chicharrones
needs more ammo
Could be with practice, but I naturally grip those guns the same on the draw as a gun with a hammer spur.
S&W J Frame- Centennial vs Chief’s Spl. vs Bodyguard
- Thread starter Mr. Mosin
- Start date
velocette
Member
It's been 23 years since I fled to the gunshine state of Florida and got my license to carry. In those 23 years, I have carried autoloading .45s, 9mm's .40 S&W's. At least two different ones in each chambering. In that same time, I have carried one, no dash, S&W 640 Centennial .38 spl. The 640 was for when more concealment was appropriate. Always carried right front pocket in a Mika holster or 10: O clock in a crossdraw IWB holster for driving on trips. The 640 is filled with Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWC HP rounds.
In my opinion, the 640 is, for me, the best compromise of weight, recoil control and shootability. Its double action trigger is similar to my current EDC, CZ 75 PCR compact 9mm. (Oh would I love for the CZ to have its DA trigger pull as good as the Smith's) The 640 is also blessed with a Crimson Trace laser grip. The logic is simple. Most unpleasant social encounter happen at night. Thus the laser. Highly visible at night, easy to get center mass hits. And yes I do practice with it in my club's tunnel with all lights off.
In my opinion, the 640 is, for me, the best compromise of weight, recoil control and shootability. Its double action trigger is similar to my current EDC, CZ 75 PCR compact 9mm. (Oh would I love for the CZ to have its DA trigger pull as good as the Smith's) The 640 is also blessed with a Crimson Trace laser grip. The logic is simple. Most unpleasant social encounter happen at night. Thus the laser. Highly visible at night, easy to get center mass hits. And yes I do practice with it in my club's tunnel with all lights off.
Anchorite
Member
The 640 is nice. I had one - a no dash all steel, not +P stamped. It was an anchor in my pocket. I let her go.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
Is that a M&P 340?
JERRY
Member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2003
- Messages
- 3,835
351C
Unfortunately with practice you still grab them both the same but now the hammer on my M36 will bite me a little lol.
Yeah they're close to as heavy as my Hellcat 9mm, if I'm putting over 20oz I'll take 11+1 thanks.
I carry a M-60 Smith .357, but it's loaded with 135 gr Gold Dot .38 +P's. Adjustable sights allow this & many other load combinations with no resort to holding over or KY windage.
In almost 60 years of revolver shooting, I've never damaged an adjustable sight, S&W nor Ruger, and a good holster worn correctly, will preclude snagging the hammer during the draw and presentation movement. I don't pocket carry, choosing instead the OWB method of toting the gun and I dress around that choice.
Do I wish it were a six shooter? Of course. But it's not and I still find it superbly accurate, and long association with it on the range, & in the fields and wood lots of my home has endeared it to me. As one of our members so aptly phrased it, "it's an elegant weapon..." for personal defense. YMMv, Rod
In almost 60 years of revolver shooting, I've never damaged an adjustable sight, S&W nor Ruger, and a good holster worn correctly, will preclude snagging the hammer during the draw and presentation movement. I don't pocket carry, choosing instead the OWB method of toting the gun and I dress around that choice.
Do I wish it were a six shooter? Of course. But it's not and I still find it superbly accurate, and long association with it on the range, & in the fields and wood lots of my home has endeared it to me. As one of our members so aptly phrased it, "it's an elegant weapon..." for personal defense. YMMv, Rod
Armybrat
Member
Bought this one from a Texas LEO about 25 years ago. He used it as a backup for his Kimber .45.
But I have never carried it, and will probably give it to my granddaughter.
But I have never carried it, and will probably give it to my granddaughter.
Overkill870
Member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2015
- Messages
- 125
Centennial for me. Although my first J frame was a 638 and really enjoyed it, I wouldn't mind owning another.
wcwhitey
Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
- Messages
- 2,814
Until it recoils, then you have no choice. The Centennial frame will more naturally fill the hand. That of course is if you have grips small enough to fit in a pocket, a big ole set of Pachmyrs will negate the difference.
Riomouse911
Member
I personally like the Model 640 .38, the one I bought in 1991 was a comforting lump in my pocket as a back up gun for several years. I traded it and some cash for a pair of Model 19’s.
For hammer-spur. 38’s, I have a Model 36 and 37, both with 3” barrels, a Colt Cobra and an SP-101. I also have two lightweight hammerless J frames, a Model 442 and 642, and a nickel Model 49 Bodyguard. (These are the S&W’s, a 317 is also in this picture.)
I am not a fan of shooting the 642/442, but carry is nice. The 36 is great, but the big grips I have on it are more for range and not carry. The 37 and 49 are pretty much safe queens, the thin nickel plated front sight is impossible to see. Of them all the Colt is the one I would carry if a snub .38 is called for.
I carried a 2.5” Model 19 in a shoulder rig for quite a while. Draw required putting my thumb up over the hammer spur/rear sight blade to keep the gun from snagging, but once you got used to that it wasn’t hard to do. The same thumb-over would go for a 36/Cobra/SP draw if the hammer spur was present to reduce snagging.
Stay safe.
For hammer-spur. 38’s, I have a Model 36 and 37, both with 3” barrels, a Colt Cobra and an SP-101. I also have two lightweight hammerless J frames, a Model 442 and 642, and a nickel Model 49 Bodyguard. (These are the S&W’s, a 317 is also in this picture.)
I am not a fan of shooting the 642/442, but carry is nice. The 36 is great, but the big grips I have on it are more for range and not carry. The 37 and 49 are pretty much safe queens, the thin nickel plated front sight is impossible to see. Of them all the Colt is the one I would carry if a snub .38 is called for.
I carried a 2.5” Model 19 in a shoulder rig for quite a while. Draw required putting my thumb up over the hammer spur/rear sight blade to keep the gun from snagging, but once you got used to that it wasn’t hard to do. The same thumb-over would go for a 36/Cobra/SP draw if the hammer spur was present to reduce snagging.
Stay safe.
Generally, there was I time I'd agree with you. But I did like the way the 642/442 carried so I set about working with the gun so that I competent with it.
For me, it took about a year plus shooting the gun some every chance I went to the range.
I'll admit that I feel competent shooting at 15-20 feet. I do not expect to make reliable hits out past 25 yards or so.
I have a 642, 442 and 437 shooting (double action only) J-frames that were used in the practice in part to keep the long term wear off a particular firearm.
Regular practice has help with double action shooting with other revolvers well.
I do not like the look of the S&W 638. I've decided to give the shrouded hammer version a look see. Double action shoting for short range but single action capability when the range gets longer. I will get the 638 cut to accept moon clips though. My 642, 442 and 437 are already machined to accept moonclips so it would be a natural continuation for the 638.
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Riomouse911
Member
Ya, i don’t shoot 2” revolvers very much beyond 15 yards, i stay closer to 7-10 as a general practice maximum. I can get effective hits at 15 if I am needing to, but it’s not my main focus. (15 yds DA w/Colt Cobra and 3.0 gr bullseye wadcutters. These shoot about 3” high at 15 yds in this gun.)
I have shot my S&W .38 airweights enough to realize they have the perfect combination of size, weight and grip to mate with the geometry of my hand to smack my palm where it hurts with every shot. They’re just not fun to shoot for me, while other small framed guns I have aren’t as bad.
The shrouded hammer S&W’s (49/638, etc) took me a while to like. Maybe it’s the Vietnam war image of the guerrilla being shot in the head with one, but the Model 49 Bodyguard was the last J frame I set out to buy. Having owned this nickel-plated no-dash Model 49 for several years now, I see the beauty in the design, and a minor flaw or two as well.
The snag-resistant draw and ability to fire from a pocket are huge pluses over an exposed hammer, spurless or not. A high hold can be taken on the grip due to the shoulder, and a single action shot is still possible if one is needed. Lint or grit can still get into the action through the hammer slot, and the sighting arrangement on these guns isn’t great, but the pluses outweigh the (minor) minuses so I think the 49/638 are fantastic options for snub revolver ccw.
Stay safe.
I have shot my S&W .38 airweights enough to realize they have the perfect combination of size, weight and grip to mate with the geometry of my hand to smack my palm where it hurts with every shot. They’re just not fun to shoot for me, while other small framed guns I have aren’t as bad.
The shrouded hammer S&W’s (49/638, etc) took me a while to like. Maybe it’s the Vietnam war image of the guerrilla being shot in the head with one, but the Model 49 Bodyguard was the last J frame I set out to buy. Having owned this nickel-plated no-dash Model 49 for several years now, I see the beauty in the design, and a minor flaw or two as well.
The snag-resistant draw and ability to fire from a pocket are huge pluses over an exposed hammer, spurless or not. A high hold can be taken on the grip due to the shoulder, and a single action shot is still possible if one is needed. Lint or grit can still get into the action through the hammer slot, and the sighting arrangement on these guns isn’t great, but the pluses outweigh the (minor) minuses so I think the 49/638 are fantastic options for snub revolver ccw.
Stay safe.
If you are careful and practice as I have, I don't believe it makes a difference. My cc is a S&W Mod. 10-5, 4 inch. It's a messed up, left in the rain, pitted piece that shoots nice, but if confiscated by the police, it wouldn't be a terrible loss. It shoots a nice shot pretty far out, which to me is an advantage. The other point is I've never had it catch on anything so a shield, etc. isn't a big deal with me. I suppose how it is carried is going to be the deciding factor. I use either a shoulder, under the arm holster or a belly band. I'm always interested in how I dress for maximum concealment.
Oldschool shooter
Member
I pocket carry a 638 in a pocket holster. As mentioned earlier by others earlier, the shrouded hammer design makes for an easier pocket draw, at least for me. I also have an early 70s vintage Model 36, but that is strictly holster worn because of the hammer. Love em both.
Sovblocgunfan
Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2014
- Messages
- 1,483
Shrouded hammer or bobbed DAO. I’m fine either way. Current favorite is a shrouded hammer model 49.
Don Van Winkle
Member
Taurus 856 Defender. I do not like a bobbed hammer, but that is just me; everyone is different. I carry it in 3 different holsters I made depending on my mood. Since I am in a back brace 24/7, I wear the holster on a belt that attaches to my brace. Works just fine for me.
burrhead
Member
The humpback everyday.
I took delivery of a 638 today. I’m surprised how difficult to cock the hammer. Maybe it will get easier with use.
Otherwise, its similar to my Centennial Airweights.
No pix but plenty of the same gun already posted.
Interesting, TK Custom says it does not machine the cylinder of the Bodyguard. The 638 is a decedent of the Bodyguard but looks very similar to my 642 and 437.
I’ve queried TK Custom to see if they machine the 638.
Moon clips rule. I hope I can ger the 638 modified.
Otherwise, its similar to my Centennial Airweights.
No pix but plenty of the same gun already posted.
Interesting, TK Custom says it does not machine the cylinder of the Bodyguard. The 638 is a decedent of the Bodyguard but looks very similar to my 642 and 437.
I’ve queried TK Custom to see if they machine the 638.
Moon clips rule. I hope I can ger the 638 modified.
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I got a response from TK Custom. They machine for moon clips 638’s like mine. Some of the earlier Bodyguard models they won’t.
contender
Member
i want "hammerless" for pocket carry.
I want that hammer spur if i carry owb. Mostly because i use thumb break holsters and i like some form of retention.
I want that hammer spur if i carry owb. Mostly because i use thumb break holsters and i like some form of retention.
I got my 638 back from TK Custom with the cylinder machined for moonclips.
Works great. Shoots DA well.
Now I have to get used to the cocking for the SA trigger. It is not the easiest to cock with the small protrusion of the hammer from the hump back.
Works great. Shoots DA well.
Now I have to get used to the cocking for the SA trigger. It is not the easiest to cock with the small protrusion of the hammer from the hump back.
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WisBorn
Contributing Member
I like my 642 & 637, but have never shot a 638. Is the 638 worth adding to the collection?
I got the 638 in part due to this thread. The concept of a shrouded hammer that could activated for some SA shooting was interesting.
I have a 642, 442, and 437 prior to the 638. As far as double action shooting, the 638 shoots like my other Airweights. So far, the tang available on the 638’s hammer is pretty small and so far, I need two thumbs to cock the hammer for single action shooting. This may get easier as I shoot the gun.
Anyway, the 638 gives an option of SA shooting while making the gun more friendly for pocket carry.
I spent a year or so getting reasonably proficient shooting my Centennials DA. I’m comfortable with 20-30 foot shots. But, at times a SA shot would be nice. I plan to use the 638 as a bed side gun.
I’ll keep the Centennials for pocket carry snd the 437 for practice.
For my purposes, a 437/637 would work just as well for a bed side gun but I’m looking for some extra safety with a shrouded hammer gun.
I hope this helps but you need to make your own decision. There is no hard and fast gun to choose as long as you enact the appropriate safety procedures.
