,
I have owned both; they are really equal, in terms of function.
Some people prefer the older Smiths with the forged hammer and trigger and the firing pin mounted on the hammer nose; those same people don't seem to like the MIM (metal injection molding) parts on the newer Smiths. However, I believe both are fine and will give you a lifetime of service. I don't like the external, key-operated lock; but that is just a personal preference. I tend to like any Smith that doesn't have the external lock.
Jim
A firing pin that is mounted on/in a hammer
Blocks the hammer from hitting the firing pin.
Typically, the hammer strikes the firing pin which may fire a round, if there is a fresh round in the chamber. In older pistols, the hammer can hit the primer directly (the tip of the hammer has the firing pin on the end).
Smith & Wesson Model 29 - .44 Magnum
SAF-T Hammer Coporation
All my reference material shows that Smith and wesson never made a bobbed hammer model 19.It would seem that someone had a gunsmith bob the hammer,hence a DAO revolver.
You hold the hammer, pull the trigger and gently ease the hammer into the firing position. Be sure to point the gun away from any people at all times.
hammer is spring pushed and hits the firing pin to fire the cartridge.
By action of the hammer striking the firing pin, forcing it into the primer.
The hammer is the part that hits the firing pin when you pull the trigger.. this is just an educated guess...
Smith and Wesson was sold to the firm Saf-T-Hammer,a Arirzona based safety and security company in 2001.
Firing Pin Block