lock versions as well, but that's just me.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
I would not alter my grandfather's gun, especially since hammerless variations are so readily available. The 442/642 series is available in no-lock versions as well, but that's just me.

I hear you and that's a good point that I have been pondering. I was hoping it would be something simple. I will have to practice the method as described above about covering the hammer when presenting and go from there. I have plenty of pistol options for EDC but was looking at taking it for a stroll now and then. I have a Rgrizzle horsehide OWB for it as well as a Nightingale pocket holster. Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. Hray

Does Hogue still make the grips that have “ears” that shroud the sides of the hammer?

I wouldn't risk damaging the old gun, and honestly I never had a problem pulling my 36 out of my pocket.

Definitely get a pocket holster for it.

I had to sell mine along with a pretty nice collection about 30 years ago. None of the guns I sold are still in production today, so they're irreplaceable. If I had yours, I'd clean it and store it, take it to the range occasionally, but use something else for concealed carry.

Incidentally, if I did my part, my 36 would do 2-1/2" groups at 75 feet with wadcutters. It was just as accurate as my 4" M-19, more accurate than my 2-1/2" M-66.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymann:
I'd say get a hold of Grant Cunningham ( one of best smith and Wesson guys) but he retired last year, his website recommends Frank Glen at Glenn Custom...for any smith and Wesson work. Grant used to bobb hammers and make them DA only. http://glenncustom.com/

Frank Glenn is an excellent choice. He's a former Olympics champion shooter and former AZ DPS armorer. When he retired he opened his shop to build 1911 pistols. He's a master at whatever he does.

Thanks again fellas, I'll just leave it alone and take it out from time to time. I added the T grip but she has been welled loved by my grandfather and then my Uncle until I got it. Hray

A Tyler T-Grip is an acceptable addition to any small-grip Smith!

By the way, I'm guessing that the side plate has never been off that gun -- no sign of screwdriver marks.

I have installed Tyler T-grips to all of my J frame handguns. Not only do they look correct, they feel correct. You have a great old J frame S&W.....enjoy!!

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
There will be a replacement hammer for the gun, but that is not a drop in part. It will have to be fit to the gun. Unless you know how to do it and have the tools, it will be a gunsmith job.

With due respect to Jhe888, this is not entirely true.

Especially with the older pre-lock S&Ws I've found parts to be frequently drop in interchangeable.

I would order the bobbed hammer you want and drop it in.

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:
A Tyler T-Grip is an acceptable addition to any small-grip Smith!

By the way, I'm guessing that the side plate has never been off that gun -- no sign of screwdriver marks.

It's been opened now after your observation. LOL. wasn't to bad, cleaned it out, and a little lube added with no addition of screw driver marks.