[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

S&W won't work on it. They have abandoned their longstanding warranty for model marked guns. The fix is fairly simple and any decent gunsmith can accomplish it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

It happens...but not often. S&W knew it was breakable so they designed it to be replaced. You may also need a hammer nose bushing. That's the pressed in piece in the recoil shield that your nose is broken off in. The gunsmith will know and can fix it as well if he has an hydraulic press.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Can you try a small punch from the rear and push the hammer nose into the snap cap. If the cap is destroyed, so be it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You can try it but my experience is they are too malleable (soft steel). Try a small nail instead. If you have some finishing nails, turn them around and put the head on the hammer nose then tap the pointed end. Also, if you have a Dremel, drill it out.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I would take the hammer out if you can get it back far enough to clear. With the nose broken off, it may not take much. When you remove the side plate, don't mix up the screws. The lower forward yoke screw MUST go back into its hole. Remove the main spring first, then the hammer. You should get access to the rear of the hammer bushing and be able to work on it. The worst you can do is bugger up the hammer nose bushing and they're replaceable.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I'm also unsure of any special regulations that are in place for shipping firearms, even one that doesn't have any way to fire at the moment.

If he is in the same state, you can send it to him via common carrier ground ($). It's against USPS rules to mail it to him. If he is not in the same state, you can send it by common carrier 2nd day air ($$$). If there is an FFL near you, they can send it to him by mail ($$). But most will charge a transfer fee and, depending on where you are, it could be significant.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Before you go , look up that states concealed carry laws. If you don't have a concealed carry permit in your state, you'll need one. Also check if the state that he's in is reciprocal with your state honoring concealed carry. You may be lucky and live in a free state that doesn't require concealed carry Permits. But most do.

Guy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Not necessarily. Alabama was one of the most liberal states when it came to gun ownership and only recently allowed a none concealed carry holder to transport a firearm anywhere on a vehicle. Even if you locked it in the trunk oh, you still had to have a concealed carry permit up until about two years ago. It's worth checking because States like Maryland will Ambush you if you come through with a gun your car.

Guy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Up until a few years ago so, you couldn't transport a handgun in Alabama without a concealed carry permit. That including taking it to the range or to the FFL / gunsmith. Mostly the cops looked the other way. The legislature realized it was stupid and fixed it. Maryland is notorious for stopping people searching their cars and confiscating their handguns. They are similar to New Jersey. And I've doubt that they changed.

Guy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Idaho is pretty liberal on handguns. There's a website that covers concealed carry laws it shows the reciprocal nature between states. Google it and check. I think you'll be okay.

Guy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You can get a hammer nose kit from Power Custom...now called Grandmasters LLC.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Your experience is not mine. I contacted S&W Customer Service about work on my Model 16 from 1959. They sent me a shipping label and I sent them the gun. Six months later, they sent me a note saying the gun was "obsolete" and they would not work on it. I was willing to pay. The gun had severe corrosion on the barrel and frame that I wanted removed and reblued. Had to have it done locally.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I don't think that is too much. Are any of the primers punctured? If not, it's better than too light a strike.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Could be your hammer nose bushing is worn down and allowing the nose to penetrate farther. And, that may be the reason the nose broke. If there is a narrow channel in the bushing, it could bind the nose and facilitate breakage. It would be best to have the gunsmith replace it as well as the nose and it is good you have all the parts.