J Frame: Bodyguard vs. 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..:D
Also Big "THANKS" to Craig Spegel For the Perfect Grips..
Gary/Hk

Models 940 & 942
940942.jpg
 
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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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.
 
A vote for the Centennial

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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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:

IMG_0596.jpg


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
 
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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..:D
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
 
shifting perspectives/learning curves

Spotteddog said:
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.
Click to expand...

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?...
 
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.
 
gunsrfun1 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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