Should I even consider an exposed hammer for pant pocket carry?

[stoneman]

I 3rds Dave's thoughts. There seems to be a lot less bulk to a bobbed hammer 637 or 360 and they just look right to me. I carry mine more IWB than pocket but it works just fine either way. It is easy to DIY I used a small hack saw to cut the spur off and then a grinder wheel and a file to shape it and then some fine grit sand paper to polish. Be careful with the grinder the metal comes off really fast! Here is a pic. of mine.

 

[ENGINE18]

I usually carry a 638 Bodyguard. I took it to my gunsmith for a bit of trigger work and he cleaned it's internals, no charge.

He said it was payment enough to give me the devil about, "enough pocket lint to plant potatoes" inside the gun!

That said the 638 does give you a single action shot if needed. (hope I don't). A 642 doesn't but they are sweet too!

My 640-1 is probably MY ultimate CC gun, but A 649 in .357 would be a great all around carry piece.

Firearms are like cars, women, and recliners!

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

I carry a 1 7/8" M60 or M36, with a hammer in my right front pocket. I use a Bianchi "Pocket Change" holster. Tried others, but have used this one for over five years now. It just works.

I can carry all day and "forget" that I'm pack'n. I've never had to draw in anger, however I've never experienced any problem with the hammer.

The J frame snubbie is what I would recommend to anyone wanting to carry 24/7, carry a firearm that is as "safe as a brick at rest", and wishing maximum concealment and comfort.

 

[growr]

I carry a M36 almost daily in a pocket holster....Haven't had a problem with the hammer snagging on anything in over 22 years. Hope your experience is the same.
Randy

 

[OLDFED]

IMHO.....

...carrying an exposed hammer revolver in a pocket (no holster) is just asking for trouble. Your least concern would be buying lots of new trousers. Your greatest...coming in second in a gunfight.

"Hey Dude...no fair! My gun is stuck in my pocket!"

 

[cp1969]

I haven't tried this but I think by placing your thumb on the hammer when you grab it in your pocket would form a ramp of sorts to keep the hammer from snagging on anything.

I don't carry so I'm just theorizing here.

 

[MaximumLawman]

If you want to carry a pocket gun, buy a pocket gun. Don't buy another gun and try to turn it into a pocket gun. The range instructor I had 25 years ago with probably 30 years on the job at that time recommended two guns to me (before autos were approved). A Smith Bodyguard and a Smith 25-5 with a 4" bbl. I still have them both. Can't carry the 25-5 on duty anymore but I still carry a 649 and sometimes a spare 49 both in the pockets almost every day.

 

[Skeeziks]

The range instructor I had 25 years ago with probably 30 years on the job at that time recommended two guns to me (before autos were approved). A Smith Bodyguard and a Smith 25-5 with a 4" bbl. I still have them both. I still carry a 649 and sometimes a spare 49 both in the pockets almost every day.

That range instructor and I think alot alike.... Those would be the same two guns I would recommend - with the addition of a 696 with its 3" bbl. thrown in to rest between the two.

This way, you have a Sm., Med., and Large.

 

[badam0112]

I started out with a 637 then switched to the 642 specifically to get away from the exposed hammer. I carried both in the Desantis Nemesis.

 

[Skeeziks]

BTW.... I should have added this to my above post:

Bobbing the hammer on a J-frame is the dumbest thing you can do - unless it is the only gun you have for SD and you aren't able to purchase a second weapon.
But if you do have the bucks, get yourself a Centennial for pocket carry. If you ever have to fire your gun from inside a coat pocket or from underneath the bed sheets, the exposed hammer of the Chiefs Special can easily get caught in the fabric.

I favor the bodyguard, myself. I've got the best of both worlds.