Best pick for pocket carry snub - hammerless, shrouded hammer, or regular?

[Green Lantern]

Like it says ^^^^ Looking for my first snubby here for my next purchase "eventually!"

I was quite sure I wanted a hammerless revolver for pocket carry, as less chance for lint and stuff to get inside, as well as less stuff to snag the pocket.

I handled a Taurus CIA (hammerless) at the gun store Sunday...nice, but a little heavier than expected. 'Course, a P3AT is my main pocket gun by comparison (8-some ounces plus the weight of 6 or 7 .380 rounds!)

Next, handled another Taurus model with a shrouded hammer. Felt quite a bit lighter than the hammerless model. Now, I don't know the specifics, maybe it was a lighter-weight gun by metals used. But could it be that shrouded hammer models are inherently less heavy than the hammerless ones?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own and carry a S&W M638 so you know which I voted for...
All are great carry revolvers, it's just a matter of preference.
Even an exposed hammer isn't a problem if you draw it correctly.

 

[Sistema1927]

6
4
2

The only three numbers you need to know.

 

[PotatoJudge]

Shrouded hammer for the best of all worlds (except they're ugly), but there are ways to draw a pistol with a hammer without snagging so that's not so big a deal. Bobbed hammer would be my choice with checkering on what's left of the hammer. There may be legal reasons DAO is better in a carry gun, but who knows if that'll ever matter. I like SA shooting for some things, so I'd prefer to keep the capability.

And so far as I know there is little to no weight difference between the hammer types.

 

[mavracer]

I have a M&P 340 in my pocket right now.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I own a S&W 442 and carry the 642 so I guess I vote for the enclosed hammer (or hammerless, I suppose). Never have snagged it and if, God forbid, that I ever have to use it in a SD situation I understand that it would be better for me in a legal sense if I used a DAO firearm.

_______________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

 

[keyboard commando]

640

 

[ArchAngelCD]

that I ever have to use it in a SD situation I understand that it would be better for me in a legal sense if I used a DAO firearm.

And what in the world would make that so? How can using a DAO revolver reduce your legal liability?

 

[mavracer]

And what in the world would make that so? How can using a DAO revolver reduce your legal liability?

it's not so much that it's DAO,as much as increasing your liability for making a SA shot.

 

[Green Lantern]

The only snub I've ever shot was this one - dunno what model - it's my aunt's. Her son bought it for her, she wanted to come over and shoot it at the house. (Took a quick shot of it for use in a Marvel Comics "Civil War" banner parody):



I liked, I liked a lot! Only got "latch-bit" once before I got the clue to mind my GRIP!

(and yeah, I obviously didn't have the whole "antialias text" thing down...)

 

[Phydeaux642]

it's not so much that it's DAO,as much as increasing your liability for making a SA shot.

Exactly. Massad Ayoob mentions this point in several articles that I have read and he states that prosecuters will use anything they can against you. So, I just take the SA out of the equation.

________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

 

[PotatoJudge]

From Grant Cunningham's site:

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/the_case_for_dao.html

 

[Ala Dan]

Pocket Carry

Certainly, the hammerless as there is nothing to snag on the inner lining of
the pocket~!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The one type that will absolutely, positively come out of the pocket with no chance of snagging is the hammerless. (A misnomer, actually, since there is indeed a hammer swinging back and forth in there.) The shrouded hammer is a very close second (their "humpbacked" profile can bind on a tight pocket), and even an exposed hammer can still be drawn with a good pocket holster and proper technique.

Something else to consider is that the "hammerless" design allows a higher hold on the backstrap of the grip, which will help your control of the recoil. And the hammer slot of the shrouded or exposed hammer can get dirt, lint or other debris inside much more easily -- another reason to recommend all such guns be carried in a pocket holster.

 

[DawgFvr]

...Hamerless of course

...Recommend 6 4 2

 

[fiVe]

Another vote for hammerless and the 642.

 

[glockman19]

6 4
4 4
2 2

The only (three) six numbers you need to know.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like my M638 because I have the option to fire SA when testing ammo I reload.

 

[Gustav]

I voted shrouded hammer for me its the best choice.

The model 60 S&W I had was a jewel it was compact and light and carried well but it always seemed to snag from inside the pocket thats one reason I sold it years ago.
I could not fire all five rounds 100% reliably from inside the pocket without catching on clothing either between the hammer and frame or on the hammer spur (cheap thrift store coats make great practice for pocket shooting).

The hammerless models work OK for me for up close and personal but at ranges past 7 yards or for for occasional plinking and field use I like being able to SEE and use a hammer either as a double action or a single action for a lighter shorter trigger pull.

The shrouded DA/SA hammer offers the best of all the options with none of the vices IMHO.

 

[Raspu10]

OMG I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE.... I NEED 6..4..2.. Not .. Enough ... CASH!!!!!!!!! NEEED JOB!!!!:banghead:


Will Someone Higher Me Lol

 

[jt1]

642/Mika Pocket Holster - It doesn't get any better.


321060[/ATTACH]"]

 

[Raspu10]

You dare taunt me with your sexy 642

GREAT REVIEW BELOW

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm

 

[Neophyte1]

Sw 638

638: best of both; single action double action

 

[Raspu10]

I don't remember what 638 looks like.

 

[mjrodney]

Mine is a 638 with shrouded hammer; but as a defensive weapon and not a range or house gun, I don't think about using it in single action mode.

It's an up close and in your face defensive weapon that is more apt to be pointed, rather than carefully aimed as it likely would be in single action.

Learning how to shoot one at a distance, double action and using the minimalist sights is good fun.....(steady now, hold that sight picture, sqquueeeze that trigger)..... but when the "Tueller Drill" is in full swing and you have a second and a half or less to react....

And if the "Tueller Drill" wasn't about to happen, and although my hand might be wrapped around the little bugger, the 638 would not be out of my pocket.

It will only come out when it's needed, and only when it's needed now.