I'm looking for actual experience here - Does an exposed hammer on J frame cause enough issue with snagging in a front pant pocket to skip an exposed hammer model and just go with an internal hammer model such as the 442/642? I prefer exposed hammers but not if they cause too much issue in a pant. Here's another way to look at it - is drawing an exposed hammer model out of a pant pocket more, less, or same difficultly as drawing a weapon from an IWB w/tucked shirt? Of course, ease and speed should be considered in all scenarios.
Should I even consider an exposed hammer for pant pocket carry?
- Thread starter martyg
- Start date
beemerphile
Member
If you practice the drill of covering the hammer with your thumb when you draw from the pocket, you can get quite good with a hammered snubbie. However, with a concealed hammer there is no problem to be solved. In times of stress, that seems to me to be the preferred approach. While I have several 36's that I dearly love and aesthetically prefer, it is the ugly 340PD or 342PD that goes into my Mika holster when I leave home camp.
cmort666
Member
As long as you use a decent pocket holster, you should be fine. One trick for keeping the hammer from catching is to place your thumb over the hammer, at the top of the holster as you draw, shielding it from any loose fabric.
Here in Ohio, we HAVE to have a holster if we're carrying on our body in a vehicle. A pocket holster meets the requirement. You don't need a holster of any sort when on foot.
You might want to do a little unloaded practice drawing to get used to your particular combination of gun, holster and trousers.
I regularly carry a 2" Model 36 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. I recently switched to my own home made leather pocket holster. I've had no problems with either one.
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
Beemerphile said it right, but I'd just ask, why would you? You aren't going to be using SA fire in a self-defense context, are you? If you think you are, because you think you shoot more accurately SA than DA, then you need more DA practice. Just my thoughts, worth as much as you paid.
jframe
Member
My 360 in .38 Special is my EDC. That means, EVERY DAY! It has a hammer, and is carried in a pocket holster with a rounded bottom cut. The hammer is a non issue for me, and thousands of little guns like these are carried every day.
DEM
Member
I carry a 637-2 Airweight 24/7. Depending on attire I either carry in an Uncle Mike's #4 or a Fobus paddle holster. Agree with previous comments about exercising caution when drawing from pocket by covering hammer with thumb. Practice when home alone with an unloaded weapon for perfection. I prefer the looks of the Chief's Special with the exposed hammer. Good luck with what ever you decide.
flop-shank
US Veteran
No. This advice is worth far more than you paid for it. SA fire from a snubby is an attempt to solve a software problem with hardware. Bob that hammer, eliminate a potential problem (snagging), and learn to shoot DA well. You will shoot every bit as good, if not better than SA once you have properly trained yourself.
photoman
Member
642, CorBon DPX and Mika pocket holster.
tom turner
US Veteran
I have no problem at all carrying my M37 in a pocket holster.
You'll react as you train, and if you are used to properly drawing the gun there's zero problems you'll encounter.
You'll react as you train, and if you are used to properly drawing the gun there's zero problems you'll encounter.
DustyJacket
Member
I just put my thumb over the hammer when drawing. No biggie.
Having had an M40 and several exposed hammer snubbies, I prefer having the hammer.
My current carry piece (in a pocket):
Having had an M40 and several exposed hammer snubbies, I prefer having the hammer.
My current carry piece (in a pocket):
David Sinko
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What reason is there to retain the hammer spur on a J Frame?
A J Frame with the hammer spur cut off will have less bulk than any Centennial with its enclosed hump but the Centennial will be a safer bet for firing from inside a pocket if necessary.
I say get rid of the spur. It's something you can easily do yourself without having to wait for or pay a gunsmith.
Dave Sinko
A J Frame with the hammer spur cut off will have less bulk than any Centennial with its enclosed hump but the Centennial will be a safer bet for firing from inside a pocket if necessary.
I say get rid of the spur. It's something you can easily do yourself without having to wait for or pay a gunsmith.
Dave Sinko
Capt Steve
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Here is an other option, how about a nice 649, I like mine with CT laser grips. Yeah, some folks think they are a tad ugly with the hump ("What hump?" Marty Feldman...but I digress). You get a nice stainless 357 that with the option of SA/DA. Yes, they are little heavier than some snubbies but being a 357 they handle 38+P's like a dream and you will shoot more and more often which garners greater control, accuracy and comfort. Stoke them with the right 357's and you have a virtual pocket cannon. All of these are very desirable attributes in a CCW gun
If you are drawing from pocket or belt holster for a rapid fire defensive situation you will be firing DA. If however you are pulling the gun because you may need to shoot (a much more likely scenario), you have the option of SA. Now I know opinions vary but I have yet to meet anyone who is more accurate in DA than SA. I practice both every trip to the range and enjoy shooting this piece either way. It is my primary CCW gun of choice and as such I want to know that whatever circumstances dictate I can get the job done. For the record I love the CT's. YMMV (o;
If you are drawing from pocket or belt holster for a rapid fire defensive situation you will be firing DA. If however you are pulling the gun because you may need to shoot (a much more likely scenario), you have the option of SA. Now I know opinions vary but I have yet to meet anyone who is more accurate in DA than SA. I practice both every trip to the range and enjoy shooting this piece either way. It is my primary CCW gun of choice and as such I want to know that whatever circumstances dictate I can get the job done. For the record I love the CT's. YMMV (o;
jimmyj
Member
Hi:
I agree with Capt Steve. The Bodyguard Models is the best of both worlds.
Jimmy
I agree with Capt Steve. The Bodyguard Models is the best of both worlds.
Jimmy
flop-shank
US Veteran
I can't say I'm more accurate DA, but I'm just as accurate. Last December I shot a 1 1/2" group with my 629 using my carry ammo DA from a rest. Unrested my accuracy is every bit as good as SA.
Jim Cirillo was a huge advocate of DA only fire when shooting PPC.
Jim Cirillo was a huge advocate of DA only fire when shooting PPC.
beemerphile
Member
Lots of wall drills. Or put a laser on it to practice instinctive pointing and smooth DA pull (point it at a target, energize the laser and check the accuracy of your point, then do the DA pull and make the laser spot stay still). You won't need SA to hit your target, which is OK because you likely won't have time for all that precision aiming anyway.
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