S&W revolver hammer styles: spurred vs enclosed
Choosing between a spurred and enclosed hammer is more than an aesthetic decision on a Smith & Wesson revolver. The arrangement affects how the gun sits in the hand, what is visible behind the frame, whether a traditional manual cocking action is available and how readily the mechanism can be checked or serviced.
Neither label makes one revolver safer or more reliable than the other. “Spurred” describes an external hammer with a projecting spur; “enclosed” usually means the hammer works inside the frame. Because S&W has built many families and some sellers use “hammerless” imprecisely, the exact model, frame and action matter more than the marketing description.
What the hammer names mean
The quickest way to understand the difference is to look at the rear of the frame. A spurred revolver leaves the hammer visible behind the cylinder, while an enclosed revolver hides it within the framework. Neither style automatically indicates a lighter trigger or a particular level of safety.
| Feature | Spurred external hammer | Enclosed internal hammer |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Projects behind the cylinder and remains visible | Housed within the frame and hidden from view |
| Action | Frequently DA/SA; some are DA-only | Commonly DA; model-specific variants exist |
| Thumb access | Spur can be located and used for manual cocking on applicable DA/SA models | No external spur and no manual cocking |
| Trigger pull | Often heavier on traditional DA/SA models | Still model-dependent; enclosure does not guarantee a light pull |
| Handling | Spur may catch clothing or equipment | Compact rear profile with fewer external projections |
| Inspection | Exposed hammer and open cylinder gap are easy to see | Cylinder gap, chambers and internal mechanism still need care |
| Examples | Many classic S&W large-frame revolvers | Models such as S&W Model 60, Model 61 and Model 64; other designs vary |
Most specifications use double-action (DA) and single-action (SA). In DA, the trigger rotates the cylinder and releases the hammer; in SA, it only releases a hammer already cocked by hand. A spurred DA/SA revolver may therefore be manually cocked, whereas an enclosed-hammer model normally offers no external spur for that purpose.
Model families cross both conventions. Many familiar large-frame S&W revolvers are spurred, while the Model 60, Model 61 and Model 64 are associated with internal hammers; other families differ. Check the receiver marking, factory manual and specification sheet rather than extrapolating from the shape of an older or unrelated model.
How a spurred hammer handles in practice
A spurred revolver offers a visible mechanical action and the familiar feel associated with many classic S&W service guns. The spur gives positive feedback from the hand and, on applicable DA/SA models, permits manual cocking. Its everyday compromise is clearance: the projection can catch a coat cuff, sling or vehicle seat, and gloves on a cool range morning can make it feel more pronounced. Some shooters value that locate-by-touch feature, while others find it intrusive.
Condition matters as much as preference. The exposed action and open cylinder gap can show debris more readily, so a revolver stored in a dusty vehicle should be inspected and cleaned according to its manual. On a used example, check finish wear around the spur, cylinder and frame, since cosmetic blemishes can hide prior handling or storage damage. When function is uncertain, a qualified Australian gunsmith can assess it more reliably than visual inspection alone.
How an enclosed hammer handles in practice
An enclosed or internal hammer gives a revolver a cleaner rear profile and removes the spur as a snag point. That can suit shooters who wear work clothing, keep equipment in a confined vehicle or prefer the balanced appearance of many compact S&W designs. The trade-off is visibility and access: the user cannot see the hammer in the same way or reach an external spur, and internal parts are less obvious during a routine check. Enclosure also does not seal the cylinder gap, chambers or breech face.
Terminology causes avoidable confusion. Some sellers call internal-hammer revolvers “hammerless”, while others use that term for striker-fired pistols in the wider M&P range. A striker-fired pistol has no conventional hammer, whereas an enclosed-hammer revolver still uses one to strike the primer. That distinction affects parts, servicing and safe handling, so identify the category before comparing trigger feel, holsters or accessories. An enclosed mechanism can still have a deliberately long trigger pull.
Australian law, storage and the local market
Australian ownership adds a legal layer that a generic buying guide cannot replace. Firearms licensing, registration, storage and transport are administered by state and territory authorities, with serialised firearms generally recorded in the National Firearms Register. Access to handgun categories is conditional on licence class and eligibility, and Victoria and New South Wales apply genuine-reason tests. Tasmania and Queensland use different licensing categories and pathways, so a buyer’s home jurisdiction must be checked before ordering.
Daily use often revolves around a licensed club or commercial range. Shooters around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide commonly plan around booked sessions and transport the firearm in a locked case rather than treating it like ordinary luggage. Many state rules require an unloaded firearm in an approved container, while many state rules require ammunition to be stored separately from the firearm. Temporary interstate travel, ammunition carriage and permit conditions can vary, making the destination rules essential before a revolver is moved.
Storage should be considered part of the purchase. A suitable safe or cabinet, controlled access and an ammunition solution should match local requirements, while a separate review of storage and security can help identify practical gaps. The second-hand market also varies, with private transfers, dealers and auctions subject to different checks. International shipping does not override Australian Customs requirements or state approval, even when an overseas retailer offers worldwide delivery and direct customer support.
Choosing a model that fits its purpose
Retailers often mix product families. Wesson Arms, for example, lists a S&W rifle selection alongside revolvers and accessories, but rifle actions and hammer conventions do not transfer to a revolver. Start with the exact model, confirm whether its photographs clearly show a spur or enclosed rear frame, and make sure the model number appears in the listing and supporting documents. A catalogue description alone is not enough for a high-consequence purchase.
Discounted or blemished units need extra attention, not less. Cosmetic marks may be cosmetic, but damage around the cylinder, altered grips or replacement parts can affect value and inspection priorities. Ask what the seller disclosed, whether the serial number matches the record, and what phone or email support and return arrangements apply before money changes hands.
- Confirm the model number and hammer arrangement from the receiver marking, manufacturer’s manual or a clear photograph; do not rely on “hammerless” alone.
- Handle the revolver, or an equivalent example, in the clothing and gloves normally used at a range, focusing on spur clearance and balance.
- Match the exact model to its approved ammunition, especially when choosing between .38 Special, .357 Magnum and other cartridges or barrel lengths.
- Inspect the bore, cylinder, chamber area and finish, and have a licensed gunsmith assess function if the revolver is used, discounted or uncertain.
- Check state or territory licence, registration, safe-storage, ammunition and transport rules before collecting the revolver or ordering ammunition.
- Verify the serial number, import eligibility, seller disclosures and support arrangements, particularly for worldwide shipping or a blemished sale.
- Keep the factory manual and service history with the purchase, and use the correct model-specific parts and cleaning instructions.
The practical takeaway is to treat hammer style as one part of a model-specific decision. A spurred revolver offers a visible action and manual-cocking provision on applicable models, while an enclosed revolver offers a compact profile without guaranteeing a lighter trigger or simpler maintenance. Choose only after the exact model, condition, ammunition and lawful Australian storage plan align with the intended use.