Surprised

[Johnnu2]

I was recently taking apart my J-frame S&W 637, and was a bit shocked and disconcerted to find that the part that holds the hammer spring strut in place and allows it to function as a spring, is actually made of RUBBER. The part is called a 'swivel'. SHOCK AND DISMAY on my part and embarrassment that I never noticed it before. I ordered an "extra" from S&W just in case.... I expect it will be rubber as well although I hope that (maybe) they 'upgraded' to a more durable "swivel".
Anyone ever see this on a gun that is supposed to be used for serious purposes....???

J.

 

[arfmel]

I’m surprised as well. I sure don’t remember those things being rubber.

 

[eveled]

A quick search says its polymer. Polymer can be lots of different formulations. Many guns have complete polymer frames.

The reviews all mention loosing the original one, not because the originals were damaged.

One thread on another forum indicated they stopped using metal ones in 1997. apparently there is a very low failure rate. I could find no complaints of them failing

 

[Johnnu2]

A quick search says its polymer. Polymer can be lots of different formulations. Many guns have complete polymer frames.

The reviews all mention loosing the original one, not because the originals were damaged.

One thread on another forum indicated they stopped using metal ones in 1997. apparently there is a very low failure rate. I could find no complaints of them failing

Thanks for that..... never thought of googling the thing.
On the positive side, I sent an email to S&W to get a new one and they sent me one for free.... it is exactly the same material.
J.

 

[eveled]

Glad I could help ease your concerns. I have 4 J frames so you made me concerned.

If nothing else it is easy to loose, so good idea to have a spare.

 

[Kevin]

Was this just a normal take down for cleaning? How far do you have to go when taking it apart to get to this piece?

 

[beentheredone]

They've been that way for about 25 years. Haven't heard of any failure yet...

 

[Johnnu2]

Was this just a normal take down for cleaning? How far do you have to go when taking it apart to get to this piece?

Kevin, you can see the piece by simply taking off the grip panels. I can actually remove it without further take-down, but I've taken S&Ws apart for MANY years.
In this case, I was taking my gun apart to change from a spur-less hammer back to the original hammer with spur. I'm embarrassed to say that I've done it before (when I de-spurred a hammer and put it in the gun) and never noticed the rubber/polymer part......
J. :sick: