It is very dangerous to carry an automatic pistol loaded in the pocket, unless it has a safety bolt.
The proper way to carry a revolver (unless a “safety revolver” is carried) is to leave one chamber unloaded, and lower the hammer on that empty chamber. The revolver here described obviates these risks.
This is the Smith & Wesson .38 calibre safety hammerless pocket revolver. This revolver cannot go off accidentally, even when all the chambers are loaded, as there is a safety catch which prevents the revolver being discharged unless it is pressed at the same time that the trigger is pulled.
Any one used to revolver shooting, who holds this revolver as I have described in my instructions for revolver shooting, and squeezes the trigger, will be able to shoot without thinking of the safety catch, for he presses it unconsciously in gripping the stock. A person not accustomed to a revolver cannot, however, fire it; in fact, if a man not an expert revolver-shot wrested the revolver from you, it would be harmless in his hands against you. Indeed, the pistol could without danger be given, loaded, to a small child to play with, as it requires a stronger grip than a child’s to discharge it.
Most revolver accidents occur either from the hammer receiving an accidental blow, slipping from the thumb, catching in something, or from the trigger being touched unintentionally, or the revolver being left at full-cock.
In this Smith & Wesson safety revolver all these causes of accident are impossible, and it is always ready for instant use. Its further advantages are:
1. There is no external hammer to catch in anything.
2. Pressure on the trigger cannot discharge the revolver unless the stock is properly grasped at the same time.
3. The revolver cannot be kept at full-cock.
4. Being hammerless, and having no projections, it can be drawn more quickly than an ordinary revolver.