body guard vs centennial j frame

[Collin642]

I was just wondering how many forum members preferred the 638/438 over the 642/442. Even though the centennial style is more popular the body guard seems popular to.

 

[Badkarma 1]

Me!

I know it's considered bad juju to actually cock a revolver to shoot it in a self-defence situation, but I can think of a few scenarios where it comes in handy. The long shot or precision shot.
Now I've paid my dues and have practiced DA shooting with my snubs that I can make it unhealthy for a miscreant out to 50 feet. But when plinking or hunting small game I prefer to thumbcock the piece or for introducing a new shooter to a snub.
Nothing wring with the Cent. But I prefer the BG or even the original Chief! Dale

 

[victor937]

Badkarma makes a valid point...I too would prefer the ability to cock if and when it may be called for, but on the other hand...if I'm going to sit around and just look at my revolver all day...I'd rather be looking at a Centennial...gotta love those lemon squeezers

 

[Vulcan Bob]

For pocket carry I prefer the Centennial, less openings for pocket crud and such to get into. For a belt holster carry the Bodyguard is very suitable. Thats why I have both!

 

[bennettfam]

both are great

For pocket carry I prefer the Centennial, less openings for pocket crud and such to get into. For a belt holster carry the Bodyguard is very suitable. Thats why I have both!

Me too, kind of. My 642 slides in and out of a pocket better without hanging up or getting grit inside. But my 37 is my choice for holster carry so I have that fully exposed hammer for a SA option. Both are extemely light weight and handy.

 

[DCWilson]

When I had to make this choice a couple of years back I went with the Bodyguard style -- a 649 -- which I preferred to the Centennial style in both functionality and appearance.

But then when I picked up a compact .44 a year later, I went with the 296. It looks like a Bodyguard with that humpback hammer shroud, but it's DA only -- no exposed hammer nub. I would have preferred a SA option as well, but it wasn't available.

 

[Cujohunter]

I prefer the Bodyguard 438/638 myself. It's the best of both worlds. I train in DA and SA all the time and my 438 has never hung up in my pocket or ankle at all. I love J frames and the Bodyguard is by far my favorite.

 

[Knightrider03m]

I just can't get over the bodyguards "hunchback" look. I just think they look ugly. At the same time I do prefer the option of cocking it if need be so I just went with the exposed hammer.

 

[ab4ka]

When I bought my 638 I thought I just had to have the option of shooting it single-action, but to be honest I've done all of my practicing with it in DA mode. Still, I suppose it's nice to have the option. I wouldn't turn down either one, and to be honest the ugly little thing has grown on me

 

[ar15ed]

i love all j-frames, but the bodyguard is my favorite!

 

[44 Shooter]

I carry my bodyguard for self-defence, and as a work gun on the farm. Thumb cocking makes a precision shot possible.

 

[JamesArthur60]

I can't think of a defensive situation where one would cock a revolver and point it at someone. Even if one needs to shoot immediately, I believe a quick trigger pull would be best, instead of cocking the hammer back. The covered hammer models may be ugly to some, but I like my DAO Centennial 640-1. Just my point of view, that's all.

 

[Andy Taylor]

While I mainly shoot DA, I like having the option of SA. I prefer the Bodyguard, but I do have one of each.

 

[Leonard]

I carried a body guard for years and liked it a lot. Recently bought a pre 40 Centennial and like it for pocket carry even better.

Its a bit more compact very smooth action, accurate and as stated if I need it for whats its intended it will be strictly double action.

 

[surfdog76]

"...... and to be honest the ugly little thing has grown on me

roger that