Carrying a revolver with an external hammer as a CCW?

Question

Is doing such a thing utterly stupid? Or do people just make too big a deal out of it?

So I've got a S&W model 60-15 with an external hammer. and ever since someone mentioned to me that it would be a bad choice as a CCW I've been pondering it. Do I really need to purchase a "Hammerless" revolver if I want to carry a revolver as a CCW?

Answer 1

NO..The dangers of carrying a hammer exposed handgun are more HYPE than fact. There are an incredibly small number of repoted incidents where carrying a revolver or handgun was ever responsible for the incident to begin with.Smith & Wesson developed the "hammerless" revolvers with the idea that without a hammer, a woman could carry and fire easier and if dropped would not fire accidentally if there was no hammer to hit. The hammerless was also capable of firing thru clothes in an emergency situation or confrontation. My 26 years as an LEO/Police Detective I can honestly say I have NEVER heard of an incident, accidental discharge, or injury that resulted due to someone carrying an exposed hammer revolver that discharged as a result of being snagged on clothes.. If you think about how far back a hammer would have to be pulled back in order to fall far enough to fire a revolver than you will come to the natural conclusion. An external hammer is not going to be a problem...Relax

Answer 2

I regularly carry a Colt Detective Special with external hammer in an inside-the-pants holster. I have also carried a Ruger Security Six with external barrel & 2 n 3/4" barrel and a Colt Python 4" barrel in inside-the-pants holster. These all have external hammers. I've also carried a Ruger P-89 (external hammer too) in an inside-the-pants holster. The two Rugers and the Python also have adjustible rear sights and I've never had any problem retrieving my weapon quickly when needed nor have I had an accidental discharge due to the external hammer. So, I have to say that people are just making too big a deal out of it. If you still think the external hammer may cause you a problem have a competent gunsmith remove your revolver's hammer spur. A simple solution to a simple problem and it is cheaper than buying a new 'hammerless' gun. Of course, a new gun is always nice. LOL!

Good luck.

H

Answer 3

The hammer on a revolver has actually no longer something to do with even if it truly is a 'hair set off' or no longer, both way, the double action pull on a revolver must be round 4 to 5 pounds, with the only action pull round 3 pounds. The pull is even as the set off is pulled far sufficient to launch the hammer from the sear. I surely have considered guns with set off pulls as low as 2 pounds or a lot less. those are hair triggers. they're truly risky, as you are able to imagine. Revolvers do no longer have inner hammers, yet some have shrouds that save you from utilising the only action function fantastically a lot. the function is the outcome of a favor by some detectives and legally armed voters earlier semi automobiles grew to change into favourite. The shrouded hammers are not getting stuck in clothing if carried in a pocket.

Answer 4

I don't really feel its such a big deal. I have CCW and a S&W with a external hammer. I was trained by state police and said choice of gun is personal matter. Although given a choice they prefer external hammer, but no big deal. Do you want pickles with your burger sir?
But keep asking. Trying speaking with the local police. See if one would be willing to give advice.

Answer 5

I have a S&W 686 with a 4" barrel and the strap on the holster goes over the hammer and holds it in place. It's a little bulkier than an auto but the hammer isn't a problem. If you shoot the gun good and feel comfortable with it, carry it and don't worry about what someone else thinks about the external hammer.

Answer 6

The problem with the external hammer is most prevalent in the pocket carry mode. For pocket carry the internal hammer is the best choice for a revolver. Other than that putting your thumb over the hammer on the draw solves the problem.

Answer 7

I carried a S&W short barrelled L frame for a while and never had a problem with it. I now that some people claim that it could hang up on an article of clothing, but as long as you are aware that you need to "sweep" thcoat or shirt tail clear as you draw, you should not have any problem. I would never use a handgun with an exposed hammer as a pocket carry though.

Answer 8

Depends on how you carry. If you want to carry it in a coat pocket, the hammer spur would create a problem catching in the fabric. Carried in a holster of some sort it would not be a problem.
Practice getting it out, and see. Perhaps tactics would be just as good a remedy as a hammerless.

Answer 9

I've carried a hammered wheel guns for years. Everything from a S&W J- frame to a 4" N-frame. (But I had had the chest to hide it back than.) Carried a few Colts in that mix. On 2 occasians in 22 years I've had to draw my carry gun, that's actually a lot, I think. Both times I was carrying a wheel gun with a hammer. No problems to report.
Whatever you decide, keep it safe and always keep your wits about you. No one wants to see any accidental injuries outhere.

Answer 10

Most revolvers used for CCW carry have exposed hammers.