S&W : "Bodyguard" vs "Centennial" Which one?

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st.bernard

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Based on S&W 2" .38, which design is recommended as the backup/concealed gun between "Bodyguard" and "Centennial"?

May I have your comment/advice regarding this matter...

Thanks a lot...
 
The Bodyguard allows you to cock it to shoot in single action mode if desired whereas the Centennial is double action only. Since the hammer area of the Centennial is covered up it may offer better protection from the elements or debris. I would base my choice on those points that apply to my application or concerns. I know the LAPD converts the Bodyguard to fire double action only and that it is approved as a back-up weapon, because my sister is on the force there....seems to me a Centennial would have been what they wanted. I don't know why they go the route they do on that one??

I picked up a 640 when they came suited for the 357 Mag cartridge just for the hell of it. If I ever get the chance to get a CCW I might actually get to carry it sometime. Living in Los Angeles County just about guarantees it stays a safe queen.
 
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Well, I can say that I bought the Taurus equivalent of both, in the 650 (Centennial equivalent) and 651 (Bodyguard equivalent). I like them both, but the 650 fits smoother in the pocket. If Taurus ever comes out with a 650 in titanium, I will buy one. I already have a 651 in titanium.
 
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The Centennial or totally concealed hammer is the way to go. Due to the small size of the grips, single action is a non-starter on a j-frame snub anyway. Buy the Bodyguard first, and you will be swapping it for a hammerless later, imho.
 
I carried a 49 everyday as backup/second/off duty from 1975 until 1995. In 1995 I bought a 649 to replace the 49. It's ridden with me everyday since. I carried both when working undercover in everyplace you can imagine on your body. They're great shooters. Had a nickle 38 for a short time until a guy talked me out of it. Wish I had it back.
Love those ugly humpbacks.
 
Due to the small size of the grips, single action is a non-starter on a j-frame snub anyway.
Click to expand...
I don't know about that. I've found the SA useful on J-frames on more than one occassion. The small of the grips are no more a handicap when shooting SA than they are when shooting DA (actually they may be more of a handicap shooting DA).

It really boils down to personal preference. I've tried both (and the 60 as well). I prefer the Bodyguard--the thinking man's Centennial.
 
I have the 649. Love it. Only problem is you cannot get a holster with a retaining strap for it, like you can the Centenials. Don't let concerns about lint, etc., getting in the action detract from the Bodyguard. Unless you carry it cocked (and who would?), the hammer keeps any lint in the hammer groove, where you can blow it out at the end of the day.
 
I also prefer the Bodyguard design over the Centennial. I've carried a 649 practically every day for about six years now, never had any difficulties with it.
 
The Centennial is more compact, sleeker, and to me looks better. I don't see SA capability as important on a gun like this.

Either gun will do but I own two M40s and no M49s.
 
As an "always" (literally) gun, I've used mine for an occassional snake or other vermin. From experience, a head shot on a PO'd rattler is far easier with Bodyguard than a Centennial. :)
 
its harder to shoot the concealed hammer varieties as well as the hammered versions can be shot single action, but with practice its pretty close really. I have both a Taurus 85 with the hammer and a 642 with concealed hammer. The 642 is nice in its way because it doesn't snag/hang up in a pocket, which the hammered versions can do. The trigger is pretty bad on it, but like I said with practice its possible to shoot well. I guess I'd say if you're just going to carry it on a belt like any other handgun, get a hammered version, if it might go in a pocket or something, consider a hammerless (well, concealed hammer) variant.
 
From The Old School

I've had both, the Centennial and the Bodyguard; models 40 and 49
respectively. Nowday's, quality CCW time is divided between a S&W
old model 60 in .38 Special; as well as a model 37 and 642 in .38 Spl.

One thing is for sure, the old S&W model 60 weighs in 4 ozs heavier
but I believe it too be more durable over a long haul. :uhoh: :D
 
My vote is for a Bodyguard. I used to own a S&W 638 Bodyguard and found it to be a very comfortable and easy to carry weapon. I liked the option of being able to cock the hammer but never really did but it was a nice option to have. I don't think there is much difference in grip size between a 638 and a 642. The only real difference which I noticed is that the 638 has a kind of hump in the hammer area while the 642 does not.

The only reason I traded mine off was because I couldn't hit the side of a barn with it and much preferred a auto as my CCW.
 
The solid "closed" frame of the centennial is supposed to give it added strength.Whether that's true or not is anyone's guess.
I prefer the bodyguard style and have had several as my backup during the 70's and 80's when I policed. I can't remember how many rabbits I've popped from the window of the patrol car,using it in single action.The single action feature can be useful. They're a lot more accurate little guns than many give them credit for. ( If you can shoot.)
 
Single-action is for target shooting. Although these snubs can be accurate, they are not target shooters. Their purpose is for close-in social work. I practice the same as I would use it and find no need for single-action. Therefore the Centennial is the J-frame for me.
 
While the J-frames are great "for close-in social work," I would hesitate to make that their sole "purpose."

It's been my experience that they are great for dropping in the tackle box, dropping in the tool box, dropping in the coat pocket, sticking in the back pocket. They've accounted for more than few snakes and other vermin (primarily skunks--a big rabies threat), they've discouraged a few stray dogs and helped to keep stray cats away from the baby quail. They can actually be kind of fun just for plinking and rolling tin cans for that matter. They can even be good for winning a free beer or two from those who think you can't the broad side of a barn with those little bitty things.

J-frames have their purpose--and it's a whole lot more than "for close-in social work."
 
Of course J-frames are good for more than sticking in your pocket. The original post asked "Based on S&W 2" .38, which design is recommended as the backup/concealed gun between "Bodyguard" and "Centennial"?" That is the question I was addressing.
As for the other activities you mentioned, I'd prefer something with a little more barrel length & an exposed hammer. Like a 3" Model 60.
To put it another way - I see no need for having single action & would pick the Centennial.
 
I have had a lot of J frames over the years. I am now down to a 638 and a 640. I love the little mag (I sort of like recoil :D ) but the airweight bodyguard is a very frequent companion of mine. I like both styles of frame but the single action has come in handy a couple of times. I really don't think you can go wrong with either. For the kind of uses they get, I would recommend staying with stainless.
 
I vote the Centennial.

The Centennial has sleeker lines and rides in a pocket easier. With a little practice one can shoot the DOA Centennial as precisely as a Bodyguard in SA. S&W revolvers have a very distinct two clicks to their trigger, you can easily learn to stage a S&W trigger for a more precise shot. I have shot a quarter sized group with my 432PD, and a silver dollar sized group with my 640, and can routinely shoot 2-2-1/2" groups with both at 21' using this method. If you need to be more precise than that, then you need something other than a snubby. **NEVER STAGE A REVOLVER'S TRIGGER IN A REAL SELF-DEFENSE SITUATION!!!**

nero
 
Try the single action with a

laser :evil: Just try and talk me out of my 638 or 649.
They are very accurate without the laser in single action.
 
I would have to vote for Centennial. I really like my 642. I think the Centennial has a much sleeker look compared to the bodyguard style. Really, I'm sure either would be fine but I when I bought mine I decided in a carry weapon I had no need of SA and I liked having one less nook for lint and debris to enter the gun.
 
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