Hangun with or without hammer for CCW? - The Firearms Forum

Makarov · 10-08-2003, 03:19 PM

I want to get a new gun, but the ones I have seen that are small enough to carry comfortably have no hammer. I like my Makarov because it has a hammer. So when I carry I let the hammer down and safety off. But new guns don't have a hammer. Are they as safe as like the one I have now? I like havinf the safety off so you will not be funbeling with it.

ruffitt · 10-09-2003, 06:10 AM

Makarov -

First off, welcome to The Firearms Forum. It is our pleasure to have you join our ranks.

As you are no doubt aware, there are pro's and con's regarding the hammer/no hammer agenda with each side extolling the virtue of their particular following. In this regard, there is/can not be a clear cut "winner". I believe the matter is one of personal preference.

Some like the feeling of "cocking" a piece, be it revolver or pistol, prior to "dropping the hammer". Others prefer the double action style found on many of the semi-automatic pistols.

My personal carry weapon is a Kahr K40 in .40S&W carried in an Alessi IWB strong side right. This is a DA ONLY pistol along the lines of the Glock family of handguns.

Is this weapon as "safe" as yours? This is a subjective question begging of a multitude of responses. To me, my weapon is just as safe as any exposed hammer weapon. However I feel that I must "qualify" this response by stating that I am 61 years old and have been around long guns and hand held weaponry since I was a baby (my dad was a County Sheriff Detective). Firearm safety is deeply rooted and inherent in my psyche.

This is not a definitive answer I know; but I feel it is unlikely that one can be attained based on the variables of personal preference.

1952Sniper · 10-09-2003, 07:40 AM

Welcome aboard, Makarov!

Personally, my Bulgarian Makarov is my current choice for carrying concealed. I like an exposed hammer.

SouthernMoss · 10-09-2003, 08:37 AM

Welcome to TFF, Makarov! Hope you'll make yourself at home and post often.

Ruffit is right about the personal preference issue. You'll hear opinions here for both types of weapon. The most important thing is to have a weapon that you are comfortable with.

Gunfyter · 10-09-2003, 11:13 AM

I like hammers if they don't snag anything.

45Smashemflat · 10-10-2003, 03:55 PM

I'm down here in GA - kinda hot in the summer, thus comfortable clothing options drive a lot carry decisions. My "Pocket Gun" is a Ti Smith in .38. Smooth Hogues and a bobbed hammer. I elected to go that way versus Centinneal "covered hammer" because from time to time a slow single action shot may be needed. The bobbed hammer provides snag-less carry and the single action option.

When a cover garment is doable - I go with either a Eclipse Ultra or a Full Size 1911. Haven't had a snag problem carrying cocked and locked.

Welcome to the forum - just got here myself. Listen to all the opinions, but remember the first rule of a gunfight is "have a gun." Familiarity and comfort of carry means you'll probably have it when you need it.

stash247 · 10-30-2003, 06:03 AM

Amen, Smash. Hammer, no hammer, auto, or revolver, the important thing is a gun that will be WITH you 24/7. If it's too big, too heavy, whatever, lose it and find one that's not.
You already know my feelings on the air-lite smiths, but for the rest: when you frequently forget that you are carrying a weapon, your weapon is close to an optimal choice.

Woodman · 01-15-2004, 07:08 AM

One retired LEO said "I like to be able to see my hammer, to know it is there ready to drop".

I've had both; here you can only have two on a CCW; for now, both have hammers; one exposed (Tomcat 24/7) and SP-101 .357 bobbed hammer - nice and smooth.

I might put on the .380 Walther and give it a "test ride" to check it's comfort as a 24/7 CCW, and it also has the exposed hammer.

I want to get my new Para on the permit, but it is too large for these climes. When I move back to Philadelphia, that CCW745 WILL be strapped inside my waistband, for sure. And that gun has a bobbed hammer, DAO.

The only thing i do not like about new handgun manufacture is the ridiculously large "beavertail" grip safeties. Having that thing dig into your side...no way.

Marlin · 01-15-2004, 08:56 AM

SoMo's right about personal preference. Personally, I like to see the hammer and know that it's ready to drop.

Glad to see you at TFF, Makarov.

As was so aptly put on another thread, we are a diverse group and enjoy a camaraderie unsurpassed anywhere on the net. Our "in the know" people are some of the finest you will find anywhere, and their collective knowledge is unsurpassed.

Hope you will join us often and post often.

stash247 · 01-15-2004, 08:06 PM

If a wheel gun runs the way it's s'posta, you KNOW when the hammer's gonna drop; it's tactile, not visual. If that's not the case, if you can't bring all the holes 'round, without dropping the hammer, using the trigger (on an empty gun), then fix, or have it fixed.
A Smith revolver, when it is right, is a thing of beauty, and of timing. One should not have to guess, just pull. if you're watching the hammer, you CAN"T SEE THE SIGHTS!
On a 1911, my pick of the litter, the only use the hammer really has is to put the gun safe, when in ignorant company; everywhere else, we apply the thumb safety, and holster.
Hope this helps, Terry

Neil · 09-07-2004, 02:06 AM

s&w 442
I carry that in my pocket. 15oz's

10-08-2003, 03:19 PM	#1
Makarov Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2	Hangun with or without hammer for CCW? I want to get a new gun, but the ones I have seen that are small enough to carry comfortably have no hammer. I like my Makarov because it has a hammer. So when I carry I let the hammer down and safety off. But new guns don't have a hammer. Are they as safe as like the one I have now? I like havinf the safety off so you will not be funbeling with it. -->

10-09-2003, 06:10 AM	#2
ruffitt TFF Admin Staff In Heaven Now Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sparta, MI / Now In Heaven Also Posts: 2,880	Makarov - First off, welcome to The Firearms Forum. It is our pleasure to have you join our ranks. As you are no doubt aware, there are pro's and con's regarding the hammer/no hammer agenda with each side extolling the virtue of their particular following. In this regard, there is/can not be a clear cut "winner". I believe the matter is one of personal preference. Some like the feeling of "cocking" a piece, be it revolver or pistol, prior to "dropping the hammer". Others prefer the double action style found on many of the semi-automatic pistols. My personal carry weapon is a Kahr K40 in .40S&W carried in an Alessi IWB strong side right. This is a DA ONLY pistol along the lines of the Glock family of handguns. Is this weapon as "safe" as yours? This is a subjective question begging of a multitude of responses. To me, my weapon is just as safe as any exposed hammer weapon. However I feel that I must "qualify" this response by stating that I am 61 years old and have been around long guns and hand held weaponry since I was a baby (my dad was a County Sheriff Detective). Firearm safety is deeply rooted and inherent in my psyche. This is not a definitive answer I know; but I feel it is unlikely that one can be attained based on the variables of personal preference. __________________ Any politician who doesn't trust me to own a weapon is not someone worthy of my vote, my respect, ~~ or my tax dollars.

10-09-2003, 11:13 AM	#5
Gunfyter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,956	I like hammers if they don't snag anything. __________________ Anything worth shooting once, is worth shooting again. If it ain't broke, break it. Someone needs the work

10-30-2003, 06:03 AM	#7
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Amen, Smash. Hammer, no hammer, auto, or revolver, the important thing is a gun that will be WITH you 24/7. If it's too big, too heavy, whatever, lose it and find one that's not. You already know my feelings on the air-lite smiths, but for the rest: when you frequently forget that you are carrying a weapon, your weapon is close to an optimal choice. __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

01-15-2004, 07:08 AM	#8
Woodman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Da' Keystone State Posts: 270	One retired LEO said "I like to be able to see my hammer, to know it is there ready to drop". I've had both; here you can only have two on a CCW; for now, both have hammers; one exposed (Tomcat 24/7) and SP-101 .357 bobbed hammer - nice and smooth. I might put on the .380 Walther and give it a "test ride" to check it's comfort as a 24/7 CCW, and it also has the exposed hammer. I want to get my new Para on the permit, but it is too large for these climes. When I move back to Philadelphia, that CCW745 WILL be strapped inside my waistband, for sure. And that gun has a bobbed hammer, DAO. The only thing i do not like about new handgun manufacture is the ridiculously large "beavertail" grip safeties. Having that thing dig into your side...no way. __________________ www.fiftycal.org http://www.ccrkba.org/ Last edited by Woodman; 01-15-2004 at 09:44 AM..

10-09-2003, 07:40 AM	#3
1952Sniper Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 5,138	Welcome aboard, Makarov! Personally, my Bulgarian Makarov is my current choice for carrying concealed. I like an exposed hammer.

10-09-2003, 08:37 AM	#4
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Welcome to TFF, Makarov! Hope you'll make yourself at home and post often. Ruffit is right about the personal preference issue. You'll hear opinions here for both types of weapon. The most important thing is to have a weapon that you are comfortable with.

10-10-2003, 03:55 PM	#6
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	I'm down here in GA - kinda hot in the summer, thus comfortable clothing options drive a lot carry decisions. My "Pocket Gun" is a Ti Smith in .38. Smooth Hogues and a bobbed hammer. I elected to go that way versus Centinneal "covered hammer" because from time to time a slow single action shot may be needed. The bobbed hammer provides snag-less carry and the single action option. When a cover garment is doable - I go with either a Eclipse Ultra or a Full Size 1911. Haven't had a snag problem carrying cocked and locked. Welcome to the forum - just got here myself. Listen to all the opinions, but remember the first rule of a gunfight is "have a gun." Familiarity and comfort of carry means you'll probably have it when you need it.

01-15-2004, 08:56 AM	#9
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	SoMo's right about personal preference. Personally, I like to see the hammer and know that it's ready to drop. Glad to see you at TFF, Makarov. As was so aptly put on another thread, we are a diverse group and enjoy a camaraderie unsurpassed anywhere on the net. Our "in the know" people are some of the finest you will find anywhere, and their collective knowledge is unsurpassed. Hope you will join us often and post often. Attached Images __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-15-2004, 08:06 PM	#10
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	If a wheel gun runs the way it's s'posta, you KNOW when the hammer's gonna drop; it's tactile, not visual. If that's not the case, if you can't bring all the holes 'round, without dropping the hammer, using the trigger (on an empty gun), then fix, or have it fixed. A Smith revolver, when it is right, is a thing of beauty, and of timing. One should not have to guess, just pull. if you're watching the hammer, you CAN"T SEE THE SIGHTS! On a 1911, my pick of the litter, the only use the hammer really has is to put the gun safe, when in ignorant company; everywhere else, we apply the thumb safety, and holster. Hope this helps, Terry __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

09-07-2004, 02:06 AM	#11
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Stanwood washington Posts: 678	Re: Hangun with or without hammer for CCW? s&w 442 I carry that in my pocket. 15oz's __________________ God Bless America, This Great Land we call HOME.