S&W J Frame- Centennial vs Chief’s Spl. vs Bodyguard
- Thread starter Mr. Mosin
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chicharrones
needs more ammo
Exposed hammer with the spur cut off and converted to DAO is my preference. Having no frame hump where the hammer would be makes a pocket draw a bit easier for me.
Since I carry in pants pockets, I have no expectation to fire the gun from that kind of pocket. Which means the gun will be clear of a pocket and the spurless hammer will most likely not be impeded.
Since I carry in pants pockets, I have no expectation to fire the gun from that kind of pocket. Which means the gun will be clear of a pocket and the spurless hammer will most likely not be impeded.
Anchorite
Member
I have a 442 and 340PD, which are both Centennial frames, and a 49 (Bodyguard) and a Colt Agent with a shroud. I also have some Cobras and a Detective Special but I actually carry the Agent (the oddball).
For me, these are all defensive revolvers. As @GEM says, these are basically pocket guns. What I’ve found is the Bodyguard/Shrouded Agent move around much less in a pocket than do the Centennial frames.
Exposed hammers still accumulate pocket lint and the like. Not a problem with the hammer less revolvers (I don’t like that term, but you know what I mean).
For me, these are all defensive revolvers. As @GEM says, these are basically pocket guns. What I’ve found is the Bodyguard/Shrouded Agent move around much less in a pocket than do the Centennial frames.
Exposed hammers still accumulate pocket lint and the like. Not a problem with the hammer less revolvers (I don’t like that term, but you know what I mean).
lee n. field
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- 4,427
Factory bobbed hammer DAO is my (mild) preference. That said, that's not a common factory option, and I'll take them as I get them.
Why? Exposed hammer lets you thumb that as you holster, for an extra tiny bit of safety. (Yeah, yeah, I know, totally unlikely to ND a DA snub.)
With a decent pocket holster, they don't move around that much.
Anchorite
Member
unclenunzie
Contributing Member
I prefer the enclosed hammer type, x42 or LCR, preference to the x42. For me these are pocket guns as a supplement to belt carry or just not to go unarmed. Rule #1 as they say. The why: Snag free from a pocket, and very reliable to draw.
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earlthegoat2
Member
I am curious about this as well. I am of the opinion that any revolver pocket carried should have the hammer bobbed or be shrouded somehow with the full encasement of the Centennial being ideal.
I tend to think the concept of “being able to have the option of single action” as being a better idea in theory than actuality. Kind of like back up iron sights on a hunting rifle.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
I have a model 442 Airweight Centennial and a model 36. I sometimes pocket carry my 442. Occasionally I jacket pocket carry my model 36. I am minute of bad guy with both of them firing fast in DA. I am fairly accurate in shooting my 36 single action.
It’s my opinion that one should be able to shoot well in DA and SA if your gun is made to do so.
It’s my opinion that one should be able to shoot well in DA and SA if your gun is made to do so.
Bcwitt
Member
My 638 fits perfect in jean pocker w leather pocket holster. Ideal carry gun for me. I could not imagine using a spurred hammer that way.
rperyam
Member
I carry a 442, my daughter carries a 638 and my SIL carries a 36. We trade off when we go to the range, but at the end of the day, we each go back to our favored model. We all shoot them equally well. I think we just feel more comfortable with what we are used to. Each gun has slightly different grips on each gun. My daughter seldom cocks her mini hammer, but likes to know it is there if she feels she needs it for a longer shot. Same with her husband with the 36. I don’t have that option but have a very smooth trigger. All are carried in pocket holsters and we are happy with our choice.
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chaim
Member
In small framed revolvers I have:
A S&W 442, lightweight, Centennial style.
A Taurus 85CH (steel with a bobbed hammer)
A Taurus 856UL (aluminum with an exposed hammer)
A Colt King Cobra (3", 6 shot D-frame with an exposed hammer)
I just ordered a Taurus 856 Defender (3", 6 shot small framed revolver with an exposed hammer)
You can't really tell my preference from what I own. Generally I prefer the bobbed hammer or Centennial style, but that isn't absolute.
A S&W 442, lightweight, Centennial style.
A Taurus 85CH (steel with a bobbed hammer)
A Taurus 856UL (aluminum with an exposed hammer)
A Colt King Cobra (3", 6 shot D-frame with an exposed hammer)
I just ordered a Taurus 856 Defender (3", 6 shot small framed revolver with an exposed hammer)
You can't really tell my preference from what I own. Generally I prefer the bobbed hammer or Centennial style, but that isn't absolute.
I have a 442 and 642 that I pocket carry in a pocket holster.
A number of years ago, I decided to get proficient with the DA trigger on the Centennials and practice regularly with them or an exposed hammer model using only the DA trigger.
I have a couple J-frames with exposed hammers and I do not like to pocket carry them.
I do not have one with a shrouded hammer only because I'm not fond of their looks. But, they could be handy in that the hammer is protected and you can access the SA trigger.
A number of years ago, I decided to get proficient with the DA trigger on the Centennials and practice regularly with them or an exposed hammer model using only the DA trigger.
I have a couple J-frames with exposed hammers and I do not like to pocket carry them.
I do not have one with a shrouded hammer only because I'm not fond of their looks. But, they could be handy in that the hammer is protected and you can access the SA trigger.
halfmoonclip
Member
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- Feb 4, 2011
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- 3,873
One of the issues with any defensive revo with a single action option is getting it uncocked under stress. It can be a problem at the range, but if you are pumped full of adrenaline, it can truly be treacherous.
Double action only is the way to go with defensive revolvers.
Another advantage of Centennials is using the humpback for a higher hold/lower bore axis. A 640 has less perceived recoil than a 60.
Moon
Double action only is the way to go with defensive revolvers.
Another advantage of Centennials is using the humpback for a higher hold/lower bore axis. A 640 has less perceived recoil than a 60.
Moon
P5 Guy
Member
My two 'J' frames. The model 60 was my carry gun until I bought a Glock 26.
Neither were pocket carried. Holstered on my belt.
The 60-4 makes practice more enjoyable.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Excellent point regarding uncocking the revolver. SA definitely would not be a first choice for me in a self defense scenario. I do like to practice it though. It’s kind of a competition I have with myself. It helps me use the sights and control my grip and trigger pull.
Tallball
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- Oct 2, 2014
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- 8,148
I have versions of all three.
With a hammer - Range toy, hunting, nightstand gun. Murphy has proven his law to me many times. A hammer spur caught on clothing could easily be fatal. This is MUCH more likely than "needing" SA for SD, IMHO.
Shrouded hammer - Only have one. Like it just fine. I don't seem myself using SA for SD, but it's snagproof, so NBD.
Hammerless - What I carry. I like the 642 that was made to be hammerless, but I'll also grind off a hammer spur, NP. I want a quick snagless draw and quick effective shots at bad breath distance.
IDC if it was made hammerless, or if I ground the spur off. I can shoot either one just fine. The slight difference in shape is unimportant to me.
With a hammer - Range toy, hunting, nightstand gun. Murphy has proven his law to me many times. A hammer spur caught on clothing could easily be fatal. This is MUCH more likely than "needing" SA for SD, IMHO.
Shrouded hammer - Only have one. Like it just fine. I don't seem myself using SA for SD, but it's snagproof, so NBD.
Hammerless - What I carry. I like the 642 that was made to be hammerless, but I'll also grind off a hammer spur, NP. I want a quick snagless draw and quick effective shots at bad breath distance.
IDC if it was made hammerless, or if I ground the spur off. I can shoot either one just fine. The slight difference in shape is unimportant to me.
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Dave DeLaurant
Contributing Member
My two carry .38s are both exposed hammer models:
The rubber grips are probably more of a snag hazard than the hammer, but neither interferes with my usual carry method (undershirt with integral holster).
An estate I've been helping organize for sale includes three J-frame Smiths. The bulk of the estate will likely go to auction, but the J-frames aren't going to make it that far. I originally wanted the Bodyguard (the hammer shroud is cool!) but my friend Bob has called dibs. Another mutual friend wants the blued Chief's Special, so I'm planning to add the 3" Model 60 to my own list. I'll add a Compac grip if and when I buy it, that Gripper being much too bulky for anything other than range use.
The rubber grips are probably more of a snag hazard than the hammer, but neither interferes with my usual carry method (undershirt with integral holster).
An estate I've been helping organize for sale includes three J-frame Smiths. The bulk of the estate will likely go to auction, but the J-frames aren't going to make it that far. I originally wanted the Bodyguard (the hammer shroud is cool!) but my friend Bob has called dibs. Another mutual friend wants the blued Chief's Special, so I'm planning to add the 3" Model 60 to my own list. I'll add a Compac grip if and when I buy it, that Gripper being much too bulky for anything other than range use.
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mcb
Member
I like my ugly gripped 442. Moonclips rule!
Grip: Ergo Delta (ugly as sin, but very comfy in the hand even with +P ammo)
Top row: Safariland Comp I (rarely used with the 442, used more often with my Iver Johnson.)
Middle row: TK Custom moonclips, one in a pocket protector.
Bottom Row: Speed strips. They are nice is some attire.
Grip: Ergo Delta (ugly as sin, but very comfy in the hand even with +P ammo)
Top row: Safariland Comp I (rarely used with the 442, used more often with my Iver Johnson.)
Middle row: TK Custom moonclips, one in a pocket protector.
Bottom Row: Speed strips. They are nice is some attire.
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bassjam
Member
Give me an internal hammer. I used to have a 337, and I found it diffucult to force myself to practice shooting double action because it was more fun to shoot smaller groups single action. I eventually sold the 337 and picked up a 442, and with enough practice found I could match the singe action accuracy of the 337. Now my carry gun is a DAO kimber k6s, and I can shoot it better than some of my striker fired and single action full size semi-autos.
fastbolt
Member
My 5-shot snubs have run the gamut when it comes to hammers. External, including traditional spurred, Bodyguard shrouded and factory-spurless. Internal Centennial-style. I like them all. Since the significant bulk of my training and practice is done DA/DAO (holdover from my LE revolver days), the snubs with a SA option are mostly just handy for when slow-fire, more distant 'precision' shots are involved at a range.
Suit yourself. Since much of my retirement CCW involves pocket-holstering one or another of my J's, I mostly use the Centennial-style models (642's and M&P 340's), although a slick little 37DAO, with a factory spurless DAO hammer, built on the older, slightly shorter Airweight frame, also sees carry time. Very nice littler snub. The older .38SPL 649 Bodyguard and the first J-frame I ever bought, a 3" model, see some belt carry time now and then. They both saw a lot of that in the 80's, since I didn't order my first Airweight until the end of the 90's. The steel Bodyguard has a bit more weight in a front jeans pocket (holstered) than the aluminum-framed snubs, though.
Suit yourself. Since much of my retirement CCW involves pocket-holstering one or another of my J's, I mostly use the Centennial-style models (642's and M&P 340's), although a slick little 37DAO, with a factory spurless DAO hammer, built on the older, slightly shorter Airweight frame, also sees carry time. Very nice littler snub. The older .38SPL 649 Bodyguard and the first J-frame I ever bought, a 3" model, see some belt carry time now and then. They both saw a lot of that in the 80's, since I didn't order my first Airweight until the end of the 90's. The steel Bodyguard has a bit more weight in a front jeans pocket (holstered) than the aluminum-framed snubs, though.
dickydalton
Member
My most carried. ASIWB. My biggest fear is getting it back if I have to use it.
Lt Shaffer
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- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
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- 26
I prefer a shrouded hammer.
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