Hammerless w/out rear sight or Hammer w/ rear sight??

[JLStorm]

My wife is joining a company I work for that does some investigation, personal protection and recovery work. She will just be doing some cheating spouses and verification work on the side, but she will need to qualify with a firearm under the states lethal weapons training act. I was going to get her a compact semi auto of some sort, but she cant rack the slides very well in anything we tried, and she really likes the no nonsense always ready revolver. She has made it very clear that she is sacrifice the extra rounds of a semi auto for a revolver that it always goes bang when she pulls the trigger and wont jam, and there is definitely someting to be said for that.


The issue is hammerless revolver like a 2" 357/38 revolver, which is easy to carry and doesnt ever snag, but has no rear sight, and is very hard to learn to aim well. Or something like a 2.5" barrel S&W 686 with a wonderful rear and front sight combination, but a hammer to get cought on things?

My wife will be required to carry the weapon on her person either open or concealed during work, but I suspect she will choose concealed. On her own time I wouldnt be surprised if she went with an ankle or thigh rig or more probable a CCW pocket book, which I dont particularly like, but its her choice not mine.

So bad aim and no snags, or good aim and a hammer getting in the way?

 

[warwagon]

There are many good hammerless revolvers out there, both new, and used.

Almost all have sights, the difference being that they are built in,and not adjustable.

With a little practice they can be utilized well at the distances that the revolver was intended to be used.

You might try going to a range if you have one handy, and renting one, or if you have friends that might have one, maybe they will let you borrow one for evaluation.

I have had a S&W mod. 49 for years, and have no qualms about carrying it.

Good luck to you both!

Blair

 

[JLStorm]

I have a 640PD that I use as a BUG and it has no rear sight, but also doesnt snag on anything...the downside is your aim is compromised with no rear sight, but I only use it as a BUG, if I need it the stuff has already hit the fan and there is no time for sighting in. My wife will be using it as a primary, and I just cant imagine not having a rear sight. The only company I trust with revolvers is S&W, I dont see any hammerless models with rear sights that are still in production?

 

[JoeG52]

The 640 does have a rear sight, it is called a 'fixed notch' sight.

SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Revolver
Action: Double Action Only
Caliber: 357 Remington Mag
Barrel Length: 2 1/8"
Capacity: 5 rd
Grips: Uncle Mikes Combat
Sights: Pinned Black Serrated (Front); Fixed Notch (Rear)
Weight: 23 oz.
Finish: Satin Stainless Steel

 

[zero_chances]

Maybe a Crimson Trace laser grip would help.

Here is one with the laser grip.

 

[JLStorm]

The 640 does have a rear sight, it is called a 'fixed notch' sight.

SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Revolver
Action: Double Action Only
Caliber: 357 Remington Mag
Barrel Length: 2 1/8"
Capacity: 5 rd
Grips: Uncle Mikes Combat
Sights: Pinned Black Serrated (Front); Fixed Notch (Rear)
Weight: 23 oz.
Finish: Satin Stainless Steel

Ok, I'll revise my statement then...the 640 rear sight is horrible. I want something with an actual sight.


Zero, I really like the laser grip idea...that is a good one.

 

[Jim Watson]

For $60 S&W will remove the hammer spur and eliminate that snag point. A local gunsmith would probably do it cheaper and faster, it it not a huge job and does not affect operation of the gun except to render it double action only. (Actually, it used to be common to remove the hammer spur and checker the top of the hammer so that you could start the hammer back with the trigger, catch it with the thumb, and bring it to full cock for a single action shot. That is a little tricky and is probably considered hazardous by the lawyers of the Internet Generation. Not good for much except testing ammunition for accuracy anyhow.)

I see a couple of possibilities, depending on her method of carry and tolerance of weight in her sidearm. S&W makes a M60 Chief's Special .38/.357 with 3" barrel and adjustable sights. One version with Hi-Viz fibre optic front and V notch rear, one with Patridge square post and notch. Or you could look for a sound used M19 or M66 2.5" and get six shots and steadier hold in the larger K frame. Have the hammer "bobbed", select ammo and holster, practice, and go to town. I would not go for the big L frame.