Shrouded Hammer

[BloeJanton]

So on my wish list of guns I want to get after I save up some money is a snubby in .357 or .38. I know for sure that I do not want to get something with a hammer because I have heard that it snags a lot with pocket carry. I am interested in hammerless or shrouded hammers but I have never seen and held one so I just wanted to hear some feedback on it. Thanks. Also model numbers of prospective guns.

[lprgcFrank]

I'm a big fan of S&W 642's - .38spl - but very convenient to just drop in a pocket (or 2)

[General Geoff]

make sure to get a gun with a smooth double action, because that's what you'll be stuck with if you have a shrouded hammer.

[RoyJackson]

I've got a Taurus 851. This one has a shrouded hammer...so, it's DA/SA.
Single action is a bit tricky to cock, but as long as you're attentive, it's not too bad. But SA on this gun is strictly for target shooting or plinking.
For defensive work, it's DA all the way.

I'd carried a Taurus 85 (has a hammer) for years. Although I rarely had a problem with it snagging...it will now and then (such as in a stress situation). That's why I bought the 851.

As far as the DA trigger...not too bad. It's long and a bit stiff, but to me, that's what you want in a self defense firearm.

Weight is a big factor in a pocket gun, so give that some serious thought when you try a few guns out. My 851 is titanium and goes about 17 ounces. It's a .38 rated for +P ammo, which I consider quite adequate for close quarters work.
My opinion...for a revolver light enough for pocket carry, .357 Magnum is too much.

There ya go...another opinion...

[synergy]

I'd recomend a "hammerless" version, you CAN NOT stage it into single action...if you back off the trigger, it decocks the weapon. If you stage the hammer on a shrounded hammer, there really isn't a good way to decock it (holding onto the small hammer tip and lowering it with your thumb isn't good enough, for me...if your thumb slips off the hammer, it'll fire if you haven't released the trigger yet.)

[stevek]

I'm a fan of the S&W 638. Shrouded on the sides, but still able to cock the hammer from above for a single action shot. Snag free, and SA/DA operation.

[synergy]

I'm a fan of the S&W 638. Shrouded on the sides, but still able to cock the hammer from above for a single action shot. Snag free, and SA/DA operation.

I see you're a certified pistol instructor...how is the NRA teaching you to de-cock the firearm you recommend?

[gf45acp]

S&W 442, great little gun.

[BloeJanton]

Thanks for all the great responses.
RoyJackson, I was looking at the Taurus 651 and 851. Sounds like you like yours. What is a good price on one of them? New or used. Are they hard to cock, decocking seems like it would be a bit of an adventure. And is there any issue with it cocking while in your pocket? The gun stores I have been to don't have any that I can see and hold so I'm just trying to get a mental picture.

[BloeJanton]

I also like the Taurus CIA line but don't know anybody with one.