I bought an Airweight Exposed Hammer Model 637. I compared both Exposed Hammer and Shrouded and chose the Exposed. I know Shrouded is better for pocket carry, but my thought is that the Exposed Hammer fits my needs better.

I would like your input on Exposed compared to
Shrouded Hammer.

The hammer issue is a moot point to me. I have 2 shrouded pocket guns and two regular hammer ones (all .38s). Both types fit and work quite well with a pocket holster. I shoot only double action so I never have the need to thumb back a hammer.

__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!

If it fits your need better then you got the right one

I'd say your needs are more important than anyone else's opinion, but I prefer a shrouded hammer for pocket carry. For other holster carry, I prefer a regular hammer.

An exposed or shrouded hammer works the same for pocket 'carry', but for drawing the shrouded hammer won't catch on the inside of the pocket. Also, in theory an exposed hammer will catch if you try shooting through the pocket - I've seen controlled tests of doing this but not in real life.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My 638 shrouded hammer is best of both worlds. DOA and SA (for load testing)

I like my Model 38 nickel airweight with shrouded hammer. Different strokes for different folks. I occasionally carry it in a jacket pocket but more often in an IWB holster.

I have a Model 37 & Model 38 and carried each as the mood suited me. My Model 38 has a hammer that is real stiff and hard to cock, no real reason I can find.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I bought a 637 as well. I like exposed hammers on revolvers.

I own both and find myself ccw'ing the shrouded 442 more as I don't have to worry about the hammer in the pocket.

I have a 637 also. Personally, I like the look of a revolver with an exposed hammer. When I carry the 637 in my pocket either in a DeSantis Superfly, or without, I make sure to put my thumb on the hammer as I draw so that it doesn't catch. I don't thumb the hammer back though.

I don't know what your needs are, but if your choice meets them the best, then that's all that really matter.

My primary focus is personal defense and between an exposed, shrouded or enclosed hammer J-frame, I feel the fully enclosed hammer models meets my perceived needs the best. The reason is I do not feel having single capability is of much value for personal defense. A scenario of having to make a controlled precision first shot with a snub revolver in a civilian defense situation is extremely unlikely. The majority of self-defense are reactive and occur at close distances and it's relatively common for them involve physical contact with the assailant(s) and by retaining single action capability, you lose other qualities that are more likely to be of applicable advantage in the most probable defense scenarios.

The enclosed hammer frame makes for a snag free draw, prevents lint/debris from getting into the action, allows for a high hand grasp and more grip variations, it can be fired from inside a jacket pocket or otherwise entangled in clothing. There is no hammer to get blocked in a close-quarter struggle. It eliminates any accusations you cocked and accidentally fired it as well as actually doing so. It also has a better double action trigger.

That's my personal perspective. Your wants, needs and opinions may differ from mine.

Draw that exposed hammer from deep concealment often enough and you're going to snag it. Unload the gun and practice drawing it from pockets, IWB, what have you. You'll see. I'd suggest open carry only.

I bought an exposed hammer 637 Airweight based on advice of a good friend with a career in law enforcement, 25 years . He said the hammer is NOT an issue. I have pocket carried this one since 2005 , Its NOT an issue. Having a hammer when you need it is a big plus . Most gun holsters are secured by a strap over it...thus its more secured in a belt holster.
Drawing from pocket , the hammer has never snagged. Your thumb naturally covers it. People who claim snagging, aren't doing it right or haven't carried one.

Pocket carry 637 since 2005.....I vote hammer.

Gary

The M38, 49, 40 and 42 are my favorite pocket handguns.

For my purposes, the exposed hammer j frames are poor choices. I have as much trouble getting them into the pocket as getting them out.

I like both a thumb back hammer and the least likely to get snagged exiting a pocket so I got the shrouded M638.

For me the question is exposed hammer or centennial hammer??

For pocket carry I need two options... The covered hammer plus Airweight, or in my case the 642 (top right).

The heavier steel guns ride on my belt regardless of hammer style.

Edmo

__________________
TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

I tried pocket CC of a M36.
Must be me, caught it too many times on the pocket.
I like my M638 for pocket CC.
Plus it looks nice too....

That has nothing to do with what works for you.

__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

i have a model 640-2 that is the sweetest ccw revolver i own, so my vote goes for shrouded hammer i suppose.

Attached Images

IMGP1802.jpg (78.2 KB, 32 views)

I have no use for a spur on a revolver for self-defense. I trained long and hard to learn to shoot a revolver double-action, so no need for the hammer spur. Now for a revolver used in hunting or target shooting, I like the hammer spur. YMMV

No winners in this long debated topic.

Hammers do give you a bit more options if you have to make a controlled shot,
They look cool.
They make it easier to teach new shooters.
Other than that,
They can, and will, snag in pants or jacket pockets and no amount of training or discussion will eliminate that possibility in the panic of a life or death situation.
Although the chance may be remote, I opt for no external hammer if I need to shoot from a jacket pocket or purse.

The humpback being larger than the S&W hammerless models gives the concealability edge to that DA only group.

If you enjoy watching a hammer move, you might opt for a DA only gun with a bobbed hammer. I suspect there are quite a few of the Wyatt Deep Cover Mod. 637's around at great prices. Nice gun with actually an even smaller profile than the 442, 642, 340 series and every one I have handled had a great Performance Center tuned action.

My 2¢ that nobody asked for.

I put a 638 hammer on my 360. It let me keep the looks while reducing the snag.

I carry a Colt (Gasp!) Agent with a bobbed hammer. Best of both worlds; no snag, yet can still cock, if necessary (Really, not likely).

__________________
Mama, take this badge offa me