Although I now own a mod 342 and a mod 940, both Centennial type, I prefer the Bodyguard style of my old mod 649 and mod 38 that the new guns replaced. The only reason that I have the pistols I do now is that a there is no such thing as a 338 or a 949. Yes, they do have single action capability which is a desirable feature for some people. I also like the idea of a steel firing pin mounted on the hammer (the way they use to be made) rather than moving around in an alloy frame, and no S&W does not use a steel bearing pressed into the alloy frame for the firing pin to ride on, I asked. It is also much easier for a gunsmith, especially a mediocre one, to do an action job on the standard J-frame internals. I have yet to find an action job on a Centennial as good as is on my 940 and that includes the work coming out of the shop of some big name smiths, but the only way that was accomplished was with money and now the inside of my 940 looks like it has been chrome plated. The open top of the Bodyguard is a lint and dirt collector, but I maintain my carry guns with a weekly cleaning to remove dirt, lube if necessary, and daily wipe down, so the open spot is not a problem. Just keep plenty of Q-tips and Breakfree around and you will be fine.