The Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38 is a new “hammerless” revolver like those found in the Centennial line. Unlike those guns, the new Bodyguard 38 has a polymer frame and integral laser. It is one of two new compact handguns called Bodyguard introduced by S&W at the 2010 SHOT Show.
First, the basics, it is a five-shot, 38 Special revolver that is rated for +P ammunition. The hammer is fully concealed, and the gun is double action only. The gun is black with a grip. At first glance, it looks a lot like a model 442. But, this revolver is actually very different.
The Bodyguard 38 is a polymer-framed revolver, the first-ever by Smith & Wesson. This means that Smith had to go back to the drawing board to design this firearm. The lower frame (roughly from the rear of the cylinder back), is polymer, while the upper frame (surrounding the cylinder and housing the barrel) is aluminum. As you might expect, the revolver is very light, weighing only 14.3 ounces.
A significant change on the Bodyguard 38 is the relocation of the cylinder release. Instead of being mounted on the side of the frame, the release has been moved to the top of the frame, where an exposed hammer would normally be. Since the cylinder release is along the midline of the revolver, it is now ambidextrous.
Speaking of the cylinder, one of the problems sometimes cited by owners of Smith & Wesson J-frames is the extractor rod is too short to reliably eject fired brass. This is an annoyance at the range, but a possible deadly problem in a self-defense shooting. While not full length, the rod on the Bodyguard 38 is noticeably longer to provide a more sure ejection of spent cartridges.
Smith and Wesson lists the barrel length as 1.9″. Traditionally, S&W has listed the barrel length of their “snubbies” at either 1 7/8″ (1.875″) or 2″. I assumed that Smith was rounding up the 1.875″, but the company rep insisted the barrel length was exactly 1.9″.
Sights are fixed and black. The rear notch seems wider than the notch on the 442/642, but that is my impression only. I didn’t measure them, and the Smith rep was not sure.
Significantly, the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38 ships with an integrated laser from Insight Technology. The red laser mounts high and back on the right side of the frame. The laser is adjustable for drift and elevation. Two laser modes are offered: steady and pulse. To activate the laser, the shooter may turn the unit on by pressing a button on the unit.
What I am curious about is the collaboration with Insight on the development of this revolver. Smith & Wesson has offered Crimson Trace Lasergrips on many of their models, and I would have assumed they would bring CT in on this type of project. However, according to an Insight rep I spoke with, Insight worked hand-in-hand with Smith to develop this gun.
While I think lasers can be useful in certain circumstances, I do not know how useful this laser unit will be, as an extra step is required to activate it. Most self-defense shootings happen very quickly, and I am not sure that someone would have the time to click it on in its current configuration.
I’m certainly not a Crimson trace fanboy, but the activation of the Lasergrip is very intuitive and easily managed under stress. For that reason alone, I would have liked to see a CT laser used, or a different activation method of the Insight unit.
Dry firing the trigger was a pleasant experience. The Bodyguard 38 trigger was typical of S&W factory triggers, which is to say it was a smooth, and very manageable double-action pull. It was slightly smoother than that of my own 642, but not quite as smooth as the Ruger LCR revolvers I have shot.
Looking at the revolver, I immediately noticed the rubber grips come up higher on the frame, covering the portion of the frame where the web of my shooting hand normally rests. While this is undoubtedly good for shooting the Bodyguard 38, the grips are not available for other J-frames. So, don’t get excited when you look at the picture and see the grips.
I look forward to shooting the new Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38, and when I do, you can expect a full review here. MSRP is $509 and there is a Massachusetts compliant version.
87 replies on “Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38”
Kevin,
I personally would not feel great about a hair trigger for a CCW. To me that is just dangerous and the “safety” of a revolver in most cases is the trigger. Guess in the long run it depends what you want to use the gun for. The 4″ barrel will be more accurate (easier to accurately shoot) than the 1.9 on the BG38. It will also make it more of a pain to carry though. I would keep the BG38 if your intention is carry.
I bought a S&W Bodyguard 38 and took it to the range. After firing 5 rounds the laser died. Not a fun gun to shoot but I bought it for its light weight. Returned it.
Jay,
Did you return it S&W, or just back to the store? I know a lot of stores won’t take a gun back that has been fired, requiring you to send it to the manufacturer for service. I would like to hear how Smith & Wesson’s customer service was. It is really unusual for a laser to stop working like that. Did they tell you what was wrong with it?
-Richard
I was intending to buy a Ruger LCR but after comparing the way the grips felt (like holding a 2×4) to the S&W Bodyguard 38, I went with the S&W. I have only shot 50 rounds through it so far but no evidence of binding. The iror sites are fine for this gun’s intended purpose, I got decent groups at 7 & 10 yards. Felt recoil is a nonevent, and I love the gun’s light weight and the top cylinder release. My only disappointment is the laser would not hold a zero for more than one round. I tried adjusting and adjusting and after each round it would be way off (e.g 6″ off at 10 yards). I’m going use the S&W supplied tool to check whether its loose. If I can’t get it straight will call S&W for an exchange
I just bought this bodyguard 38 and although I did not use the laser sites today(was shooting outside)< I really like this gun. It actually shot a pretty decent 3 1/2 inch group at 25 yards. It is really light weight which is perfect for a carry gun and that is what I bought it for. I shot a Taurus Judge today and this 38 shot way better than that judge did with a shorter barrel. I did not release the trigger two times which resulted in the cylinder not advancing, not a big deal in my book. I would not hesitate to recomend this gun to anyone looking for a concealed carry gun, in fact my sister has it on her want list.