May be looking at a J frame in the future, which would you recommend and why: Bodyguard or Centennial? Obviously it would be for light CCW, and I chose a revolver for its ability to shoot in clothing (no slide to get caught). It will be wearing a pair of CTs no matter what. Thanks in advance for the info.

When I made this choice a couple of years ago, I went for the Bodyguard style because it offered the option of single action operation in addition to double action. I no longer think that option is as important as it seemed to me at the time, but I like the appearance of the bodyguard so I'm glad I got it. I even like the style so much I bought a .44 caliber humpback, the model 296, to keep it company. That one does NOT have a a single action option. It's just an enclosed hammer DA with a really big bore.

I don't have anything against the Centennial, which is a fine and well respected gun in its own right. If I needed a pocket-suitable small .38 right now and the Centennial was the only thing on the shelf, I would buy it without qualms.

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David Wilson

Ah! One of my very favorite topics! Ye olde Humpback vs hammerless debate.

Let me start off by saying welcome to the Blue forum!

There are some great, and extremely knowledgeable folks here! So dig in and post often!

Let's see...J frames. Well, first of all, I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that the mighty J frame is probably my very favorite of the bunch, with the K frames running a very close 2nd. The trouble with J frames is that they are a little tougher to shoot, until you "learn" how. ESPECIALLY the Airweights.

Most folks go and buy a 442/642 Centennial (probably S&W's best seller) fire 5 or 10 rounds thru it, don't hit squat, then they either sell it or stick it in a sock drawer. Here is the reason I recommend the Bodyguard series as a first time J frame.

With the Bodyguard, you get the best of both worlds. You get the convienence of "snag-proof" pocket carry with it's shrouded hammer, but yet...you have single action firing capabilities. Now I'm not saying in a self defense situation, you should consider single action. God forbid! What I'm saying, is this...

As I said earlier, the mighty J frames are kinda tough to master. With the Bodyguard, you can take it to the range, fire 20/30 rounds thru it in single action mode, just to get accustomed to the recoil and see where it's hitting. Then, when you don't flinch everytime you pull the trigger and your patterns are getting a little tighter, you can switch to double action mode and viola! You realize that you patterns haven't changed much, if at all!

Now then. Everybody always talks about crud and lint and coins getting down inside the Bodyguards shroud. I ain't gonna lie to you. Yes, you do get a ball of lint in there after you pocket carry for a few days. However. My model 38 Airweight Bodyguard gets wiped down and blown out every Sunday afternoon. A ball of lint always comes out of the shroud, but I don't blow it out. What I do is unload the revolver and SHOOT it out. Meaning, I dry fire it about a dozen or so times just to see if everybody's theory about the crud locking up the revolver, making it useless, holds water.

It doesn't.

It just pops right out and then, I blow the shrouded area out some more.

The Centennials are great revolvers, don't get me wrong, but I consider them better off with experienced shooters.

Get a Bodyguard as well as a good pocket holster, and dedicate the pocket it goes in to that weapon and holster ONLY! I could go on and on about pocket holsters, but that's another story.

Anyway...get a Bodyguard. You'll thank me later.

As Glock em down has noted about the Bodyguard, pocket crud can be a problem but with a little maintenance it's not a real problem. If you do use a pocket holster the only thing that goes into that pocket is the holster and gun. I prefer the Centennial as I shoot em double action only anyway's, but there is no real difference other than personal taste.

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Stay safe people!

I feel very strongly both ways.....

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Damn! What a gorgeous pair!

649 and 640, I presume?

...both. And on the Bodyguard, a 49 and a 649. On the Centennial, I prefer a 640. You need that too....

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Ed

Yep. And I do like 'em both. If you expect bad guys at 25 yards, then the 649. Anything at shorter range, the 640 does just fine.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I have owned several of both and would agree that for pure CC purposes, your choice would be a wash. Both are Very sweet choices for CC carry. That said, I do favor the humpbacks a bit more as my J frames tend to spend as much carry time in the wild as much as through the city. ( Unpure use I guess? :-) )Sometimes I like to squeeze off a couple of aimed shots at pine cones, mushrooms, snakes, etc. As mentioned, she'll shoot allot tighter in SA when you have the time/need. Lastly, since I sometimes keep a shot load in the first hole, the hammer allows me to safely decock to the next conventional load if I choose.

p.s. While not quite as snag proof for pocket shooting, I also often choose a mod 60 with a bob'd hammer. Same reasoning/uses as the x49 but allot easier and cheaper to come by in the used market. Of course, if your like me and many of these guys around here, your going to end up whith one of each anyway . Give in and get started;-)

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Dave

I have both but use the 642 Centennial Airweight the most.

Forgot to add...for pocket shooting...the Centennial is your best option.

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Centennial Every Day

I own one Bodyguard, an old 49, and seven different Centennials, spanning four different models. Therefore, I prefer the Centennial, seven to one!

Seriously, here's my take: I have no use or need for SA capability in a snubby revolver, and I think Bodyguards are ugly little critters. The "crud around the hammer" issue is often overblown, but one thing often overlooked is that one can take a bit higher grip on Centennials than Bodyguards, improving controllability.

Once, a few shooters (some from here on this board) got together after cleaning out our closets, and making a trip to the local thrift store to buy all sorts of coats, jackets, hoodies, etc. Shrouded or enclosed revolvers did seem easier to retrieve from pockets... however, they all (autojammers and all) blew "gun-sized" holes in the pockets when fired from inside a pocket (without a holster) and we simply thrust our strong hand into either an isosceles or Weaver stance and continued firing. A slide may get hung up if you don't "follow through", but we didn't try that. This was outer garment packet carry only.

We destroyed a lot of coats that day... and several mannequins also fell by the way IIRC.

I like the design of the Bodyguard in that it seems to have been a combat-oriented improvement to the original Centennial design. It allows the only catastrophic malfunction clearance available to a revolver... one that is only available with access to the hammer. If a cylinder fails to turn (remember this is in combat) due to (choose: high primer, loose ejector rod, damaged forcing cone, warped or bent frame), then you will need to have access to the hammer (while turning the outside of the cylinder, and/or pulling the trigger) to get all the force necessary to get that cylinder to align to the next charge hole. Trust me, pulling the trigger alone (at least on a K-frame) is not enough to accomplish this in all cases. It happened to me.

It could be used for single action shooting also... that would be good practice for hammer manipulation on a gun that has a modified shaped hammer to begin with... sorta factory bobbed for the Bodyguard.

In reality, this sort of catastrophic failure is highly unlikely except for maybe a K-frame anyway... but that might have had some bearing on the Bodyguard design nonetheless... especially the Airweights. It is good to know all the remedial action drills available to a revolver shooter… and which guns have any limitations.

+1 on the CTCs And that hump can allow for some people to get a slightly higher grip. For those who use such holds on 1911s and such it helps in a way a beavertail would.

I'd go for either though... both are well suited for pocket carry, and IWB, and ankle, and gun box, and cetera. Excellent grab and go guns rating high on reliability factors.

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GA

I agree with the excellent evaluation by Glock-Um-Down concerning the bodyguards. I alternate between carrying my 49 and 649. The humpbacks will REALLY grow on you if you let them!

regards
Eaglebeaver

I'm partial to the centennials. No need to shoot that little guy single action. Not my favorite for target shooting anyway.

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Get off my lawn.

I have always prefered the Centennials & probobly always will..
Standard weight, Airweight, Airlite, I just prefer the shrouded hammer for a pocket gun..
My two current pocket revolvers are my 940 & 642/942..
Nothing against the Bodygaurd..
Gary/Hk

Carry a 642 almost exclusively now; never have liked the looks of the Bodyguard and that goes back to 1975 or so.

Plug ugly gun, IMHO...but yours is the opinion that matters most.

Be safe.

Easy to carry, easy to shoot.
Don

Another Centennial vote times 3. I have a 40 Classic, 640 & 940. I love the trigger pull on the 640 & 940, no need for SA.

Throwing my love to the Bodyguard. I really like the humpback, not for it's single action, but with a good pocket holster, it looks like a square wallet if it should print in a pocket.

I just purchased a Bodyguard model 438 for the following reasons. Black finish doesn't catch the eye as much as silver finish for concealed carry. I think a Crimson Trace laser grip is mandatory for a 2 inch barrel. Without it I shoot 8 inch groups at 7 yards. With it I shoot 2 inch groups and acquire the target much faster. Single action is handy to sight laser in. I just prefer the look of the Bodyguard vs. the Centennial.

I don't think a better pocket gun can be found!!
If there is something better the Big Guy Upstairs must have kept it for himself..
Also Big "THANKS" to Craig Spegel For the Perfect Grips..
Gary/Hk

Models 940 & 942

As many others have said, the Bodyguard style is the way to go for me! I have the CT 405 grips on mine and it really helps absorb recoil and, if I can keep my hand steady, helps the accuracy.

I have a 38 Special Centennial that is an old and trusted friend. I carried it as a BUG for years as a LEO before I retired and I still have it with me daily.

I've got this Model 40-1 in nickel that I've carried for almost three years. I really like it, but I really love the Bodyguards too. I wish I could have found an Airweight Bodyguard or Centennial though. Couldn't help it, that nickel just caught my eye. May end up trading it for the right little Airweight if one comes along though.

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Pretty gun. I like it. What model is that again?

TMann (...who hopes to one day memorize all of the S&W model numbers...)

I went with a Bodyguard..






this one is a "-3" and has no internal lock.

I've got a 640-3, complete with infernal lock, and I'm perfectly happy with it. I know with my other weapons that I'm just about as inaccurate with single action as I am with double action, so that's not a benefit for me.

But any J-frame snubby bigger than .32 is probably a fine pocket carry weapon. For me, the Centennial ones are at the top of the heap. But the Bodyguards are next. If I was a better single action shot, then maybe I'd like them more.

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Regulate Banks, not guns

Honestly, I couldn't decide, so I have and carry both. Edge may go to the Centennial.......today.

When faced with the same choice as you (what a great dilemma) I went with the 640 because it FORCES me to practice double-action. Since then, I have become waaaaayyyy better at double action fire.

It does take some dedication to put some rounds down the pipe as often as possible and dry fire 'til your forearm swells. However, it pays off with better groups and greater confidence.

... and the Centennial is prettier. To me. :-)

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I've got both too!

Here's my new Centennial and Bodyguard!!!


The Centennial...





The Bodyguard

When I was very young and very stupid, the Centennial and Bodyguard's were tied at the very top of my list of ugly guns.
I've gotten much older, uglier and experienced. The Centennial and Bodyguards however have stayed the same in appearance. Now in retrospect I've finally realized, they always were good looking. When seen through the right eyes that is.

Au contraire - you want ugo in a pocket protector, albeit a big pocket, I submit my AirLite Ti 296:



In the Bodyguard vs Centennial, put me down for the Centennial. Oh, sure, I'd love to have a 649 - just neat looking - but not for EDC. My 642 is sufficient. All defensive shooting, and, thus, the practice for such, should be DA - IMHO. I only have two J-frames. The 642 is well broken-in and the 5" SS 63 has been 'improved' - but it will be a fun piece (Hard to pocket a 5" barrel!). The 642 is a CCW - I will stay tuned to it rather than tune it to me. The 296, a basic L-frame, has broken in to become a great action. Of course, it bounces a bit, too.

Stainz

I'm glad this question was raised, because I'm facing a similar dilemma of C vs. BG. One issue that hasn't been discussed that I would like to hear about: Because the C is hammerless but the BG has a hammer, does that affect the smoothness or weight of the trigger pull. That is, is one gun inherently smoother and lighter in the trigger dept. Thanks.

The Centennials will usually have a smoother DA trigger pull due to the fact that they don't have the hammer block safety that the DA/SA guns have, The Hammer rests on the rebound slide to prevent the hammer from moving forward untill the trigger is pulled, same as the DA/SAs as well..
The Centennials aren't "Hammerless" they have a Concealed hammer internally..
Also those 242/296 L Frame Centennials aka "Humpbacks" are a very different variant that S&W should reintroduce into thier carry lineup IMO..
They have a very smooth trigger that uses the standard K/L/N strut style hammer spring..
I love the Centennials but never said that I didn't like Bodygaurds, I've never owned one but that could change at any given moment.. The only Bodygaurd I have is my Lou Alessi shoulder Holster..
You Gotta love these great concealed carry revolvers..
S&W sells more 642s than any other handgun.
Looks like there's another batch of "No Lock" 642/442s in the mainstream & hopefully this will be a turn for "Change"
Which ever you choose, Or Both, Carry...Involk your 2nd ammendment rights..
Off To gunshow..
Gary/Hk

TMann,
The gun's a M 40-1 Centennial Classic.
The only safety is the grip ('lemon squeezer') safety.
It's rated .38 special +P.
As I recall, these were made circa 2007.
Don

Yes, exactly, and I used to think that 8" barrels would obviously be the way to go, just had to be more accurate, and therefore better and more desirable, right?...

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Ed

I would carry either a pre-lock Centennial or Bodyguard. I prefer the ability to cock the hammer if necessary, but either one would be perfectly acceptable.

I don't think one is inherently smoother than the other except a case might be made for the fact that the Centennial doesn't have a hammer block.

I've noticed that the Centennials I've shot seemed to be just a bit smoother from the factory. I'm guessing S&W might spend a few extra minutes on the lockwork of the double action only Centennials.

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Centennial Every Day

Thanks for all of the input so far...unfortunately Im still on the fence lol. There are really three main issues I am concerned about with the Bodyguard. They are:

-lint in the shroud
-hump makes it more difficult to draw from pocket
-DA pull not as smooth as Centennial

All else being equal I would prefer the bodyguard since it still gives the option for SA pull. (Better to have it and not need it than vice-versa). Thanks again for the input.

Get the Bodyguard. The lint is a non-issue.

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Centennial Every Day

+1,000,000.

Right.........BodyGuards Rule!

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Ed

I like them both, but have a 642. Since I had it ported I don't plan on too much in the pocket shooting, but if need be so be it...I'll keep the band aids handy!

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Gonna be a bear? Be a grizzly.

I love my 638 bodyguard...it's the best of both worlds.

Someone once wrote that the Bodyguard is a bad choice for pocket carry because a small coin, like a dime, might get wedged in the hammer cut-out and keep the hammer from being cocked as the trigger is pulled. It sounded logical.

Then, when I mentioned the possibility to a friend, she said, "So don't carry pocket change in the gun pocket!"

She was right about that.

Then one night, sitting at the kitchen table with some snubs, I decided to try to jam the hammer of a Bodyguard with a dime. Guess what? A DIME IS TOO BIG TO WEDGE INTO THE SLOT! So much for that argument!

So, that leaves lint getting inside.

And the Bodyguard is still ugly.

Get the one you like best. Both are excellent designs.

While I don't think you can go wrong with either one, here is another vote for the bodyguard. My primary reason for going with the 649 was the SA option. I shoot it at the range a lot more than I do on the street and as noted in a previous post this is an excellent way to flatten the learning curve. My DA groups got significantly smaller after dialing in the SA function.

I also chose the 649 so that I would have the option of 357 vs 38. When hiking, camping etc., I carry 357's. Out on the street for everyday CCW I load 38's. Lint, as noted, is a non issue and simply keeping nothing but the gun in your pocket just makes sense. Anyway, that's my two cents worth and here is a shot of my 649.

A couple nights ago I stopped off at my local gun shop and dry-fired current production models of the Centennial and the Bodyguard. One thing I noticed was where my trigger finger naturally fell on the triggers of both models. The Bodyguard seemed to have a slightly longer length-of-pull than the Centennial, which resulted in my first knuckle hitting the trigger finger just right. Whereas with the Centennial, my finger went too far past the trigger. I'm not sure why, but maybe the humpback of the Bodyguard fills up the back strap a bit and increases the LOP just slightly. I didn't take any measurements but that's the way it seemed to me. Just my two cents, but I personally would lean towards the Bodyguard because it seems to fit my trigger finger better.

I started with a centenial, sold it for a body guard, then sold that one for another centenial.

What I found was that if needed you won't have time to cock the gun into SA, and the amount of **** that gets into the shrouded area (lint etc) just made me say screw it and get another centenial.

Now I am not saying that lint will cause any problems, but why would I choose to waste time to dig the **** out of an area that I will not use in an emergency to begin with?


Good luck with whichever you decide to get.

I just went through the same dilemma. I went for the centennial 642 with out the IL brand new. If you want to be accurate it takes practice, just like everything. And if you do need to use it in self defense(ccw) you are not going to cock the hammer anyway. It can be fired from a pocket without worry as well. If you want a DA/SA revolver for accuracy I would go for a gp100. If you want a ccw revolver I would go with a centennial. I really want a 640, but I couldn't find one when I purchased my 642. IMO.

The New Guy above me here meant to say Model 686 not GP100..
Welcome to the Forum mikol77, There is no dislike of Rugers here BTW, Many members have several..
And once you've carried an Airweight or Airlite a Metal framed concealed carry gun will feel like a brick in short time.. You did right buying the 642 IMO..
Gary/Hk