S&W 39-2 safety question

[Spaker]

I just got a S&W 39-2 from aimsurplus.com a couple of weeks ago. I've noticed that the hammer has a half-cock position, and while in this position, the safety can't be engaged. I was wondering if it's possible that this is an intentional "feature" so that one could carry the gun off-safe, with the hammer slightly cocked so that the safety could not be unintentionally engaged while carrying. Even if it wasn't specifically designed to be carried this way, would there be anything wrong with doing that? Is there anything inherently less safe about the half-cock position than the fully uncocked position? The trigger pull is virtually the same either way.
Chris

 

[Pisgah]

I wouldn't carry it at halfcock. Dropped, if it landed on the hammer there would be the chance -- maybe slim -- of the halfcock giving away and the gun firing. Anyway, they 39-2 is perfectly safe hammer-down with the safety off, if that's the way you choose to carry it. The hammer rests directly on the slide, and the firing pin is too short to reach the primer and is held back with a spring. Fully forward, the hammer cannot gain the momentum to drive the pin forward, even if whacked with a hammer -- but it might if it had a bit of a running start.

The best rationale for using the safety is that it may frustrate and delay anyone who snatched your gun and tried to shoot you with it.

 

[W.E.G.]

There must be some function for the "half-cock" position.

What is it?

 

[john traveler]

The "half-cock" on exposed hammer pistols is there as a safeguard against the gun going full auto or slam firing in case the disconnector breaks. It is NOT intended as a carry position since dropping the gun on the hammer can discharge it.

You will notice that the M1911 and High Power designs by J.M. Browning have the half-cock safety feature. They are not intended for carry use either.

 

[GJH77]

I have a 39-2 and I was not aware that this pistol had a problem with engaging the safety/decock while in halfcock position. Probably because I never use the halfcock. But I do know that the 469, which was also made with the half cock function, had a recall on the pistol to fix this not being able to engage the safety at Half cock. My 469, which I bought preowned but very little used, never had the recall modification so I sent it in the the S&W warranty center and they fixed it promptly. I would check with them to see if the 39-2 by chance should be included in this recall.

Firearm Recalls and Safety Warnings- FirearmsID.com