In reading another post about an AMT .45 backup, I noticed a member called Grapeshot was unhappy with his 638. I was just about to put some money down and I am wondering if there is a serious design flaw, recall, known problem with this particular model. Anybody else have any opinions (and it is a slightly used one so no money for Slick and Wesson). Thanks for replies.
%&# 638 Bodyguard J-frame question (Grapeshot please reply)
- Thread starter Rommel
- Start date
VictorLouis
New member
The Bodyguards are just fine. A criticism against them is in comparison to the also excellent Centennial series. The Bodyguards tend to roll upward in your grasp during recoil a bit more than the hammerless ones. However, if you are not yet fully acclimated to the DAO trigger, then the SA cocking capability is certainly worthwhile. A little more care must be taken to cleaning out the narrow channel that the hammer rides in. It is a perfect repository for pocket lint and debris. 
You DO know how to otherwise evaluate the timing, lock-up, cylinder gap and so forth on used Smiths?
You DO know how to otherwise evaluate the timing, lock-up, cylinder gap and so forth on used Smiths?
ellsworthtoohey
New member
My first J-frame was a Bodyguard. I still have it. I also have a Centenial. When shooting them (both wear boot grips), I find that I have slightly better control over the Bodyguard. Also, it doesn't bruise and blister the web of my hand (after about 200+ rds.) as does the Centenial.
They are both great guns.
They are both great guns.
David Roberson
New member
In my experience the theory that the Centennial rolls less under recoil is exaggerated. I've noticed that my natural grip on all J-frames (Bodyguard, Centennial, Chief) is the same. Yes, it's true I can choke up on the Centennial a little more than on the Bodyguard or Chief, but in a social situation, who's going to think to do that? (Maybe someone who shoots only the Centennial and gets used to using a high grip consistently.) But for me the J-frames all come to hand in the same way.
Plus I still don't notice much difference in recoil even with the higher grip. I think this idea (promoted mainly by Ayoob, I think) falls into the category of "Theoretically yes, but in practice, not really."
[This message has been edited by David Roberson (edited July 13, 2000).]
Plus I still don't notice much difference in recoil even with the higher grip. I think this idea (promoted mainly by Ayoob, I think) falls into the category of "Theoretically yes, but in practice, not really."
[This message has been edited by David Roberson (edited July 13, 2000).]
Hi, Rommel
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 638; for what it is, it is fantastic. In my post, perhaps I was unclear as to why I was dissatisfied with it - it just seems a little too light and "toy-like" to me. Bear in mind, lightness to most people is a very very positive thing concerning concealed carry weapons. My only gripe is that with hot loads, getting back on target quickly takes real concentration, and I was thinking that a more weighty gun would help this. Besides, I just want a small .45 auto(it's a sickness). I figure if it's going to be hard to control, I may as well have a .45.
However, my 638 feeling "toy-like" is a very personal thing which you might not have a problem with. The gun has been stone-cold mechanically reliable, and is so accurate (single action) at 15-20 yards that I refuse to post my results here for fear of being branded a liar. While I have not put 1000's of rounds thru it like some here do I have absolute faith in its reliability. You do have to make sure to clean the grit out of the hammer trough though every once in a while, which I don't mind doing since my gun has a superb trigger pull right out of the box (ok maybe I just got lucky) and is worthy of TLC. All in all, I think it's the best gun for pocket carry, being more powerful than any 32. Go buy it. Smith and Wesson's shenannigans aside, nobody else makes anything like this high-quality unique gun. Experts may disagree, but I say having the single-action ability could save my life in combat some day. I rather like my gun having the accuracy and ability to make a head-shot on an aggressor, and it also makes plinking way more fun, heh heh.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 638; for what it is, it is fantastic. In my post, perhaps I was unclear as to why I was dissatisfied with it - it just seems a little too light and "toy-like" to me. Bear in mind, lightness to most people is a very very positive thing concerning concealed carry weapons. My only gripe is that with hot loads, getting back on target quickly takes real concentration, and I was thinking that a more weighty gun would help this. Besides, I just want a small .45 auto(it's a sickness). I figure if it's going to be hard to control, I may as well have a .45.
However, my 638 feeling "toy-like" is a very personal thing which you might not have a problem with. The gun has been stone-cold mechanically reliable, and is so accurate (single action) at 15-20 yards that I refuse to post my results here for fear of being branded a liar. While I have not put 1000's of rounds thru it like some here do I have absolute faith in its reliability. You do have to make sure to clean the grit out of the hammer trough though every once in a while, which I don't mind doing since my gun has a superb trigger pull right out of the box (ok maybe I just got lucky) and is worthy of TLC. All in all, I think it's the best gun for pocket carry, being more powerful than any 32. Go buy it. Smith and Wesson's shenannigans aside, nobody else makes anything like this high-quality unique gun. Experts may disagree, but I say having the single-action ability could save my life in combat some day. I rather like my gun having the accuracy and ability to make a head-shot on an aggressor, and it also makes plinking way more fun, heh heh.
I agree with Grapeshot about the single-action option (and the surprising accuracy for a two-inch barrel). I bought a model 649 this year, and rejected the double-action only version without a thought after experiencing the remarkable single-action trigger.
I wanted the shrouded hammer and the ability to cock when desired, which IMHO is the best of both worlds. My gun came with an Uncle Mike's rubber combat grip, which is pretty big, and is actually fun and comfortable to shoot. Still deciding on carry grips.
Ledbetter
Ledbetter
I wanted the shrouded hammer and the ability to cock when desired, which IMHO is the best of both worlds. My gun came with an Uncle Mike's rubber combat grip, which is pretty big, and is actually fun and comfortable to shoot. Still deciding on carry grips.
Ledbetter
Ledbetter