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Old February 7, 2013, 09:06 PM   #2
James K
Member In Memoriam
 
Join Date: March 17, 1999
Posts: 24,383
Your five screw must be a very old one; the ones made from c. 1945 on had the hammer block actuated by the rebound slide just like the current ones.

S&W actually used three types of hammer blocks. The first was its own spring and fitted into the side plate. The hand actuated a plunger that moved the hammer block aside. The second type was similar, but the hand had a sloped surface that pushed a tab on the hammer block. That was the kind that failed during WWII, and resulted in the current "positive" block that is not dependent on a spring to reach the "safe" position.

If you want to really have fun, try to get hold of the original M&P, the Model 1899, and compare it with the modern MIM three screw. The many tiny parts and microscopic springs in the old gun will amaze you and cause you to wonder if they put those guns together under a magnifying glass.

S&W has been criticized for their "cheap" modern design. But if those guns were made like that five screw or like the 1899, the cost would be out of reach for most of us.

And possibly the most interesting thing is that through many changes and improvements of the internal design, they kept the external appearance the same (right up to the installation of the lock). Few people actually get to see the inside of the old guns as you did, and understand the differences.

Jim

Last edited by James K; February 7, 2013 at 09:13 PM.
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