Backup gun - Enclosed hammer or Bobbed hammer?

[Frank1991]

Hello:
I have a 642-2 that I originally bought for a backup gun to wear while on duty in a bullet proof vest holster. I am considering trading it for a new Smith & Wesson model 37 with a bobbed hammer. The 642 has the internal lock, and the M37 does not. That, aside from the finishes and hammer styles, are the only differences. The 642 has a completely enclosed hammer and the M37 has a bobbed hammer. Which one would you use for a backup gun and why? Thanks

 

[gfen]

No lock.

You said "on duty," which means you may very well need your backup firearm to save someone, so in such a case I would seek to remove any and all possible (no matter how minute) problems before they start.

Some people claim they've had their internal locks engaged. Wether it was by use, abuse, or misuse, they've made that statement. Do you want to rely on another possibility that your backup might not work when you, or if you're protecting me, me, might need it?

I'd rather you didn't.

 

[Frank1991]

OK - if we removed the lock issue from the picture and just considered the hammer issue, which one would you choose? Thanks

 

[JShirley]

Theoretically, an enclosed hammer version could be more resistant to any debris.

I doubt there's a practical difference.

John

 

[carolinaman]

Hi there,

I think the 642-2 is more in line with its chosen mission than the Model 37.

Thumb cocking the hammer is really only necessary for me when target shooting/hunting and the 642 or any snub is not the best pick for a target/hunting gun anyways with its diminutive sights and small grip.

When I do shoot my revolvers, I rarely thumb cock them anyways.

Since I carry the 642 in a pocket holster, and who knows when I may actually have to shoot through the pocket of my overcoat.

Chris

 

[Riktoven]

That is why I am looking for a used 642 (or a new one on sale for less than $325). It is with the sole intent of firing it from a coat pocket so the fully enclosed hammer removes any chance of snagging, however small that chance was to begin with.

 

[DB]

Is a model 37 rated to shoot +P ammunition? I know the newer 642's are.

 

[Biker]

Given a choice, I'd go with the shrouded hammer every time. Stays cleaner, can be shot inside of a pocket and it would be hard to imagine the need to ever shoot a BUG single action.
Biker

 

[Frank1991]

Is a model 37 rated to shoot +P ammunition? I know the newer 642's are.

Yes

 

[autospike]

Just a bit of info.

I just picked up one of those no lock, bobbed, Mod 37's and it's VERY nice.
The trigger is better than any other new (with lock) J-Frame they had in stock.

If I read your post right, you're not looking for something to be fired from within a pocket.

It sounds as if you're just worried about snagging.

The hammer on mine was bobbed expertly and is smooth. I'm not worried about it snagging on anything during the drawstroke.

Edited to say:
My 37 is stamped +P.

 

[Frank1991]

Some of these are stamped +p while others are not. On all of these M37's the older (non +p rated) frame is used. Therefore, I would practice with standard pressure and carry +p.

 

[autospike]

Yup... That's the plan.

The shop had two of them. One was stamped +P the other was not.


So... Did you get one?

 

[MCgunner]

I'm a little odd, I guess, but I like being able to cock the revolver at longer ranges and fire accurate shots. I don't care too much for bobbed or concealed hammers. I'd especially feel that way if I was a cop and might actually be IN a situation where I needed all the accuracy I could get out of the gun.

The only real advantage I can see in carrying a bobbed hammer is for pocket carry. It's snag resistant. My ankle holsters, though, have a strap for retention. You can buy holsters that don't have a strap, of course.

Personal preference, but I don't pocket carry my snubs and I really like to fire 'em SA when I really, really need an accurate shot. You might be amazed how accurate a snub is, too.

 

[Frank1991]

So... Did you get one?

Yes, and I like it a lot.

 

[Frank1991]

I'm a little odd, I guess, but I like being able to cock the revolver at longer ranges and fire accurate shots. I'd especially feel that way if I was a cop and might actually be IN a situation where I needed all the accuracy I could get out of the gun.

THis is a snub nose gun which most of us, I would imagine, do not plan to use at longer ranges. It is generally meant for closer ranges in a self defense senerio. It is also nice because it is simple to use and requires very little thought in a self defense senerio - pull the trigger and it goes bang. As for being a cop - I use the gun strictly as a backup gun where it is my last line of defense when the #1 gun has failed or has been taken from me. Also in this case I would expect that the gun would be used at a very close range.

 

[Jeff Timm]

I prefer the shrouded hammer. S&W Model 38, sleek as an enclosed hammer, but still allows single action shooting.

S&W 649 is the current model in .357. I'd stick with .38 Special 125gr +P.

Geoff
Who favors his Model 38.

 

[MCgunner]

This is a snub nose gun which most of us, I would imagine, do not plan to use at longer ranges. It is generally meant for closer ranges in a self defense scenario. It is also nice because it is simple to use and requires very little thought in a self defense scenario - pull the trigger and it goes bang. As for being a cop - I use the gun strictly as a backup gun where it is my last line of defense when the #1 gun has failed or has been taken from me. Also in this case I would expect that the gun would be used at a very close range.

Yes, I understand the thought behind concealed hammers, but does that mean I HAVE to carry a concealed hammer when I use mine (civilian CCW) for shooting stuff at ranges where I prefer SA? I don't think so, I'll keep the hammer spur, thanks.

If I were an LEO, I'd think about the "what if" I was in a shoot out, my primary jams/breaks, I'm at extended ranges, 40-50 or more yards, don't have a long gun, and I've got to place my shots with the snub. I've practiced with snubs at the range and they can do amazing things at extended ranges, helped by a SA pull. You can still draw and fire the gun DA as per normal at close range, but I can hit 2 liter pop bottles all day long SA at 50 yards with well aimed shots. DA makes it tougher.

As a civilian, I'll never be in that above situation 'cause if I'm 50 yards from the threat, I'll wait behind cover and call 911 on my cell or get the heck out of Dodge if I can. If I pocket carried, I'd bob the hammer and keep the SA notch on the hammer. I can always start the hammer back with the trigger, then thumb it the rest of the way with my off hand, not the safest way, but in a pinch in the unforeseen circumstance. You might think about doing that. That way, in the highly unlikely chance you DO need to place accurate shots, you CAN do it and you'll have your snag free gun to boot!

My own requirements have more to do with bopping around in the sticks with a handgun looking for meat to shoot than self defense, I'll admit. I use it to dispatch large sharks when shark fishing, always my snubby cause it's stainless/aluminum and more salt water resistant than my DAO 9. I have shot lots of rabbit with wadcutter loads afield when deer hunting. A 3" barrel really helps there, but I've done it with a 2" out to 25 yards. Snubs are far under-appreciated for actually accuracy potential IMHO, but the only way I can tap that potential is to cock the hammer. Anyone that says a snubby is only good at ten paces never tried to shoot it any further. I really ike my little 3" J frame for outdoor use. It packs more punch than a .22 if I run across a BG in the middle of BFE, but is super accurate with wadcutters for taking small game. It's a blued gun, wish it were stainless, but no matter while out hunting. I don't take that one salt water fishing.

 

[Frank1991]

Yes, I understand the thought behind concealed hammers, but does that mean I HAVE to carry a concealed hammer when I use mine (civilian CCW) for shooting stuff at ranges where I prefer SA? I don't think so, I'll keep the hammer spur, thanks.

If I were an LEO, I'd think about the "what if" I was in a shoot out, my primary jams/breaks, I'm at extended ranges, 40-50 or more yards, don't have a long gun, and I've got to place my shots with the snub. I've practiced with snubs at the range and they can do amazing things at extended ranges, helped by a SA pull. You can still draw and fire the gun DA as per normal at close range, but I can hit 2 liter pop bottles all day long SA at 50 yards with well aimed shots. DA makes it tougher.

As a civilian, I'll never be in that above situation 'cause if I'm 50 yards from the threat, I'll wait behind cover and call 911 on my cell or get the heck out of Dodge if I can. If I pocket carried, I'd bob the hammer and keep the SA notch on the hammer. I can always start the hammer back with the trigger, then thumb it the rest of the way, not the safest way, but in a pinch in the unforeseen circumstance. My own requirements have more to do with bopping around in the sticks with a handgun looking for meat to shoot than self defense, I'll admit. I use it to dispatch large sharks when shark fishing, always my snubby cause it's stainless/aluminum and more salt water resistant than my DAO 9. I have shot lots of rabbit with wadcutter loads afield when deer hunting. A 3" barrel really helps there, but I've done it with a 2" out to 25 yards. Snubs are far under-appreciated for actually accuracy potential IMHO, but the only way I can tap that potential is to cock the hammer. Anyone that says a snubby is only good at ten paces never tried to shoot it any further.

I guess it all depends on what you are going to use the gun for. In a high stress situation I cannot imagine using any snubby for a 50 yard shot. For shooting at paper or animals I would definately get something that is SA capable. We try to simulate high stress situations followed by gun fire, and I can tell you that it is much harder to shoot any gun when you add even a small amount of stress to the game. I think, but I may be wrong, that lots of people that will end up carrying guns like these new M37's with the bobbed hammers will expect to be accurate only out to about 10 yards or less. These M37's, in my opinion, make excellent backup or pocket guns and they are virtually snag free.

 

[MCgunner]

I guess it all depends on what you are going to use the gun for. In a high stress situation I cannot imagine using any snubby for a 50 yard shot. For shooting at paper or animals I would definately get something that is SA capable. We try to simulate high stress situations followed by gun fire, and I can tell you that it is much harder to shoot any gun when you add even a small amount of stress to the game. I think, but I may be wrong, that lots of people that will end up carrying guns like these new M37's with the bobbed hammers will expect to be accurate only out to about 10 yards or less. These M37's, in my opinion, make excellent backup or pocket guns and they are virtually snag free.

I have no argument there and I understand the stress of battle thing would introduce factors not conducive to accurate aimed fire. LOL However, I don't know that I'd be able to hit anything with a service size gun either in actual combat past 10 yards. IDPA targets don't shoot back. I certainly hope I never have to find out. All one can do is prepare best he can and hope he can perform if and when it ever happens, I guess.

 

[mrmeval]

They can be fired from within a pocket easier than a bobbed hammer in many cases.

Theoretically, an enclosed hammer version could be more resistant to any debris.

I doubt there's a practical difference.

John

 

[cookekdjr]

Given a choice, I'd go with the shrouded hammer every time. Stays cleaner, can be shot inside of a pocket and it would be hard to imagine the need to ever shoot a BUG single action.
Biker
What he said. I carry a 342pd in my coat pocket often. Very comforting to know I don't even have to pull it out to fire it. Badguy would never see it comin'.
-David

 

[Erik]

I'd always opt for a non-lock S&W over a locked one.

I hate the locks. Ugly and they can engage.

Honestly, you are not giving up much, if anything, by carrying a bobbed J frame vs an enclosed one.