Hammer or No Hammer for compact CCW?

[krs]

I've got a Model 49 with shrouded hammer, and we have two 442's with enclosed hammers. Though I love the S&W single action trigger both my wife and I carry the 442's (if I'm carrying a revolver).

After a lot of practice I'm convinced that the 442 trigger is designed with a subtle stop before letoff when firing slowly.

What this means to me is that the hammerless models CAN be used in a psuedo single actiom mode when there's time to pull slowly. Otherwise it doesn't take very long to train for good accuracy in fast double action shooting.

 

[SwampWolf]

I use both for pocket carry (a Colt Cobra or a Smith 640-depending on situation and/or mood) in a pocket holster and don't believe it makes much of a difference as to whether a hammer is exposed or not. I would note that just because a revolver has an exposed hammer doesn't preclude using it in a strictly da mode in a self-defense situation. Any "temptation" to employ a sa mode inadvisedly can be kept in check by good training. Finally, as others have said, a snag-free draw can be accomplished by simply placing the ball of your thumb over the spur of the hammer as the revolver is being withdrawn from the holster.

 

[S&Wfan]

Both my CCW-type J-frames are exposed hammer versions. Why? Because I was looking for really nice condition vintage ones that these were the two I found.

As has been said, with the proper draw, a hammer is NOT a problem. Period.

As far as using it in a self-defense situation, I STRONGLY recommend that folks practice a lot shooting double action only, for when both you and the BG are running around yelling "Oh Shidt, Oh Shidt" as you both try to end the threat, you'll be yanking and cranking double action! BTW, you'll both be frantic, moving targets and you'll probably both miss!

I also STRONGLY recommend that folks find some good bowling pin matches to compete in, so you learn to fire smoothly, quickly and with no wasted motion in the double action only style . . . under pressure and against the clock.

The BEST pin matches are man-against-man, as each responds to a timer, from the low ready position and engages real bowling pins at 10 yards. The winner advances when his last pin falls first.

Sure, the pressure of performing in front of others in competition ain't exactly like the "real thing," but I've noticed how good shooters "choke" for a few matches under this level of pressure before they begin to be wheelgun masters who win occasionally.

Practice and compete a lot . . . and you'll be waaaay ahead of the BG!

T.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have been carrying a M640 for some time now. I recently carried my M32 Terrier for a period of time. I prefer the hammerless. What ever you carry, practice with it.

 

[capttom]

I've found there to be no disadvantage to my Smith shrouded hammer Model 38 Airweight when compared to my 642 Airweight. So far, in a Nemesis pocket holster, there hasn't even been a problem with lint.
I practice double action, but like the option of cocking if necessary. A friend and I discussed the matter at some length and neither convinced the other to change his mind. OK, the chances of my being in a Luby's Cafeteria scenario, where I may have to place a well aimed shot at 25+ yards, is farfetched, but we deal often in possibilities, not probabilities. I'm much more confidant of my capabilities at that distance with the Bodyguard as opposed to the Centennial. (I'd rather have a .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander or one of my 9mm, but more likely than not, I'll have a J-frame when something bad goes down.)
I'm also confidant I'm not going to change anybody's opinions. What works for me doesn't work for everyone. There are few absolutes in pistolcraft.

 

[BigBlock]

Just because you don't NEED the hammer in every self defense situation, doesn't mean you need to CUT IT OFF! In most self defense situations you don't need bullets either, so maybe leave those at home too. Whether you only shoot DA or not is irrelivant, the only reason to bob the hammer is because people think it gets caught....those people have never practiced pulling a revolver out of their pocket before.

 

[johnnylaw53]

I perfer my 642 for carry due to not having an expose hammer I do know i'm limited on long shots but i don't see that being needed in the role the snub play. If you do then capttom have the right ideal a mod. 638 and i think the older ones were 49's weren't they? Might just be the best of both worlds.

be safe

 

[jc650]

I prefer hammerless.

 

[rondog]

I guess my S&W 49 would be considered a "shrouded" hammer. It's there, and you can cock it for SA, but it's covered enough that it can't snag on anything.

 

[ejnogarb]

If you'll need it in a pinch (and why else CCW?) you won't want to fiddle around with anything double action. Even though it's uglier, get the concealed hammer.