S&W "Bodyguard" frame -- Anyone use SA?

[ArchAngelCD]

ArmedBear,
I know exactly which gun you are taking about. The picture wasn't necessary.

I can cock the hammer easily on my M638. There's really no trick, just put your thumb on the hammer and pull back. I have yet to lose the hammer while cocking it. I don't find it "awkward and very-hard-to-use single action" at all. I don't know of any secret to using the hammer under the shroud, I just use it.

I consider the Bodyguard frame to be perfect. It provides you with the option to shoot SA while completely covering the hammer preventing any possibility of catching it while drawing. The best of both worlds IMO.

 

[armchairQB]

I know exactly which gun you are taking about. The picture wasn't necessary.

Im sure many of us did but the picture was still necessay.

Even though I am not a fan of SA for a defense revovler I still like the lines of the bodyguard. It also tends to tuck nicer in the pocket in a position of rapid depolyment.

 

[easyg]

Perhaps this is an unfounded fear, but I can envision crud and debris getting in to the shroud slot behind the trigger and making the gun less reliable.
So, I prefer a fully exposed hammer or a totally concealed hammer.


SA shooting does come in handy every so often...like when shooting a small target like a snake or rat.

 

[DougDubya]

Perhaps this is an unfounded fear, but I can envision crud and debris getting in to the shroud slot behind the trigger and making the gun less reliable.
So, I prefer a fully exposed hammer or a totally concealed hammer.


SA shooting does come in handy every so often...like when shooting a small target like a snake or rat.

A dedicated "Bodyguard" pocket would need to be kept clean, but any pocket devoted to pocket carry should only have the firearm in it.

A pocket holster also would do much to keep the shroud clear.

 

[JAV8000]

I carry mine IWB tucked cross draw in the front/left side of my pants. I'm thin so it's comfortable and frees up my pockets for all the other BS a guy has to carry. The rig is invisible, even with a fitted T-shirt.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I used to work in a remote region of Colorado as a town cop. We gave backup to the State Patrol, County Deputies, and the local Co. Wildlife officers. Although I kept a rifle in my cruiser, I didn't always have a rifle in my POV, which I responded in many times as an assisting officer. I was always aware that being able to shoot my handgun at distance was a nice "extra" skill to have, when no long arm was handy. When in the boondocks of the foolthills, etc, and the guy you are backing up is making contact with multiple, rifle armed persons (particularly the Div. of Wildlife with big game hunters), something beyond "DA only" is preferred for defense. For anyone, civilian or police, to think that close range, DA shooting is all they need to prepare for, may not be the best preparation for what MIGHT happen. A single action stage on a DA revolver is just one more "tool" to draw from when doing a particular "job" in self defense.

 

[capttom]

If you can put 5 shots rapid DA fire in 6 inches at 25 yards, more power to you. Probably I spent too many years partaking in Pabst Blue Ribbon and my eyes are worse now, so, sorry, I can't. I can do it single action, though, as fast as I can cock that stubborn little beast of a snubbie. Thus, my favorite revolver is currently a Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard, getting the nod over my 642 Airweight. For the Bodyguard, I've developed a high support hand grip and cock with my left thumb. After cocking, the thumb rides over the web of my right hand.
As for those who advise shooting only double action, I understand their thinking. I also think it's telling that except for some police run S&W 64/65s and comparable Rugers, revolvers come with spurred hammers. I've never seen a factory spurless 19/66 Combat Magnum, 686, 29, Python, MkIII, or Redhawk. Somebody's shooting SA out there. It might as well be me and my snubbie.

 

[Glock Holiday]

I just love the look of the humpback Bodyguard.

For want of a better term, the Bodyguard is the cutest, practical self-defense revolver ever.

I agree with you.

 

[Landpimp]

I have a bunch of bodyguards and love them all, one thing I like about them and the centenials is you can get a higher grip, than say a model 60

I like the SA option......and the pure funky look of the humpbacks

 

[popeye]

There is difference in hammer spurs on the 638's My lockless 638 had a wimpy 637 style hammer that was very difficult to grab. I See newer models 638-438 now that have a different spur. I'm tempted to buy one.

 

[easyg]

My lockless 638 had a wimpy 637 style hammer that was very difficult to grab.

What's so difficult about a 637 style hammer?
I've never had any problem cocking one.

 

[DougDubya]

I have a bunch of bodyguards and love them all, one thing I like about them and the centenials is you can get a higher grip, than say a model 60

I like the SA option......and the pure funky look of the humpbacks

What he said.

And thanks for agreeing, Glock Holliday!

 

[popeye]

Quote:
My lockless 638 had a wimpy 637 style hammer that was very difficult to grab.

"What's so difficult about a 637 style hammer?
I've never had any problem cocking one."

On my 638 only the very tip of the hammer protruded thru the hump.. Hard for me to grasp. It must of been an issue because it's been changed. Why they changed the hammer size and profile when they moved the FP to the frame is beyond me.