Concealed Carry: hammer-fired or striker-fired?
You want to get a gun – not just any gun but one specifically for carrying concealed. Most of the information below speaks about carrying on body rather than purse carry. However, the information is valid, in our opinion for either option.
And Now, Here’s Jerry!
Who? Jerry Miculek – a professional shooter for Smith-Wesson speaks to directly to you… well sort of.
We think this interview from Cabela’s ambassador is worth sharing regarding his great insights about what type of gun (his opinion) is best for concealed carry. However, which firearm you choose is always a personal decision. We hope this information helps you to make the best decision for you.
What’s your preference — hammer-fired or striker-fired?
Jerry has had plenty of experience with both, striker fire and hammer fired firearms, and for more reasons than one, I prefer striker-fired handguns when carrying concealed.
First, on striker-fired weapons, the trigger is the safety — there is no external safety on the firearm. And when you think in terms of why someone would be carrying concealed in the first place, I say less is always best — especially when you’re excited.
Striker-fired firearms also tend to be more compact in terms of the slide (they have no hammer showing), which means there’s a smaller chance of dirt and debris entering the handgun while it’s concealed. And when you think about all the junk that’s in your pockets — fuzz, lint, change, all kinds of stuff — this is a big advantage.
Striker-fired guns, due to their lack of a hammer, are also “slicker” and smoother than the alternative, which makes them easier to drag around through whatever clothes you’re wearing. Hammers tend to snag and, in my experience, can hinder your ability to quickly and easily interact with your firearm, or result in accidental firing — that’s never a good thing.
Additionally, Striker-fired options — more often than not — tend to have polymer constructions, making them a bit cheaper than hammer-fired handguns (which are usually constructed of steel), as well as lighter to carry and easier to maintain. When carried concealed, firearms are put through a lot of changes in temperature and humidity, and because hammer-fired pistols are traditionally made of steel, they are more prone to corrosion.
Did you know that women’s perspiration tends to have more corrosive properties to it than men’s. This causes steel firearms used by females to corrode at a much faster rate. This is just one more reason I would recommend striker-fire (polymer construction) handguns for females looking to carry concealed.These firearms also provide a consistent trigger pull from the first shot to the last shot. They’re simple to operate and a breeze to become accustomed to, and, if you’re asking me, the simpler you make things, the better off you are. You want this to be something you can easily repeat without thinking too much about it.
What all of this ultimately comes down to, is becoming accustomed to and knowing your handgun.
Spend time with your gun at the range. Practice using it. Take firearms safety courses. It’s all part of being a responsible firearm owner.
First and foremost, functionality matters — the gun has got to work properly. It has to go “bang” every time. As far as accuracy potential… how accurately a person shoots, that’s all up to them. Personally, I’d take a perfectly functioning gun over anything else. Every time, no matter what. It all comes back to being proficient with your firearm.
Train often and never engage that trigger unless you’re 100% ready to shoot.
