Glock 'em down
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J Frame: Bodyguard vs. Centennial
- Thread starter CQC.45
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Jazman
Member
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!
Cujohunter
Member
I love my 638 bodyguard...it's the best of both worlds.
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
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.
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.
Capt Steve
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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.
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.
Super Trucker
Member
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 crap 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 crap out of an area that I will not use in an emergency to begin with?
Good luck with whichever you decide to get.
What I found was that if needed you won't have time to cock the gun into SA, and the amount of crap 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 crap out of an area that I will not use in an emergency to begin with?
Good luck with whichever you decide to get.
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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.
HEADKNOCKER
Member
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
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
Hi folks...new member.
I've owned several Model 36s', a 637, 337, 642, and a couple of 60s' but my favorite gun is a 438 Bodyguard.
I agree with fellow posters above about the "lint issue" being a non-issue. But then, I tend to handle with my guns alot and I have never had any lint in my 438 to speak of because after a day of carry I always look the gun over, dry fire it a few times, wipe it off, etc. I carry crossdraw in a modified Uncle Mike's IWB holster with the beltclip removed and replaced with the sticky velcro part so as to make it adhere to the waistband of my jeans or trousers. With the velcro, the gun simply disappears in the waistband.
I also like the SA feature of the 438 for woodsbumming. I agree that they are fun to use for some target practice at non-J frame distances out in the woods (harder to do with a 642). The SA factor also gives me some possibly unwarranted piece of mind as I'm out and about in the forest or desert...possibly a bit longer shot if necessary. Of course, in a CCW role, double action is the ticket.
Anyway, I LOVE my 438 Bodyguard (like the black finish, too...it disappears in dark conditions.)
Good forum and topic.
I've owned several Model 36s', a 637, 337, 642, and a couple of 60s' but my favorite gun is a 438 Bodyguard.
I agree with fellow posters above about the "lint issue" being a non-issue. But then, I tend to handle with my guns alot and I have never had any lint in my 438 to speak of because after a day of carry I always look the gun over, dry fire it a few times, wipe it off, etc. I carry crossdraw in a modified Uncle Mike's IWB holster with the beltclip removed and replaced with the sticky velcro part so as to make it adhere to the waistband of my jeans or trousers. With the velcro, the gun simply disappears in the waistband.
I also like the SA feature of the 438 for woodsbumming. I agree that they are fun to use for some target practice at non-J frame distances out in the woods (harder to do with a 642). The SA factor also gives me some possibly unwarranted piece of mind as I'm out and about in the forest or desert...possibly a bit longer shot if necessary. Of course, in a CCW role, double action is the ticket.
Anyway, I LOVE my 438 Bodyguard (like the black finish, too...it disappears in dark conditions.)
Good forum and topic.
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500 Magnum Nut
Member
Humpbacks are more accurate because of the single action feature, but I run the hammerless models now, because they are cleaner looking and seem more natural for a bug. 649 /49 owners, if you must shoot, shoot DA only!!
I prefer the Centennial, a little "sleeker" IMO, although as someone else said I used to think both were ugly. This 640-0 is one of the early ones with the "CEN" serial number prefix. I bought it sight unseen except for pictures, and thought I had asked every possible question to be sure of it's condition. Then when it arrived I discovered that someone had used a grinder to smooth the "sharp" edges on the butt. My first instinct was to return it, but on inspection everything else about it was very nice, so I decided to chalk up the butt work to character and kept it.
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Capt Steve
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As far as "if you must shoot, shoot DA only!!" I have to ask why? At least with the first round I can think of any number of possible/probable scenarios where SA would be preferable. Assuming you have time to draw and carefully aim, preferably from a suitable defensive position, that first round is going to be more accurate in SA than DA. Rounds 2 thru 5 will probably be DA but if you have a second or two, as in when you are ducking or moving to better cover I'll cock the hammer knowing my next round will be more accurate. Now if you have to draw an fire in one big hurry naturally DA is the only way to go.
texagun
Member
My choice would be the older Model 49 Bodyguard. Solid steel, and you can carry it in your pocket snag-free, while retaining the SA/DA option. The perfect pocket revolver.
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DA better if you train with it....
I really have to disagree with this statement. Why? Because I have spent a lot of time training with snubs, exclusively double action (the way I believe they are meant to be fired), with lots of dry firing, partly to smooth out those actions and mostly to develop my grip and trigger control. To shoot SA would change my grip, I have tried it, much less accurate with the change of grip, I am better off just concentrating on my DA grip and trigger pull, I can hold a tight group that way. You just need to practise a lot. These snubs are quite accurate (out to 25 yards) if you do your part, they are not just 5-7 yard point and pull guns, unless you choose to use them that way. Your choice.
I really have to disagree with this statement. Why? Because I have spent a lot of time training with snubs, exclusively double action (the way I believe they are meant to be fired), with lots of dry firing, partly to smooth out those actions and mostly to develop my grip and trigger control. To shoot SA would change my grip, I have tried it, much less accurate with the change of grip, I am better off just concentrating on my DA grip and trigger pull, I can hold a tight group that way. You just need to practise a lot. These snubs are quite accurate (out to 25 yards) if you do your part, they are not just 5-7 yard point and pull guns, unless you choose to use them that way. Your choice.
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photoman
Member
I have a 637 that I've shot extensively and, believe it or not, I get much better hits at 25 yards shooting it double action.
Cent vs BG
I have one BG and 3 cents. I like all of them, but I find the cents a little handier. I carried the "lemon squeezer" on my ankle for years, the ss cent IWB, and the 3" in a OWB. The BG is a .357 and is often carried in pocket.
For me, I shoot a little more accurate with the cents. The DA is very smooth and the guns really lay the rounds in. The BG (using 38 ammo) is almost as accurate.
My .02
Doc
I have one BG and 3 cents. I like all of them, but I find the cents a little handier. I carried the "lemon squeezer" on my ankle for years, the ss cent IWB, and the 3" in a OWB. The BG is a .357 and is often carried in pocket.
For me, I shoot a little more accurate with the cents. The DA is very smooth and the guns really lay the rounds in. The BG (using 38 ammo) is almost as accurate.
My .02
Doc
Capt Steve
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Opinions vary. (o; I for one am much more accurate, as in tighter groups at the range in SA vs DA. I strongly suspect most folks are the same. I enjoy shooting DA and practice it often. I never shoot seven yard targets. All of my practice starts at 10 yards and goes out to 25. My theory is that if I can hit it at ten then seven will be no problem. I also practice offhand, single and two hand grips. If you are more accurate in DA why own a Bodyguard?
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