snubbie for CCW... hammer or no hammer?

[Chris17404]

Hi all,

I'm considering getting a Ruger SP101 (2 1/4") as a CCW piece, and debating as to whether to get the spurless hammer or regular hammer. Here are the pros and cons as I see them:

Spurless Pros:

1. Hammer won't catch on clothing when drawing weapon.
2. Less chance of printing.
3. In the unfortunate event that the gun has to be fired, since it's DAO, there's less chance that a lawyer can make the argument that I was "looking for a fight and cocked the hammer".

Spurless Cons:

1. In the event I need to draw my weapon, I can't cock the hammer to let the person know "I really am serious".
2. Hmm... can't think of anything else.

Maybe I answered my own question, but I'd like to hear how others feel on this subject and why. Thanks.

Chris

 

[Chris17404]

One other con to the spurless hammer...

It's harder to use a holster with a thumb break. Nothing to hold on to.

 

[symr00]

If you're carrying concealed, you really don't need a thumb break but if you really want one, Bianchi makes one that snaps around the trigger guard for Ruger SP101s.

In the event I need to draw my weapon, I can't cock the hammer to let the person know "I really am serious".

Save that stuff for the movie stars. If your assailant does not think you are serious after pointing a .357 at him, then shoot the SOB. That's why your aiming it at him, right?

In the unfortunate event that the gun has to be fired, since it's DAO, there's less chance that a lawyer can make the argument that I was "looking for a fight and cocked the hammer".

I find DAO just easier to shoot in a self defense simulations. In real life encounters, you are most likely going to be at 1ft-5ft distances where you're not going to have time to cock the hammer. Taking a Force on Force class will show you how important a smooth draw is and carrying the DAO bobbed hammer SP101 will definitely be an advantage.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get a S&W hammerless light weight. Carry in pocket holster and join the many that do. Will handle +P. 357 a waste in a snub. Muzzel blast horrible in a room or close in area.

 

[Marshall]

For myself, I prefer hammered revolvers, even for carry. I like a single action trigger pull and cocking the hammer is a no big deal. I don't have to cock it, but I have the option. With hammerless, you're pretty much relegated to DAO. I have been shooting revolvers for over 30 years though so it comes naturally.

Pocket carry is the only advantave I see a hammerless revolver has. The liability argument you made, IMO, is not relevant.

 

[Moonclips]

In the event I need to draw my weapon, I can't cock the hammer to let the person know "I really am serious".

If you ever have to draw your piece, you'd better be serious or don't draw at all.

 

[roscoe]

I like the shrouded hammer - you can cock it when you need it, but it wont snag. I have a S&W model 38 airweight, and love it. You never know when you might need to take a well-aimed single-action shot.

Here's the current model:

 

[weregunner]

The other posters are right on not thumbing the hammer back to "let one know you are serious." You are now in line for a zealous political district attorney or money grubbing lawyer to charge you with serious charges. Alleged manslaughter and negligent discharge will be what you face. If the DA can get a conviction on this he will go for it. Lengthy prison time and now you are a felon. Being sued for negligent discharge means your insurance company will pay the bill and you are still a felon if convicted.Don't underestimate the greed and the lengths scummy lawyers will go to win.Can you afford the bills as well as the publicity? It will cost $50,000 dollars minimum and more even if you win. Losing the case means hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions your home or other insurance will have to pay. These cases are won against innocent people on a regular basis in this litigas society we now have. Are you willing to pay the consequences? A reason to have the hammer version of the SP101 is if you have to shoot long range or have the time to cock for a close shot and then you had better have had to shoot to protect. If the hammer is cocked and the bad guy surrenders or runs off (running off means you can't legally shoot him in most states) , know you have a cocked gun that could go off with little trigger pressure. Do you want have to drop the hammer safely (there is no decocker like pistols might have) when your fine motor and muscle skills are gone due to fight or flight response adrenaline dump? Shakey hands are not good to decock with.Could have the negligent discharge happen. So, the hammerless version may be the best way to go. I have held many people ,many times, at gunpoint when I was in Virginia and helping a LEO handle neighborhood criminals. It is something I never want to do again,but may have to. Wasn't fun. TV,films and the media color our perception of what happens.Real world in a situation where you might kill or be killed is different and frightening when it really happens. One has to control the fear. It is very hard but can be done. Take this for what it is worth,but take something away from what all the posters here have said. You only get one chance to do it right. This is not a video game with restart.

 

[Panthera Tigris]

I prefer a hammerless. I'm finding the only way I can pretty much carry nowadays is in a pocket holster. And most hammered revolvers are too large for the pocket. The hammerless or shrouded models are perfect.

 

[10-Ring]

Bobbed, spurless, hammerless...all of the above

 

[Dienekes]

IMHO there is little, if any reason for a single action (cocking) capability in a pocket gun, and a lot of very good ones for a "hammerless" piece. With some effort DA will deliver equal or better practical results without the shortcomings of SA. My wife's M37 is dehorned; my daughter in law's SP-101 3" is likewise dehorned; and I use a 442.

When I was instructing defensive revolver I spent 98% of my time teaching DA. The only reason SA got 2% was that it was on the gun and I figured the student needed to know what it was and how to use it, on principle. We then moved on to more useful things.

 

[bullfrog99]

Go hammerless, trust me, you won't miss it (the hammer or the target).

 

[kevin387]

If you get the hammerless it will force you to practice the way you would shoot, it is all too easy to get in the habit of shooting single action.

 

[fiVe]

Go with hammerless--you won't regret it.

I carry a Smith & Wesson 642.

Bullfrog99: Nice pic!

 

[RustyShackelford]

Hollywood BS/DA only/Shrouded hammer spurs

I'd forget about "cocking the hammer" it's a lot of Hollywood BS. As noted firearms expert/sworn LEO/writer; Massad F Ayoob states; "When you see a TV/movie cop shoot someone you never see the reports he/she fills out, the legal and civil lawsuit issues, the mental health/PTSD problems, and/or the stress it can put on a cop and/or their family members."

Use of deadly force is not a game or a joke. When you draw your weapon(s) you must be able to use them.

For the snub revolver, I'd also say get the DA only/spurless design. If you want to carry/use a DA/SA J frame revolver as a back-up or second gun; get a Taurus Protector or S&W 638/649.

I like the concept of being able to fire SA if I'm wounded/ill or unable to shoot a DA only revolver.

A NIB(new in box) S&W or Taurus can give you that option.

Rusty

 

[Doggieman]

Hammerless, for the simple reason that there's less to screw up. You just point and pull the trigger. I like my guns to be as simple for me to use in the heat of the moment as possible. The fewer "features" the better IMHO on a defensive gun. The beauty of the hammerless gun is there's no safety, no hammer, no half-cock, no change from single action to double action. You just draw and shoot. In a defensive situation I want as few options available to my brain as possible when it comes to the equipment.

 

[The Good]

1 more for hammerless, and as for those cons...
1. when you point the gun at him.. he knows you're serious. on the other hand you could always pick up some crimson trace laser grips. these will give it an even greater effect
2. you can still get a thumbbreak on a hammerless that goes around the back of the gun with many holsters, and its stays very firm and secure. i am wearing on from gold and goodrich right now.. and plus.. with a hammerless small frame revolver, you can just pocket carry anyway.

hammerless is just better for ccw

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a couple defensive revolvers....they both have hammers.

For pocket carry, no doubt about it - hammerless is the way to go.

I think for the more standard carry methods its a rather moot point. When drawing the firearm out of a holster on your waist I dont see how you could have a snagging problem.....but then again I have always carried autos with external hammers (cocked and locked). In these instances I would prefer to have the option of single-action.....so I would (and have) chosen hammer equipped revolvers.

I do think the shrouded hammers are the best of both worlds. I also like the classic looks of a revolver with a hammer.

 

[skipjack]

Lots of great points on this thread! I am looking at the 442 and 642. Am I correct that the difference between them is the finish?

Why is the 642LS so much more? It seems identical to the 642; the LS does have wood stocks. Am I missing some other advantage to the LS?

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[miko]

Exposed hammer on a revolver is mostly a temptation to to waste time/ammo by shooting SA at the range.

I have those on all my revolvers (686, 66, 60 & 617) except the snub (340) but I manage to resist that temptation.

miko

 

[MCgunner]

You should never cock the hammer on a DA revolver in a defense situation, ALWAYS shoot DA! You avoid accidental discharges that way.

For pocket carry, hammerless is advantagous for obvious reasons. However, I much prefer a hammer spur on any revolver I carry because I don't carry one strictly for self defense. I normally carry my subcompact 9 which has an internal hammer/DAO for defense, but when I'm outdoors servicing my feeder down on my place or out in the bay fishing, I may wanna take an accurate longish range shot. I always pocket the .38 when I'm headed outdoors. It's an accurate little buggar for stuff like rabbits or snakes or such and I can carry it with light loads that are more appropriate for small game. I have an elevation wire set in to my front sight for my light 105 grain SWC loads and it prints under 3" for five shots with 'em at 25 yards. The gun is stainless/alloy, too, 15 ounces and more outdoor rugged and rust resistant than my blued auto.

 

[fiVe]

Hammerless, for the simple reason that there's less to screw up. You just point and pull the trigger. I like my guns to be as simple for me to use in the heat of the moment as possible. The fewer "features" the better IMHO on a defensive gun. The beauty of the hammerless gun is there's no safety, no hammer, no half-cock, no change from single action to double action. You just draw and shoot. In a defensive situation I want as few options available to my brain as possible when it comes to the equipment.

Impeccably stated. This is why I carry a 642. (It is also light and pocket friendly.)

 

[joneb]

I would get the hammerless, I have a S&W m36 and a Taurus 85ss and shoot them DA 95% of the time. With a IWB holster a thumb brake may not be needed.

 

[CornCod]

Typical handgun engagements take place at something like 7 foot range. SA might be good for a longer range shot, like if some miscreant is blasting away at you with a rifle at 100 yards. A remote possibility, of course, but I like the ability to take that distance shot.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Custom revolver work/SA shooting

I agree that for regular CC carry/home protection a DA only revolver would be best

BUT

what if you are wounded or unable to fire your DAonly handgun because of illness. Wouldn't you want a DA/SA revolver like a Taurus Protector .357/.38spl or a S&W 649/638 model?

If you want a custom gunsmith to work on your DA revolver they can remove the spur and get rid of the SA notch. See www.clarkcustomguns.com or www.geminicustoms.com for more information.

RS