Safest way to decock a revolver?

[John Wayne]

HERE IS WHAT S&W RECOMMENDS:

While pointing the gun in a safe direction:

1. Place web of off hand between cocked hammer and frame (NOTE: you are now physically blocking the hammer before going anywhere near the trigger)

2. Place thumb of shooting hand on spur of hammer

3. Pull trigger to release hammer, controlling it with your thumb

4. As soon as the hammer starts to move, release the trigger. This will engage the hammer block safety. If you continue to pull the trigger as you lower the hammer, and it slips, the gun goes bang.

5. With the trigger released, move the web of your off hand out of the way and lower the hammer all the way

This is about as safe as it gets. Obviously, not cocking unless you intend to fire and keeping the gun in a safe direction at all times are paramount.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Wow!! I have never put my thumb, finger or web between the hammer and frame of a revolver to let the hammer down on a live chamber (Not how I was taught). Sooo...I went to the bedroom and emptied my S&W Mod 10, pulled the hammer back, place my thumb, then my finger and then the web of my hand between the hammer and frame. Man, that hurts. I don't care WHAT S&W says...The procedure that I listed in my first post works. Like all procedures that must be preformed with all firearms it takes practice. If you don't want to or feel you don't have the time OR are one of those guys that already "knows it". I would highly recommend that you NEVER pick up or own a firearm.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Putting the thumb between the hammer and frame is monumentally easy for me. I think it is the safest method.

If you are right handed:

1. Hold the revovler in your right hand.
2. Place the left thumb between the frame and cocked hammer with pressure on the hammer.
3. Pull the trigger and hold.
4. Move left thumb, which is now holding the hammer, forward a little bit to get the hammer past the single action notch.
5. Let go of the trigger.
6. Place right thumb on hammer.
7. Remove left thumb from between the hammer and frame.
8. Slowly lower the hammer with your right thumb.

Of course I never thumb cock either.