S&W J-frame Choice

[tac_driver]

Which do you prefer and why?

640 or 649

Bodyguard or Centennial style

So far centennial and bodyguard are split 4 a piece 2 split decisions.

The single action mode doesn't seem to be a big advantage on the bodyguard. In fact 2 of the bodyguard owners thought it was dangerous.

The majority are against magnum rounds.

Which rounds do you prefer for target and CCW?

Also which holsters are you using if any?

I need a holster I can take off quickly, firearms are not allowed where I work. I was looking hard at the sherpa sportster by blackhawk (paddle type). What are the advantages and dis-advantages to this holster?

 

[Brian Williams]

Centennial, but Airweight in 38

 

[Wil Terry]

I Have Them Both And It Is Six One, A Half Dozen The Other.

You can cock the BG for an SA shot but it is no big deal at all.

 

[1 old 0311]

Got both. Like both. But my favorite J frame? 340PD.

 

[XavierBreath]

I prefer the Bodyguard style. They just seem to ride in my pants pocket better.

 

[Snubby 38]

I have a Model 649 BG and a Model 38 BG Airweight, somehow I just like the hammer. I also like the way they ride both in a holster and pants pocket.

 

[magnumcarry]

Man those Bodyguards are sexy as HE**, I really like the way they look. I can't wait until I have one. I will have a Tyler T-Grip on mine.

 

[jaydubya]

I have an S&W 637 airweight, but if I had known then what I know now, I would have bought a 642. I occasionally cock the 637 at the range, but I am no more accurate that way than double action. Regarding the .357 models, I would not shoot one -- I think my hand would fall off.
Cordially, Jack

 

[jamz]

I like my M38 a lot, but my centennial style gets carried more, purely because the M38 isn't rated for +p.

 

[samtechlan]

I prefer the centennial to the bodyguard and usually carry a 642. I have always been concerned about trying to decock a bodyguard style revolver. On a standard revolver I always place my left thumb under the hammer as I slowly lower the hammer with my right thumb just in case the hammer were to slip. This technique seems impossible with a bodyguard plus the possibility of the hammer slipping seems greater since the exposed hammer portion is so small.

_________________________________________________________________

www.ronpaul2008.com

 

[Guncrazy45]

340PD, here. With Speer Gold Dot 125gr in .357 Mag.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have the Model 60 with the 3 inch barrel .357 Mag. I got it because it is all stainless steel 24 oz weight combined with the 3 inch barrel; it is
very controllable with Speer .38 Spcl. +P 135 gr. Gold dot.
but I also have the option of a .357 Mag 125 gr. or more on
occaision if that is the only ammo, it will still be much more controllable
than a less than 15 oz alloy frame that would be beaten up by
the heavy mag loads.

 

[glockman19]

I like the 640

 

[MassMan]

I am very fond of the 649 because I can fire it single action. They are not very common in these parts and it took me a while to finally find one.

 

[tac_driver]

count -n- carry

see original message

 

[samtechlan]

I like the kramer pocket holster made out of horsehide. I also have and like the Mika pocket holster (round cut) but I find the Mika prints a little more. The Kramer is more expensive though.

________________________________________________________________


http://www.teaparty07.com/

www.ronpaul2008.com

 

[revolverman357]

649 .357Mag. Hammer does not dig into my side and I like the option of single action If I want.

 

[sixgunner455]

640 or 642. No point to the hammer on the little guys -- w/o the hammer, it doesn't hang up on stuff yanking it out of the pocket or holster, and there is no way to get it cocked and have the hammer get away from you while uncocking it. Not a target gun.

 

[Rexster]

There are isolated times that being able to cock a revolver is nice. Doesn't anyone do impromptu plinking anymore? The Bodyguard lends itself to that. That being said, I have an Airweight Centennial; my plinking J is a .32 with a hammer.

 

[sixgunner455]

Impromptu plinking? Yeah, with my .22 when I'm out hiking. Don't usually carry enough ammo for the .38 to do impromptu plinking. I do shoot it, and play around at the range/down by the river with it, but it's not an impromptu thing.

 

[10-Ring]

For carry, I prefer the 442, for shooting, 60/640

 

[Curare]

640--carries very nicely in the Desantis Nemesis.

 

[Captain Bligh]

One more vote for the Model 60 -- even though you didn't ask.

 

[jaydubya]

As for a holster, I recommend an Uncle Mike pocket holster. Cheap, reliable (it stays in the pocket when I draw), and easy to remove when you must remove it.
Cordially, Jack

 

[SAWBONES]

I have both.
The older, "pre-lock" Bodyguards have the better stock trigger action IME, and with just a little care these will stay clean and operable, plus you at least have the option of separately cocking the hammer, FWIW.
If you never clean or test your guns, and if you don't mind the somewhat crappier trigger and "the lock", get one of the Centennials for the sake of its enclosed design.