shrouded vs. concealed ???

[David]

When it comes to J-frames, what are the pros and cons of a shrouded hammer vs. a concealed (aka "hammerless") hammer (other than one is DAO)?



I currently own a concealed hammer J-frame, but my local gun shot has a "sale" on a shrouded hammer version.

Thanks...

 

[MikeJ]

For the record I prefer concealed hammer vs. shrouded hammer models.

Pros of shrouded hammer - option of cocking the hammer for SA mode

Cons - design allows for lint and other debris to collect in there

Pros of concealed hammer - design doesn't allow for lint and debris to collect

Cons - as you mentioned DAO which some find to be a negative

Personally, I find another advantage to the concealed hammer version and that is due to the design I can get a higher grip hold which allows me to shoot these guns much more accurately than either the traditional version or shrouded version. Being a fan of DAO in defensive guns, particularly with snubbies, I see no need for the shrouded hammer design. I shoot my 640 Centennial better than my 37 Airweight by a large margin. The bottomline is, do you want the SA option? Mike

 

[22luvr]

hammerless removes my "temptation"

My 340SC is strictly for up-close personal defense. When I go to the range to practice, I always run up against the temptation to shoot single-action because I am more accurate in that mode and I don't want to look like a klutz. However, that also removes the reason why I came to practice in the first place! I now shoot as much double action as I possibly can because, for me, it makes ALL of my shooting better, regardless of the weapon type.

An enclosed hammerless snub can also be fired directly from a pocket or beneath your clothing, without any possibility of a hangup, a distinct advantage in some situations

 

[9mmepiphany]

the only possible advantage of the shouded hammer, on a smith, is the ability/temptation to cock the hammer for single action fire...it is a false advantage as you can be just as accurate shooting DA.

the internal hammer models are more sealed to dirt and pocket lint, are more snagproof, allow a higher hold and just look cleaner

 

[fallingblock]

Go with the concealed hammer...

As the other posters have mentioned, it is far less likely to admit dust, lint and debris into its action, and the 'high grip' afforded is indeed an advantage in controlling the recoil.

The availability of single action in a snub is of little relevance for the situations a snub is meant to address.

Practice often with the double action - the accuracy and speed will surprise you

 

[BigG]

I think everybody has covered it pretty well, the DAO is the best defensive posture. The concealed hammer removes temptation to thumb cock what is one of the finest defensive weapons in the world.

I try to fire all my S&Ws DA, even the big 8 3/8" maggies. After a while it becomes second nature and your hit ratio goes up exponentially. It's really worth learning.

 

[9mmepiphany]

just a hint about learning DA trigger control...

we've all heard about practicing with your carry load, and that should certainly happen before you carry it for SD, but you'll get good, alot faster, if you burn up awhole lot of .38spl wadcutters in practice

 

[BigG]

...or 22 LR!

 

[9mmepiphany]

that's true too...it is really nice if you have a companion m-34/63 to go with your .38 J-frame. although i could never get as light a trigger on my m-63 as on my m-642

practice on a K-frame (m-617) wouldn't hurt, but the trigger pull just doesn't feel the same...the whole leaf spring vs. coil spring thing

 

[fallingblock]

9mmepiphany has a great point....

The 34/63 S&W will make an excellent low cost study gun for DA shooting....I am fortunate that my 63 had about the same weight as the 640's, but as stated, you want that coil spring feel, they 'stack' differently than the leaf springs on the K-L-N Smiths.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

The centennial or concealed hammer models do look better. No doubt about that. However, when it came time for me to make a choice, I took the 638 "shrouded hammer" model. I don't think there's anything there that will snag, and at a longer range I hit better when I have the ability to cock the pistol.
One of the few times I've chosen "function" over "form".

KR