justice4all
Member
I only own a 642, so I cannot comment on what is "the best." But I love it.
Favorite hammerless revolver
- Thread starter eagle45
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deputy tom
Member
Another vote for the 642.tom.
russlate
Member
#1) Colt D frame with hammer shroud ( now made by Waller ) either DS ( steel ) or Cobra/Agent ( alloy ).
#2) S&W model 38 ( airweight ) or 49 ( steel ), if you can find one.
#3) S&W models 36 and 37 with Waller shrouds.
In Nevada the CHL doesn't have what Make, Model, and Caliber you qualified with on it. The application does. I love the Cobra's, Agents, and Bodyguards. But your chance of finding a second or third of one of them them for a spare in case one breaks, or if yours is used in self-defernse and confiscated is not good. M36's and to a lesser degree M37's are in far greater supply.
#2) S&W model 38 ( airweight ) or 49 ( steel ), if you can find one.
#3) S&W models 36 and 37 with Waller shrouds.
In Nevada the CHL doesn't have what Make, Model, and Caliber you qualified with on it. The application does. I love the Cobra's, Agents, and Bodyguards. But your chance of finding a second or third of one of them them for a spare in case one breaks, or if yours is used in self-defernse and confiscated is not good. M36's and to a lesser degree M37's are in far greater supply.
Ex-MA Hole
Member
642.
Coltdriver
Member
Any of you tried one of the H&R hamerless .32's??
Are they smaller than a j frame??
Are they smaller than a j frame??
eagle45
Member
Made it to the gun show yesterday, and I had narrowed it down to the S&W 642, or Taurus models 850B, 851B, 851BUL or 85CHB. I was able to look at one of each except the 850B which I did not see there. Also looked at one of the very light Titanium models, I believe it was 13.5 oz. It felt very good in my pocket, but I think I'd have to shoot one that light before I buy one.
I ended up with the 851BUL.
It's 17 oz, a little lighter than my other M85 and has the fully shrouded zero profile hammer. It feels better in my hand than the 642, and I like the feature of being able to cock it and shoot single action. Two features that really didn't matter to me are that it has an adjustable rear sight and is ported.
I spent about an hour with it on the range this afternoon. Used up an old box of 38 special 125gr hp, then ran two boxes of 125gr hp+p through it. I have to say I'm very pleased with it. Recoil was very manageable, it's easy on the hand for hotter load, and accuracy at both 7 yards and 25 yards was more than acceptable for self defense purposes. It rides easy in an Uncle Mike's Sidekick #3 pocket holster. This is my 4th Taurus, and I like them all. My M617 is not quite as comfortable to grip as the others, but I've had very little problem with them. Actually, a loose front site on the M608 is the only trouble I've had with any of them. I do like the S&W too, but find that the Taurus grip agrees with me more.
Thanks again for all the suggestions.
I ended up with the 851BUL.
It's 17 oz, a little lighter than my other M85 and has the fully shrouded zero profile hammer. It feels better in my hand than the 642, and I like the feature of being able to cock it and shoot single action. Two features that really didn't matter to me are that it has an adjustable rear sight and is ported. I spent about an hour with it on the range this afternoon. Used up an old box of 38 special 125gr hp, then ran two boxes of 125gr hp+p through it. I have to say I'm very pleased with it. Recoil was very manageable, it's easy on the hand for hotter load, and accuracy at both 7 yards and 25 yards was more than acceptable for self defense purposes. It rides easy in an Uncle Mike's Sidekick #3 pocket holster. This is my 4th Taurus, and I like them all. My M617 is not quite as comfortable to grip as the others, but I've had very little problem with them. Actually, a loose front site on the M608 is the only trouble I've had with any of them. I do like the S&W too, but find that the Taurus grip agrees with me more.
Thanks again for all the suggestions.
mjb
Member.
hammerless revolver
My choices are S&W model 49, Ruger SP101, Colt Detective Special, and Charter Arms Bulldog Pug .44 Spl. I also like the Iver Johnson hammerless revolvers in .38 S&W.
My choices are S&W model 49, Ruger SP101, Colt Detective Special, and Charter Arms Bulldog Pug .44 Spl. I also like the Iver Johnson hammerless revolvers in .38 S&W.
S&W44
Member
My old S&W model 40 Cenntennial,complete with grip safety.
Lightsped
Member
I wish Taurus would make a full shrouded hammer version of the 905 (9mm snubbie)....
Fiveshooter
Member
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You Had To Ask
This is the only one I have. All my other revolvers have exposed hammers. I guess I need to broaden my collection huh? 
This is the only one I have. All my other revolvers have exposed hammers. I guess I need to broaden my collection huh?
DHart
Member
I don't know of any revolvers that are "hammerless". We have hammers in all of them, but some are:
1) shrouded (so can still be cocked, but won't snag on clothing)
2) bobbed (so won't snag when not cocked, but can still catch on clothing if trigger is pulled before gun is clear of clothing or pocket)
3) internal hammer (won't snag at all and can even be fired from within a coat pocket, if necessary, without the hammer snagging during firing).
From my point of view, there are two best choices (nice to have both):
642 for light weight, no snag, shoot through the coat pocket if necessary. I carry this in my front jeans pocket or coat pocket. No excuse not to have a gun like this as it's so light and so snag-free. Not fun to shoot much, though.
640 for more power, no snag, shoot through the coat pocket if necessary. This gun is on my buy list!
Both of these guns are internal hammer designs, double action only, and ideal concealed carry revolvers. The SP101 with bobbed hammer is nice, but not as versatile as these internal hammer S&W's.
Think about walking through a dangerous neighborhood, or beach at night, etc. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to hold your revolver in hand, in firing position, and able to fire without even taking your hand out of your coat pocket? You can be armed and ready to shoot instantly without anyone around you even knowing that you are armed, if you carry a revolver with an internal hammer or shrouded hammer. That's nice security in my view. Not that I would wish to shoot through my coat, but knowing you could if you had to without giving yourself away as armed and ready is priceless! As you walk along and come upon anyone who might make you nervous, your hand is on the pistol in your coat pocket, ready to fire, and you don't have to draw a weapon at any time if you choose not to give your armed status away. And should the unthinkable occur, you can just start pulling the trigger!
1) shrouded (so can still be cocked, but won't snag on clothing)
2) bobbed (so won't snag when not cocked, but can still catch on clothing if trigger is pulled before gun is clear of clothing or pocket)
3) internal hammer (won't snag at all and can even be fired from within a coat pocket, if necessary, without the hammer snagging during firing).
From my point of view, there are two best choices (nice to have both):
642 for light weight, no snag, shoot through the coat pocket if necessary. I carry this in my front jeans pocket or coat pocket. No excuse not to have a gun like this as it's so light and so snag-free. Not fun to shoot much, though.
640 for more power, no snag, shoot through the coat pocket if necessary. This gun is on my buy list!
Both of these guns are internal hammer designs, double action only, and ideal concealed carry revolvers. The SP101 with bobbed hammer is nice, but not as versatile as these internal hammer S&W's.
Think about walking through a dangerous neighborhood, or beach at night, etc. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to hold your revolver in hand, in firing position, and able to fire without even taking your hand out of your coat pocket? You can be armed and ready to shoot instantly without anyone around you even knowing that you are armed, if you carry a revolver with an internal hammer or shrouded hammer. That's nice security in my view. Not that I would wish to shoot through my coat, but knowing you could if you had to without giving yourself away as armed and ready is priceless! As you walk along and come upon anyone who might make you nervous, your hand is on the pistol in your coat pocket, ready to fire, and you don't have to draw a weapon at any time if you choose not to give your armed status away. And should the unthinkable occur, you can just start pulling the trigger!
Stainz
Member
MEH92 has a great combo. DHart left off one important item: Keep your non-shooting hand on a fire extinguisher... if you shoot from within your clothes, you'll 'ignite'!
My 'enclosed hammer' carry is my out-of-production Ti/Al .44 Spcl five-shooter S&W 296. Loaded with 200gr GDJHP's - and wearing larger grips (UM's Combats) - it weighs in just over 21oz - looks like a steroid-loaded 642. It is easier to shoot and more accurate than a 642. My 2" 10 with those 158gr LHPSWC +P's is about the same sound level outdoors, so I assume the 642 would be as loud as the 296. I still plan toget a 642 or 432 (J-frame .32 H&R sixshooter).
Stainz
My 'enclosed hammer' carry is my out-of-production Ti/Al .44 Spcl five-shooter S&W 296. Loaded with 200gr GDJHP's - and wearing larger grips (UM's Combats) - it weighs in just over 21oz - looks like a steroid-loaded 642. It is easier to shoot and more accurate than a 642. My 2" 10 with those 158gr LHPSWC +P's is about the same sound level outdoors, so I assume the 642 would be as loud as the 296. I still plan toget a 642 or 432 (J-frame .32 H&R sixshooter).
Stainz
DHart
Member
Stainz...yes... be ready to pull your jacket off it need be! Heck, you're going to want to trash the coat afterwards anyway. And if all went well, you'll still be alive to do it!
As for ammo, Speer's new 135gr. .38 spl +P Gold Dot is a great defense load for snubbies. This load was specifically designed to provide excellent expansion AND penetration when fired from the 1 7/8" S&W snubbies. It clocks at 860 fps from a 1 7/8" S&W and was designed to perform exactly as desired at that velocity. You'd be hard pressed to find a better defense load for a 1 7/8" snubbie.
www.le.atk.com/pdf/SpeerTech38_135HP.pdf
As for ammo, Speer's new 135gr. .38 spl +P Gold Dot is a great defense load for snubbies. This load was specifically designed to provide excellent expansion AND penetration when fired from the 1 7/8" S&W snubbies. It clocks at 860 fps from a 1 7/8" S&W and was designed to perform exactly as desired at that velocity. You'd be hard pressed to find a better defense load for a 1 7/8" snubbie.
www.le.atk.com/pdf/SpeerTech38_135HP.pdf
eagle45
Member
Hammerless - not!!
Oops. Wrong terminology. Very good description DHart and well taken.
Oops. Wrong terminology. Very good description DHart and well taken.
Serpico
Member
"Think about walking through a dangerous neighborhood, or beach at night, etc. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to hold your revolver in hand, in firing position, and able to fire without even taking your hand out of your coat pocket? You can be armed and ready to shoot instantly without anyone around you even knowing that you are armed, if you carry a revolver with an internal hammer or shrouded hammer. That's nice security in my view. Not that I would wish to shoot through my coat, but knowing you could if you had to without giving yourself away as armed and ready is priceless! As you walk along and come upon anyone who might make you nervous, your hand is on the pistol in your coat pocket, ready to fire, and you don't have to draw a weapon at any time if you choose not to give your armed status away. And should the unthinkable occur, you can just start pulling the trigger!"
that's why mine is hammerless!
that's why mine is hammerless!
DHart
Member
Hey eagle45... consider that in a defense situation, you will be firing double action only, therefore, it's good to train yourself to shoot your pocket revolver DA and don't get into a habit of cocking the hammer. Also, be very careful of those ports... they blast flash, burning powder, and noise straight up (in addition to straight out) and if you hold that gun close to your belly, you could possibly torch your face or body a little. A LOT of extra care is required with ported revolvers. And don't shoot that in a coat pocket either.
Out of curiosity, does Taurus offer a clone/version of Smith's 642 or 640? That might be a good "next gun" for you. (There's no end to this, you know!)
Out of curiosity, does Taurus offer a clone/version of Smith's 642 or 640? That might be a good "next gun" for you. (There's no end to this, you know!)
JimLally
Member
eagle45
Member
Good advice DHart, especially about the porting. I make it a point to practice defensive shooting double action with my snubbies. Taurus does make some variants of their M85 that resemble the 640 and 642.
Well now, that is the idea, right? It's always a good idea to know what you 'need' next and why.
DHart
Member
eagle45... everytime I get to the point where I feel I have all the guns and rifles I think I can be happy with, I discover some other firearm variant I haven't explored much and then I'm off again. Never ends. And I guess that's a good thing, because it stirs an excitement, a passion that's really interesting and fun. But it's costly!
I had a 649 Bodyguard (shrouded hammer) and if I did it again, a 642 is my pick.
Shrouded hammer guns pick up fuzz like mad. I cleaned the hammer channel out on mine every other day. I'll take a complete shroud gun in the future.
I always shot mine DA, couldn't hit a thing SA since I didn't practice but I could get five touching, rapid fire centermass at 15-20 yards DA.
Shrouded hammer guns pick up fuzz like mad. I cleaned the hammer channel out on mine every other day. I'll take a complete shroud gun in the future.
I always shot mine DA, couldn't hit a thing SA since I didn't practice but I could get five touching, rapid fire centermass at 15-20 yards DA.
My all time favorite concealed hammer revolver is the S&W 640-1. I find that because of the design of the backstrap I can get a much higher grip on it and shoot it more accurately than any other style of snubbie. I am also considering the purchase of a 642 as the 640 doesn't ride well in my pocket due to the additional weight. If I were to pick one as being the most versatile and not my favorite I would have to go with the 642 but the feel of the 640 is awesome.
DHart wrote, "everytime I get to the point where I feel I have all the guns and rifles I think I can be happy with, I discover some other firearm variant I haven't explored much and then I'm off again." I know what you mean. Although I have set myself some pretty solid, if flexible, boundaries on overall size of my collection, meaning I have traded away some things I would have otherwise kept in order to acquire something else I wanted. Usually that has worked out pretty well and I don't miss the ones that didn't make the cut. Occasionally, I realize I goofed and traded away something that woulda, shoulda been on my final "short list" of all-time keepers. I got into shooting later than many folks and found that only by buying and trying different guns and action types could I really find the niche or niches where I really felt at home. I've been at it a while now and I am finally developing those areas where I feel at home and as retirement from my job gets closer and begins to loom larger in my thinking, I am getting to those firearms which will be with me the rest of the way home. In those few areas, I have gained a very nice representative collection and, yes, the GP-100 is there and the 3-inch variant among them. I am getting pretty satisfied if somewhat poorer. I have found I can't have or be all things and am finding happiness with the things I have and can be. Have fun, I enjoy and share your enthusiasm. Oh and BTW, my favorite "hammerless" is the spurless SP101. Gary
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