I'm new to revolvers and wondered about your thoughts on the different hammer styles. I've only shot ones with exposed hammers. I see a lot of internal-hammer DA-only revolvers. This eliminates any chance of catching the hammer on something, but a revolver that can't be shot SA just seems wrong to me. Then there is shrouded hammer, which seems to make any revolver ugly. Can the shroud get in the way of your thumb?

No. You can still cock the hammer.

No you can't. Not on a Centenial.

It's also less of a liability that the gun will accidently go off or you will accidently pull the lighter trigger pull in SA in a panic situation.

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Dick

Hmm, this thread died quickly. I was thinking about adding a J-frame .38 or maybe a .357 to my small collection. I'm leaning strongly toward one with an exposed hammer, but I'm wondering anyone had a good argument for buying one of the other styles.

If you are getting it just to add to the collection and maybe shoot at the range it don't much matter. A lot of J frames are used to carry in a pocket for self defense and in those cases a hammerless or shrouded hammer makes a lot of sense. In most self defense shootings you are not going to be pulling the hammer back and taking aim. You need to practice DA shooting with the guns you carry.
This don't mean you can't carry a regular J frame in your pocket because there are alot of people that do. Like most things it's a personal preference.

As Bamabiker said, it is really just a matter of personal preference, but there is a little bit of purpose that goes into the mix.
If it is strictly for self defense, a centennial (hammerless) is the way to go. As mentioned when using it in a self defense situation, your going to be shooting it double action anyway. Shooting single action in a self defense situation has the potential for both civil and legal battles.

Shrouded hammers are great for pocket carry and they give you the ability to shoot single action at the range. Some people just cant get over the humpback look.

IMHO classic exposed hammer revolvers arent the best for pocket carry because of the possibility of it snagging on something, but work just fine carried in a holster.

There is no wrong answer, just gotta see which one meets your needs.

All good points. I've thought about getting licensed for concealed carry. I don't know how often I actually would carry, but I wouldn't mind having the ability and a whatever training you get from the class couldn't hurt.

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Dale

My daily is a hump backed j-frame 638. I picked up a lightweight 637 with an exposed hammer and the difference in the pocket, even in the same holster, is noticeable. It feels like there's an unneeded barb. The 638 slides straight out of the pocket and the 637 feels like its clawing the whole way out, which it is.

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>>ARMED LIBERAL>>

I have the older Model 38 airweight. I added the smallest J frame Crimson Trace laser, which is the least expensive and most concealable of the three they make for the J frame.

The shroud does make the gun look awkward, but does not snag when drawn from a pocket. I frequently carry in a Nemisis pocket holster. Or in a Galco Small of Back holster.

Most of my shooting is double action, but I prefer having the ability to shoot single action.

The S&W Model 438 has the blue/black finish and the Model 638 has the ss/aluminum finish. Both are airweights.

The 649 has the heavier steel frame.

As an old revolver guy, if you are getting a revolver for concealed carry, then get one with a concealed hammer. You will have to step up your training efforts to shoot double-action well, but it is worth it.

IMHO, the only reason to shoot a double-action revolver in single-action mode is for NRA bullseye pistol shooting.

I concur with all of those that said to go DAO with the shrouded revolvers for EDC and concealed-carry. The need for a single-action is not there. If you practice with a revolver and shoot it single-action, you are basically short-changing yourself valuable training-time. Practice in scenarios close to real-life situations and you will be in double-action ALL of the time. If you are at such a distance that you only feel comfortable in single-action, then you are in a situation that you can most often leave and get out of. A long-distance defensive situation is not something that often presents itself or is feasible.

I carry either my M&P340 or my 340PD daily. I stoke them with what I am comfortable with and do not have any reservations on my choice of carry-weapons. Practice is your best ally.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet