These little J-frame gems have been more recommended by the experts than any other concealable revolvers, and they are the biggest sellers in the Smith & Wesson line.
I've owned one or more of the Centennial-pattern guns since 1993, and I guess I like the breed, now having 5 of them. They slip in a pocket easily, and more important, slip out of a pocket just as easily. They're as close to 100% reliable as you can get, and operating them is as simple as point and click. The .38 special (especially in +P loadings) is an adequate defense caliber. These guns conceal easily in a variety of ways; the Airweight models can strap onto your ankle without you feeling that you're dragging a boat anchor around. At any rate, here is my gaggle of Centennials, ranging from the original Model 40 with the grip safety to the modern Airweights and the Model 40-1. With a DAO action, there is less likelihood of a negligent discharge, and it would be hard for an infant to make one go bang - particularly with the grip safety models. If I were asked to pick a favorite, it would be that 640 in the upper left hand corner. With the Herrett's "Shooting Star" grips custom made to my hand pattern, it's easily controllable with anything I want to feed it. The Clip-grip enables me to tuck it anywhere without a holster.
John
I've owned one or more of the Centennial-pattern guns since 1993, and I guess I like the breed, now having 5 of them. They slip in a pocket easily, and more important, slip out of a pocket just as easily. They're as close to 100% reliable as you can get, and operating them is as simple as point and click. The .38 special (especially in +P loadings) is an adequate defense caliber. These guns conceal easily in a variety of ways; the Airweight models can strap onto your ankle without you feeling that you're dragging a boat anchor around. At any rate, here is my gaggle of Centennials, ranging from the original Model 40 with the grip safety to the modern Airweights and the Model 40-1. With a DAO action, there is less likelihood of a negligent discharge, and it would be hard for an infant to make one go bang - particularly with the grip safety models. If I were asked to pick a favorite, it would be that 640 in the upper left hand corner. With the Herrett's "Shooting Star" grips custom made to my hand pattern, it's easily controllable with anything I want to feed it. The Clip-grip enables me to tuck it anywhere without a holster.
John
