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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 07-06-2010, 07:20 PM
mrsig mrsig is offline
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Default New S&W Bodyguard .38 w/ laser

Last week I ,through a stroke of luck, was standing in my local dealers shop talking to the owner when the UPS truck made its daily delivery. As he opened the box the distributor had included one of these new J frames.

I can tell you after 40 years of owning various J frames that this is the best improved weapon I have owned. The cylinder latch is on top rather than on the side and the laser is built in and easy to operate. It is light and well balanced and easily fits into a side pant pocket. Shoots true and mild for a seasoned shooter.

Comes in a very nice fabric case similar the the Ruger LCR but is packaged in a cardboard box like those of old and not the plastic blue locking case.

Cannot wait for the bodyguard .380 to appear.
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Old 07-06-2010, 07:51 PM
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How much $$??
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Old 07-06-2010, 08:05 PM
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I finally got to see one today at the local gun shop. I hope they are more durable than they feel.
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Old 07-07-2010, 01:27 AM
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I'm assuming that the Bodyguard .38 (revolver) comes equipped with "the lock" ? It appears so from the pictures (haven't seen one live yet.)

I am asking for confirmation from anyone who has actually seen/handled/owned one, not trying to start another lock debate.

Thanks.
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Old 07-07-2010, 01:48 AM
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no lock from the pics I have seen.
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Old 07-07-2010, 06:58 AM
clayflingythingy clayflingythingy is offline
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I'm really wanting this new Bodyguard to replace my 442. I haven't gotten along with S&W cylinder latches since acquiring my Model 19 when I was a teenager. The new Bodyguard should remove that problem.

I am gonna wait awhile to make sure no bugs crop up.

IIRC, I saw them listed on Bud's for $450. A LGS, which always runs high, has one listed for $499.95.
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:06 PM
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Funny thing is their cylinders rotate in Colt's direction. Clockwise from shooters view.
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GKC View Post
I'm assuming that the Bodyguard .38 (revolver) comes equipped with "the lock" ? It appears so from the pictures (haven't seen one live yet.)

I am asking for confirmation from anyone who has actually seen/handled/owned one, not trying to start another lock debate.

Thanks.

The one I looked at yesterday had the lock.
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:46 PM
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In the usual location?
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:47 PM
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Yes.......
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Old 07-07-2010, 12:50 PM
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Old 07-07-2010, 04:34 PM
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The one I have has no lock. Looking at it it would appear to me that the internal laser may have taken that space. I am sold on that laser.
As far as pricing I believe the SUGGESTED RETAIL was around $630. I suppose the larger shops will be at a premium and the small dealer ,where I deal, will in fact deal as to your past business.

All in all I like it but as another member said it may not be built to pump thousands of rounds+P through it. I would rather have it in a pinch than one of my .380s though.
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Old 07-07-2010, 04:37 PM
mrsig mrsig is offline
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Just noticed the picture of the weapon above from photoman. The thing that looks like the lock hole is actually a set screw for the side plate.
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Old 07-07-2010, 05:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsig View Post
Just noticed the picture of the weapon above from photoman. The thing that looks like the lock hole is actually a set screw for the side plate.
That's good news! So we're positive this thing doesn't have an internal lock?
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Old 07-07-2010, 06:32 PM
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There is no lock. I traded for one today. I bought one of the first Ruger LCR's, and have been uncomfortable with occasional reports of flame cutting. I was waiting for the Stainless steel framed .357 LCR, and the LGS had the new S&W Bodguard on the shelf. I traded for it, and will look at a .357 LCR when he gets one. The shop had it on the shelf for $529 and would discount that for cash.
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Old 07-08-2010, 03:24 PM
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HHB,

I'd like to hear how you like the Bodyguard compared to the LCR. I looked at both today and liked the size and feel of the Bodyguard grip better. It's also about $200 less than the LCR with CT Laser Grips.
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  #17  
Old 07-08-2010, 05:12 PM
yelojaket yelojaket is offline
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Handled one today at a local gun shop. Just didn't me give the warm and fuzzies. Trigger felt quite different than any Smith I've handled, and not in a good way IMO. The laser is activated by pressing a button on top...once for solid beam, press again for intermittent/flashing beam and again to turn off. Not a bad value for the money I guess, but I MUCH prefer my 642-1 or 342PD (you can insert any traditional S&W snubbie here).
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Old 07-09-2010, 04:30 AM
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Can the laser be taken off? I see a screw there, I just can't tell if it's for adjustment or removal.
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Old 07-09-2010, 10:00 AM
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My guess is they can make it without the laser (like what Ruger is now doing) but want to sell it with for a better profit margin. I predict they will offer the gun without later on.
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Old 07-09-2010, 04:50 PM
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By the way, from an S&W engineer I know, the lead designer on that gun was also the lead on the Model 500. Don't know if that influences your purchase decision or not. Don
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  #21  
Old 07-11-2010, 09:19 PM
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Smile Bodyguard

I just got a new SW Bodyguard. It does not have a lock, the laser is removable. I bored sighted today as described in the manual. Will take it out later this week. I have had several J frames in all calibers I hope this one matches the quality I have become accustomed to. It feels a little awkward and it does not have a PAW. I seen good comments on this weapon and I can tell you, it lays in my front pocket quite nicely.
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Old 07-23-2010, 08:54 PM
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Curious to see how the new body guard shoots? I have been carrying a a 442 since summer time has come around.
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Old 07-24-2010, 12:41 AM
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Anyone who has shot the lighter J frames will find the new Bodyguard to be quite comfortable. The grips really soak up recoil, I put some very hot loads thru mine and it was very manageable. They are very similar recoil wise to the Ruger LCR, but I like the trigger of my Bodyguard better and the laser is frosting on the cake.
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Old 07-24-2010, 01:24 AM
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I had asked my LGS to call me when they got one of the LCR .357s in stock, and they called today. I went to get it, and they had it priced at $489 (no laser); they sell the .38 model for $449. While I was mulling it over, the guy brings over the Bodyguard .38 for me to compare, priced at $525, with a laser.

I took the S&W home...mainly because I like S&Ws, especially without the lock (it definitely does not have a lock.) I like the trigger pull, seems as smooth as the LCR. I like the laser, and I can operate it easily. The cylinder release is definitely different, but operates well when you get used to it. I haven't fired it yet. I have small hands, and it feels pretty good just handling it.

One question for anyone else who owns one: it comes with a nylon (I think) zippered case...the case has a pocket for the revolver, and another small pocket or strap that I can't figure out. It's too small for a speed strip. I figure S&W uses this same case for the Bodyguard .380, and that second pocket/strap is for an extra mag.
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Old 07-24-2010, 11:21 PM
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GKC, You're correct, the Bodyguard 380 uses the exact same packaging. I bought both Bodyguards last week, both a very innovative guns and anyone impressed with the 38 will be blown away with the 380 (no pun intended).
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Old 04-26-2011, 09:44 AM
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Question I bought two .38 bodyguards with lasers.

I bought my weapons at a local gun show from a dealer, the 1st one I paid $470.00 and the 2nd one I purchased a month later for $485.00 I was told there was a price increase. My wife fired hers' at the range and it hurt the web between her thumb and finger. I would like to find some soft grips for the bodyguard. I looked on e-bay but there aren't any listed. Does anybody know where I can purchase them?
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Old 04-26-2011, 10:02 AM
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I lookeded at the Bodyguard at a local gun store. It was around $450. before tax. I did not like the way the laser switch worked. Just to hard for me to activate it fast. I would have to call a time out to use it. I opted for the Ruger LCR-357 at about the same price without the laser.
I think the Smith Bodyguard is a good deal for the money if you like to play with the laser.
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380, 442, 642, bodyguard, colt, lock, model 19, ruger, s&w

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