S&W : "Bodyguard" vs "Centennial" Which one?
- Thread starter st.bernard
- Start date
- Status
StrikeEagle
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2004
- Messages
- 709
I have both... kept a Bodyguard in my pocket for about ten years on and off. Then got a Centennial 642 and the Bodyguard stays on the safe. I carry this revolver as a backup to my .45. It slips in a pocket so easy, there's NEVER a reason to be without.
No single action, it's true. But it's a defense gun with no compromise; SA just isn't needed. Sleek, handy, reliable... and with Winchester +p loads, it's powerful enough.
Centennial is my choice.
StrikeEagle
No single action, it's true. But it's a defense gun with no compromise; SA just isn't needed. Sleek, handy, reliable... and with Winchester +p loads, it's powerful enough.
Centennial is my choice.
StrikeEagle
Coltdriver
Member
The bodyguard can reliably be fired from/through your jacket pocket. You cock it and nothing will interfere with it going off.
I carry a model 38. Airweight bodyguard.
I carry a model 38. Airweight bodyguard.
what42
Member
Why would the bodyguard fire more reliably than the centennial through jacket pocket? I can't think of any difference in behavior in this situation except a lighter pull on the trigger.Coltdriver said:
Super Trucker
Member
Another vote for the bodyguard. I bought a 642, then traded it in for a 649 about 4 months later. And have not looked back. The weight difference is not that bad. You could get the 638 if weight is an issue for you.
Coltdriver
Member
What42 said:
Why would the bodyguard fire more reliably than the centennial through jacket pocket? I can't think of any difference in behavior in this situation except a lighter pull on the trigger.
The answer is that if you can cock the bodyguard you can be certain it will fire. If you fire the centennial you may hang the rotating cylinder in your pocket lining as you pull the trigger.
If you are shooting a hole through your jacket to defend yourself or to surprise your adversary the last thing you need at that critical moment is to hang your gun up trying to fire it.
It is a subtle distinction but one that made me search out a bodyguard over the concealed hammer version.
Why would the bodyguard fire more reliably than the centennial through jacket pocket? I can't think of any difference in behavior in this situation except a lighter pull on the trigger.
The answer is that if you can cock the bodyguard you can be certain it will fire. If you fire the centennial you may hang the rotating cylinder in your pocket lining as you pull the trigger.
If you are shooting a hole through your jacket to defend yourself or to surprise your adversary the last thing you need at that critical moment is to hang your gun up trying to fire it.
It is a subtle distinction but one that made me search out a bodyguard over the concealed hammer version.
Gator
Member
Bodyguard for sure. I've owned and carried both and the Bodyguard is easier to shoot accurately....you would be surprised at just how accurate those little Smiths are.
FotoTomas
Member
My everyday "always" gun is a 1959 S&W Model 38 Bodyguard. Normally carried in my strong side pocket. I prefer the option of single action and have used it to win money with some long distance shots. I am amazed at what I can do with the little .38 at 100 yards and a little practice. I have found myself to be better with it than the 642 I had. That confidence and the option of SA is what keeps me firmly in the Bodyguard camp. 
The Centenial version is a great pocket revolver and well suited for personal defense. The Bodyguard does everything the Centenial does and a little more. There may be some that see no need for SA fire from a little self defense revolver but that does not mean that there is not a need for it. Like the fact that I carry a gune every day...I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. That goes for SA in my pocket rocket as well.
The only downside is the hammer channel gets full of lint and requires a good push with a q-tip every now and then.
The Centenial version is a great pocket revolver and well suited for personal defense. The Bodyguard does everything the Centenial does and a little more. There may be some that see no need for SA fire from a little self defense revolver but that does not mean that there is not a need for it. Like the fact that I carry a gune every day...I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. That goes for SA in my pocket rocket as well.
The only downside is the hammer channel gets full of lint and requires a good push with a q-tip every now and then.
trigger cocking
I have a Centennial. I find that it is easy to feel the hammer come back to full cock. This lets you adjust your aim and then have a very short trigger press to fire. Not saying that this is as good as a true SA, but it can help you hit at long range. I generally use the full DA though, as it is more 'natural' with the Centennial.
I have a Centennial. I find that it is easy to feel the hammer come back to full cock. This lets you adjust your aim and then have a very short trigger press to fire. Not saying that this is as good as a true SA, but it can help you hit at long range. I generally use the full DA though, as it is more 'natural' with the Centennial.
fallingblock
Member
I'll choose the 640....
I like the extra weight for 'snappy' loads, and have no use for single action capability in a pocket gun.
A higher grip is possible on the internal hammer Centennial as well, which adds to control of the gun in rapid firing.
I like the extra weight for 'snappy' loads, and have no use for single action capability in a pocket gun.
A higher grip is possible on the internal hammer Centennial as well, which adds to control of the gun in rapid firing.
- Status