Hammer or No Hammer for compact CCW?

[hawk45]

Hi all,

Looking at some compact revolvers for CCW in .357 for pocket carry. Do you prefer a full hammer or zero profile hammer? Just wondering if a full hammer will cause draw/snag issues from pocket holster.

Appreciated,
Hawk

 

[Eagles6]

S&W Bodyguard with shrouded hammer. Gices you both SA and DA and hammer won't snag. Taurus is also making a shrouded hammer design.

 

[BigBlock]

A revolver without a hammer is a crime against nature!

 

[X-Rap]

A DAO revolver for pocket carry only makes sense. If you are hunting squirrels or deer SA capability is a must, two seperate animals IMO.

 

[Wolfeye]

If you're going to use it as a CCW carried in your pocket, I'd recommend something without an exposed hammer. Defensive shooting favors double action.

 

[Archie]

Been there, done that, still doing that.

Don' need no steenking hammer spurs...

 

[gazpacho]

K-I-S-S

Keep It Simple Stupid

Completely sealed hammer. Less holes for crap to get into your gun.

 

[mnrivrat]

I prefer having the hammer spur and SA capability. ( I pocket carry )

I think the snag thing is a problem in folk lore more than reality , but to each his own.

 

[RON in PA]

If you are going to use a revolver for concealed carry you need to become proficient in DA shooting, speed with accuracy is critical. You don't need an external hammer that snags or is a temptation to go to SA.

 

[johnnylaw53]

I carried an old mod 60 years ago never really use it for sa I did fine problems when I had to just stick it in my front wasit band of my jeans the hammer poke my belly some and I was in a lot better shape back then. I perfer my 642 now day. That said the wife want to go to a snub for off duty and she only want one with a expose hammer she of the school that you should see it. If you carry in your pocket you just need to train yourself to cover the hammer with your thumb when drawing no snag then.

be safe

 

[orchidhunter]

hawk45, There are now some light .357s for pocket carry, with hammer and with out. In something the size that you can put in your pocket, you might as well get a .38. Pocket carry = no hammer. orchidhunter

 

[MrBorland]

If you are going to use a revolver for concealed carry you need to become proficient in DA shooting, speed with accuracy is critical. You don't need an external hammer that snags or is a temptation to go to SA.

Couldn't have said it better.

The revo shooters on the Brian Enos forum are among the fastest and most accurate there are, and collectively feel - "hammer spurs are for midnight cowboys". Ought to say something.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't post Cunningham's "Case for DAO":

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

 

[WC145]

I had the hammer on my snubby bobbed short but there's still enough to cock it for SA shooting if I want. I don't have any snagging issues because when I draw it I take it by the grip and and place my thumb on the back of the hammer. That way it can't snag and I can cock it if I want or just roll my thub off the hammer and shoot DA.

 

[mnrivrat]

If you carry in your pocket you just need to train yourself to cover the hammer with your thumb when drawing no snag then.

And I will second that - it is a matter of training and technique . What works for one doesn't always work for all. That's perhaps why they sell them both ways.

I would be interested also in hearing from anybody who has had their revolver snag in their pocket at a critical time, and give the details.

I am certainly not against anyone going with the shrouded hammer, or a bobbed hammer if they are concerned about snag. I simply trained myself to remove my firearm in such a manner as to not have a problem with the hammer spur. I train both SA & DA and I will not give up my SA capability - that's me , anyone else should do what works for them.

 

[ravencon]

I much prefer hammerless for pocket carry and even for appendix carry.

I'm not fond of shrouded hammers. When I owned one it always seemed to be a collection point for all manner of pocket lint. I never could figure how it got there since I always pocket carry in a holster. YMMV.

A revolver without a hammer is a crime against nature!

Only if you're not willing to practice double action shooting.

 

[jhco]

A hammer spur could cause a snag on the draw. also if you carry in a winter coat pocket then a hammerless revolver will allow you to shoot from inside the pocket multible times with out the hammer catching the linning of your pocket (I would never shoot at a target with out taking careful aim first, however this is a method tought by some)

 

[SniperStraz]

If it goes in your pocket I'd keep it hammerless.

 

[eazyasone23]

go hammerless

 

[rdrancher]

I usually pocket carry a 642, but today in larger pockets prefer my SP101 with a ...Gasp...HAMMER SPUR! Thumb goes under the hammer on the draw and doesn't snag anything.


For all those who trample on the idea of a SA shot in a self defense scenario. Remember that SA seems to work just fine for all of the 1911A1 format ccw folks out there.

rd

 

[BP44]

I agree with the SP101 but i go hammerless
Happy thanksgiving to all!!!

 

[Redhawk1]

Hammerless

 

[wyocarp]

Hammerless is my choice.

 

[BigBlock]

I think the snag thing is a problem in folk lore more than reality , but to each his own.

I have to agree with that. I keep my big GP100 in my pocket all the time, I've never had a problem with the hammer getting snagged...something smaller would be even less likely to snag.

 

[jaydubya]

I bought an S&W 637 Airweight six years ago. If I had known then what I know now, I would have bought a 642 instead. I shoot the 637 about once a month (quite enough for ANY Airweight, much less an Airlite!), fifty rounds all double action. And there is the point: never single action. I practice what I bought that weapon for: home defense. In other words, double action engagement at five - seven yards. Actually, that revolver is how in a hidden location up front in the house. My primary home defense weapon is a 4" 686+, loaded with +p .38sp. And some other stuff you don't have to know about.

Cordially, Jack

 

[Padri]

The hammer is only good if you have an inordinate amount of time to use the firearm. In a defense situation it will be a matter of milliseconds. A DAO would do just fine in such a scenario. I would recommend either a steel frame S&W in .357 with Barami Hip Grips and Tyler T grip with medium velocity ammo, or a "titanium" S&W with hot 38 Special loads with a front pocket hoster.