How big of a problem is an exposed hammer on a small revolver for conceal carry?

Question

I want to buy a small, .38 special revolver to use for conceal carry. I prefer to shoot revolvers single action rather than double action. However, am I taking a risk by buying a double action revolver with an exposed hammer rather than a concealed hammer? I have tried the shrouded hammer revolvers and don't like them. I like shooting single action much better but I am worried the hammer could accidentally snag on something and cock while in my pocket. Should I play it safe and buy the hammerless revolver? Or will I be ok buying the exposed hammer version? I don't like the hammerless version (concealed hammer) as much because you have to shoot it double action. I don't want the gun going off in my pocket though cause the hammer catches on something. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I have a 357 revolver that I carry in my purse. I've had no problem with the hammer moving. It is pretty hard to pull back so I really don't worry about it.

Answer 2

I'm a retired LEO/Detective and I carried a Smith & Wesson Model 36 (Exposed Hammer 3" Barrel) for 12 years and never personally, had any issues with the exposed hammer, and be honest, I never heard anyone else on the job with me having had problems either. I could see it being an issue if you had to shoot it thru your pocket or clothes, but I was never that desperate or foolish enough to try it, let alone worry about it. I'm a Combat Pistol Instructor and a Gunsmith now and have been a long time, since I retired..

I'm in my fifties, and not once have I ever seen let alone heard of anyone, Police or Civilian, that ever had a problem with an exposed hammer revolver of ANY manufacture. I know of two people that fired their exposed hammer revolvers thru raincoat pockets or lightweight jacket pockets but both times the gun performed as it should have. I've had a CWP for many years and I carry a semi-automatic now, but I would and do occassionally carry the same Model 36 Smith in the summer time, in an inside the belt soft holster or in an Ankle Holster, with light summer clothing.No problems.

I also like to shoot single action, if I have the time to react and have a choice....

Answer 3

The only problem you're likely to have with an exposed hammer on your revolver is that it could snag on clothing while drawing. I sometimes carry a Detective Special in an inside-the-pants holster and have never had any problems. If you intend to carry your revolver in your trouser's pocket you could have it snag while drawing. Consider a different way of carrying like an inside-the-pants holster or shoulder holster concealed under a light jacket.

Best.

H

Answer 4

If you are planning on concealing this inside a pocket hammerless is the way to go. A revolver with a hammer and spur will hang up if you dont create a way of deflecting the clothing when drawing. One way to do this is to place your thumb on the spur while drawing the weapon. But if you are wearing tight clothes even this my not be enough to be 100% reliable. Better to use a hammerless than get stuck durring that moment need.

Answer 5

You can have a smith 'trim' the hammer so that the spur is either removed or shortened...the remaining top of the hammer is then checkered so you can grab it with your thumb.

Answer 6

Why would you carry it in your pocket when there is a large variety of different holsters for it to choose from.* If you are going to insist on carrying it in your pocket get a hammerless.*

Answer 7

It is no problem at all. At one time, that is all there were, and when S&W, and later on others, intoduced concealed hammer models, they were not well accepted, until this last decade.

Answer 8

yeah unless you try to do some fancy cowboy quick draw you should be fine.You could also file down the hammer a bit,though this is risky