I don't understand why someone would want a double-action-only 642 (old Centennial) over a 638 (old Bodyguard) which can be cocked if desired for single-action firing? I actually see more 642s for sale at gunshows than 638s and don't get it. Please educate me. Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina
Why do people prefer a 642 to a 638?
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sw357nm
Member
642 vs 638
And many of us don't anticipate a need for single action for self defense.
And many of us don't anticipate a need for single action for self defense.
RalphK22
Member
I am with you Ralph. I prefer the Bodyguard, it is snag free and still gives you the ability to fire single action, the best of both worlds. Why limit yourself, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Some trainers and writers have suggested that having a hammer to cock sets one up for a liability lawsuit. The theory is that after a home defense shooting a bad guy or his attorney could suggest (fabricate) that you cocked the hammer, causing the revolver to have a hair trigger, and the gun went off accidentally, because if they can demonstrate that the shooting was accidental, your homeowner's insurance would pay out big. In theory. It actually is true that some police departments have been successfully sued for accidental shootings due to cocked hammers. The theory goes that on a centennial there's no hammer, and no room to make a false allegation. Did I mention this is all just in theory? 
RalphK22
Member
Some trainers and writers have suggested that having a hammer to cock sets one up for a liability lawsuit. The theory is that after a home defense shooting a bad guy or his attorney could suggest (fabricate) that you cocked the hammer, causing the revolver to have a hair trigger, and the gun went off accidentally, because if they can demonstrate that the shooting was accidental, your homeowner's insurance would pay out big. In theory. It actually is true that some police departments have been successfully sued for accidental shootings due to cocked hammers. The theory goes that on a centennial there's no hammer, and no room to make a false allegation. Did I mention this is all just in theory?
I knew this was coming even as I was typing my reply. Oh well. Be sure you don't use reloads either.
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ContinentalOp
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New 642s can be had without the internal lock. It's not optional on new 638s.
There really isn't a need for SA on a defensive revolver. For me, they're reactionary tools, i.e. I need to immediately react, draw, and fire in response to an attack. One can always come up with scenarios where having to fire SA may be helpful, but realistically they're just not likely. Plus, the last thing I want in my hands in a life-or-death situation is a light, short trigger pull while adrenaline is coursing through my body.
While some scoff at the concern over liability if a prosecutor or plaintiff makes the "hair trigger"/accidental/unintentional claim, it's not something that should be completely disregarded. There are other arguments the prosecutor/plaintiff could make. Of course, if one can articulate a reasonable explanation for why it was necessary to fire SA, it may be enough to convince a judge/jury. And there's always the possibility it won't ever be an issue. A defensive shooting may not even get to the point of charges being filed or the defender being sued. But I think it is something to at least be aware of when considering your choice of carry gun. I'd rather not deal with that if I can avoid it.
Having said all that, if someone prefers having the SA option, that's fine. Everybody has different needs when it comes to the tools they use. If you determine that the SA option is something you want or need, then by all means, use a Bodyguard or Chief, though for carry I do think Bodyguards get the nod due to their relatively snag-free profile.
Personally, I'd love to get a DAO Bodyguard. Even with the heavy DA trigger pull of the Centennials I would like to be able to put my thumb on the hammer while holstering.
There really isn't a need for SA on a defensive revolver. For me, they're reactionary tools, i.e. I need to immediately react, draw, and fire in response to an attack. One can always come up with scenarios where having to fire SA may be helpful, but realistically they're just not likely. Plus, the last thing I want in my hands in a life-or-death situation is a light, short trigger pull while adrenaline is coursing through my body.
While some scoff at the concern over liability if a prosecutor or plaintiff makes the "hair trigger"/accidental/unintentional claim, it's not something that should be completely disregarded. There are other arguments the prosecutor/plaintiff could make. Of course, if one can articulate a reasonable explanation for why it was necessary to fire SA, it may be enough to convince a judge/jury. And there's always the possibility it won't ever be an issue. A defensive shooting may not even get to the point of charges being filed or the defender being sued. But I think it is something to at least be aware of when considering your choice of carry gun. I'd rather not deal with that if I can avoid it.
Having said all that, if someone prefers having the SA option, that's fine. Everybody has different needs when it comes to the tools they use. If you determine that the SA option is something you want or need, then by all means, use a Bodyguard or Chief, though for carry I do think Bodyguards get the nod due to their relatively snag-free profile.
Personally, I'd love to get a DAO Bodyguard. Even with the heavy DA trigger pull of the Centennials I would like to be able to put my thumb on the hammer while holstering.
I have both, not in love with either one, switched to snubby K frames accordingly.
For me, my 442's designated as a self defense ccw gun.
I know that if I ever need it I'll probably pull it and start pulling the trigger.
As far as cocking the hammer for single action firing?
I just get lotsa practice with it, both dry fire and live fire.
I shot this:
From about this far away.
I'm the grey shoulder on the left.
Works for me.
I know that if I ever need it I'll probably pull it and start pulling the trigger.
As far as cocking the hammer for single action firing?
I just get lotsa practice with it, both dry fire and live fire.
I shot this:
From about this far away.
I'm the grey shoulder on the left.
Works for me.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
Because S&W cranks out 642's like Oscar Mayer makes hotdogs. People buy what's in front of them.
I rotate between the 2, basically my 642 is my 'urban' gun, my 638 my 'rural'.
On the open space I'd rather shoot the yote @ 20 yards than 20 feet.
I just did a 6700 mile road trip, only took the 638.
On the open space I'd rather shoot the yote @ 20 yards than 20 feet.
I just did a 6700 mile road trip, only took the 638.
THE PILGRIM
Member
I also suspect they make a lot more 642s than 638s.
I do often carry my 642.
Don't have a 638, but do have a 649.
I do often carry my 642.
Don't have a 638, but do have a 649.
Under stress, you will revert to your training. Double action for self defense. If you have time to cock single action then you will also take time to do a target type aim. Time is not on your side in most self defense shootings. Therefore, the 642 with an enclosed hammer makes no snag pocket carry easy.
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Electraclyde
Member
I have owned both and very much prefer the 642/442. They seem to balance better in my hand and I shoot them well.
As I pocket carry (in a holster) my revolver I prefer the closed design of the 642. I think the need for single action shooting in a self defense situation is less than the need to make sure the action is clean and nothing has gotten behind the hammer to jam up the gun.
One can stage the trigger on a 642 easily enough with a little practice if a more accurate shot is needed.
One can stage the trigger on a 642 easily enough with a little practice if a more accurate shot is needed.
okiegtrider
Member
Single action in a pocket revolver isn't a feature everyone wants. Clearly some do. So, we got choices. Win!
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Unlike a lot of people I really like the appearance of the humpbacks. But when I chose a carry J-frame years ago I bought a 640 no dash. I pocket carry exclusively, and see the fairly slight risk of lint or other bumf getting into the works of the 638. But apart from that and the snag-free qualities of the 640, I saw no need for single action fire in an up-close, minute-of-miscreant revolver.
I also feel that I can get a higher, more controlled grip on the Centennial design. It just seems to fit my hand better.
I also feel that I can get a higher, more controlled grip on the Centennial design. It just seems to fit my hand better.
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