Hammer vs Hammerless Revolvers

[Guest Lester Weevils]

Maybe S&W 649 would be "best of both worlds" in a snubbie? The bobbed hammer is flush and isn't likely to hang on clothing, but it is easy to cock with the thumb. I liked my 649 great except I couldn't shoot the short barrel worth beans, never could see the sights very well, and the older I got the worse it hurt to shoot it. Put crimson trace laser grips on it, but for me the laser dot didn't really improve matters much.

[Motasyco]

+1 on the 642

[DaveTN]

I prefer a hammer. I have a model 36 in my carry line-up and I have never had any problems with snags. A hammer is an absolute necessity in a range or competition revolver.

Plus shrouded revolvers are butt ugly.

[hipower]

I rarely carry a revolver, so my opinion is restricted to range use; and I prefer one with a hammer. Also, I just picked up a couple of used wheel guns--a 637 and a Colt Agent. Both have hammers and are sweet shooters. FYI--so far, I like the 637 better. Just my personal taste.

[eapking]

A vote for hammered, but it really depends on the use. For carry, I'd prefer hammerless.

[Guest mmarcum]

The question is does it really matter? If you are on the recieving end I say no! If you are on the dealing end I say what ever is in your hand is the best tool for the job.

I voted no preference for one reason. I carry both depending on my clothing and where I will be carrying. I'm just as comfortable either way.

[Will Carry]

I sometimes carry a Chief's Special 3" with a hammer. I like the option of going to single action and making an accurate shot. The hammer catching on ones clothing is a big concern so if you carry a hammer, you must practice. That goes with any handgun you carry but practice you must.

[Guest oldsmobile98]

I have a S&W 620 with an external hammer. I like it. But I can understand why you would want an internal hammer on a carry J-frame.

For you hammerless people out there ... how do you actuate the firing pin?

[gregintenn]

Personal preference. I carry a 642, but my wife prefers a 37 with an exposed hammer.

[Mechanic_X]

For you hammerless people out there ... how do you actuate the firing pin?

LOL:)

There is a middle ground with the "ground down" hammer, but still accessible.

[Guest zj318guy]

Voted hammerless, I regularly carry a bobbed Sp-101 iwb and I wanted to do so without risk of snagging or the hammer digging into my side when I bend/move. Definitely hammer if you're going to get a full sized revolver for range/hunting though.

[adam42]

It's the hammer for me, I think you have better gun control with one.