Smith & Wesson · Revolver

Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless

Name: Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless
Brand: Smith & Wesson

Double action revolver · .38 S&W · introduced 1887

Also known as Lemon Squeezer, New Departure, S&W .38 Safety Hammerless

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About the Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless

The Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless is a top-break, double-action-only pocket revolver produced from 1887 to 1940 and nicknamed the "Lemon Squeezer" for its backstrap grip safety. Chambered in .38 S&W (and a smaller .32 S&W version), the concealed-hammer, five-shot design could not snag on clothing and required the grip safety to be depressed before it would fire, making it a popular concealed self-defense arm.

The grip safety on the backstrap had to be squeezed before the revolver would fire, earning it the enduring collector nickname "Lemon Squeezer" and making it one of the safest pocket revolvers of its day.

Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless specifications

General

Type: Revolver
Action: Double action revolver
Firing mechanism: Double action only
Trigger: Double action
Calibres: .38 S&W, .32 S&W
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Magazine: Internal

Dimensions

Barrel length: 89 mm (3.5 in)
Overall length: 165 mm (6.5 in)
Weight (empty): 0.51 kg (1.12 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 5

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 190 m/s (623 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 235 J (173 ft·lb)
Effective range: 18 m

History

Introduced: 1887
Discontinued: 1940
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: Daniel B. Wesson

Available calibres

.38 S&W.32 S&W

Features

Top break action
Automatic ejector
Internal hammer
Fixed sights

Safety

Grip safety
Concealed hammer

Marketed by S&W as the "New Departure". The grip safety on the backstrap earned it the "Lemon Squeezer" nickname. Offered with 2, 3, 3.5 and occasionally 6 inch barrels.